Robert A. McGowan
E-mail: bobmcgowan[at]tx.rr.com






513 Cashmere Dr.
Garland, Texas 75041Home Phone: 972-271-2228
Cell Phone: 214-476-8320
Work Phone: 214-501-3208

Chief Estimator

PROFESSIONAL
INTERESTProducing material surveys, pricing and proposals (on your forms, or mine) for interior millwork, retail and museum fixtures, as well as, cabinets, counters, trim, themed interior and exterior components.

EXPERIENCE
Aug 2008 - Present Freelance (contract) Estimator, Various, Dallas, Texas

I'm currently producing material surveys, fabrication and installation cost estimates and proposals of Architectural Millwork, Exhibits (Museum & Tradeshow), Fixtures (Retail & Display) and Themed Environments.
Recent projects:
Nationwide McDonald's McCafe remodel roll-out.
Disney Animation Suites Character Icons.
American Jewish Museum.
Jun 2007 - Aug 2008Director of Project Services and Estimating Manager. Creations of Dallas, Dallas, Texas

Directed the development of Project Management, Field Services, Vendor Contracting and Estimating for the Architectural Millwork, Store Fixtures, Cabinets and Kiosks deliverables.
Increased efficiency and accuracy in estimating by writing new program files in Excel format.
Improved project quality by implementing and establishing acceptance of new methods and standards.
Mar 2005 - Mar 2007 Senior Estimator, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur , Dallas, Texas

Produced fabrication cost estimates and proposals for Exhibits and Tradeshow.
Increased the visual drama while reducing the fabrication costs by Introducing fabrication methods from "Themed Entertainment" to accomplish design intents.
20% improvement in future costs by planning strategies and products to meet future requirements.
Apr 2004 - Feb 2005 Senior Project Manager, Glenn Reider Millwork , Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Managed projects ranging from $300k to $1.5m with an average project budget savings of 14% under estimate and ahead of schedule.
100% success at negotiating supply contracts that ensured the budget and met client quality standards.
Proven ability to turn projects around that were behind schedule and over budget by establishing acceptance of new methods and standards.
Sep 2003 - Apr 2004 Manager - Project Services, Techlline USA, Waunakee, Wisconsin

Managed staff of three (3) Project Managers, One (1) Draft Person and One (1) Estimator in Project Services Department.
Improved workflow processes by organizing a complex work environment and establishing acceptance of new methods and standards.
Completing all projects on time and under budget through vigorously monitoring work-in-progress and reassigned staff as needed.
Achieving excellent customer service by performing field investigations of reported material issues and providing solutions supporting swift and positive resolutions.
Jun 2001 - Feb 2003 Senior Project Manager. Cost of Wisconsin , Jackson, Wisconsin

Managed a $5.4 million Themed Zoological project with an average project budget savings of twelve (12) % under estimate and ahead of schedule:
Invoice for payments improved to 30 days net through scheduling percentage complete walk-troughs directly with the General Contractor, resulting in current billings and on-time payments with minimal adjustments.
Saved $250,000 over previous Zoo projects by constant and consistent review of processes and procedures to spot and correct deficiencies before completions, saving significant time and monies.
Complete significantly early by employed project management and organizational skills to motivate and coordinate teams, demonstrating urgent yet calm purpose in each and every task.

Apr 1996 Feb 2001 Program (Show Project Manager) Manager. Walt Disney Imagineering, Glendale, California

Managed a widely diverse team of artists, designers, engineers and technical staff (carpenters, painters, machinists and electricians), domestically & internationally, for the installation of themed entertainment attraction. Managed all outside fabrication vendors while concurrently estimating $30 million (annually) in show set, scenic paint, and murals and prop production.
Saved, on average, another 3% return to capital budget on managed projects ranging from $100k to $7m
Improved sub-contractor performance through diligent management of the make/buy analysis, and negotiated contracts for commodity and custom components.
Apr 1990 Apr 1996 Senior Estimator. Walt Disney Imagineering, Glendale, California

Estimating $30 million (annually) in show set, scenic paint, and murals and prop production, as well as managing all outside fabrication vendors.
Increased the year estimating volume by 400%, while decreasing the capital retention by 30% though developed of a "cost per square foot of measurement" method of estimating.
Improved budget visibility during fabrication to improve return to budget of 5% by developing a cost tracking system.