Five Questions Friday with Sara Cheney of Vault Structures

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Sara KC Home Name: Sara Cheney

Title: Director of Engineering

Company: Vault Structures: Vault Structures is a manufacturer of high-security enclosures, vault doors and banking equipment (safes, lockers, safe deposit boxes, pneumatic tube systems, etc.).

Hometown: Fort Myers, FL

1.Why did you choose to do the work you do?
When I was young I enjoyed making things work and seeing how they worked. I went to a vo/tech school for machine trades and got my tool and die license. It was clear to me that I did not want to stand behind a machine for the rest of my life, so I went on to learn about mechanical engineering. Design was the thing for me, so that is what I have been doing.

2.What is your proudest career moment?
I feel that I have had many career moments, everyone should be proud of the work they do every day. The most historical design project was “The Round Vault Door.” It is the only round vault door to ever carry the UL Security label required today to meet FDIC insurance requirements.

Vaults Systems round-door-vsi-02

3.What goal inspires you most?
To be innovative and current in design insight. Today it is all about being green and LEED credits. I am proud to be able to stay competitive in manufacturing as an American company.

4.How has SolidWorks made a difference in your life?
It beats the heck out of the drafting board. Design is very easy with SolidWorks. The many tools allow a faster, better, and more complete design and production package. Also, I have had the opportunity to expand my friendships around the world with people whom I would have never known if it were not for SolidWorks and SolidWorks World. Locally, I was the founder of the South West Florida SolidWorks User Group (SWFSWUG), and as the group grows I am sure I will make many new friends.

5. Where’s the best place you’ve traveled?
Down the Rhine River. Pick your country–it is all beautiful.

Matthew West

SolidWorks alumnus. I like plate reverb, Rat pedals, Thai curry, New Weird fiction, my kids, Vespas, Jazzmasters, my wife & Raiders of the Lost Ark. Not necessarily in that order.