Solving customer challenges drives our innovation strategies. After getting his start at DEWALT® in customer service, Gordon understands the immense value of this approach. “If we’re not solving our customers’ problems, it means we don’t offer the right products,” he explains.
Gordon’s journey at DEWALT® has spanned several teams, giving him the opportunity to contribute to multiple client-driven product launches. Now, as a member of the robotics team, he’s delivering boundary-pushing solutions to jobsites worldwide.
From Prototype to Reality
DEWALT® has been eagerly working to bring robots to the construction industry. Gordon and his team saw robotics as an opportunity to accelerate data center construction, partnering with August Robotics to develop a downward-drilling, fleet-capable robot.
“We’ve worked closely with them to take our ideas from prototype to reality,” he explains. “The benefit of our partnership is that we’ve been running the robot for six months before introducing it, so we knew it could perform in the most demanding environments.”
Prior to the development of this robot, apprentices or tradespeople working on data center construction would need to dedicate months of labor to drilling holes for server rack stops and structural legs that support mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. “The trades are demanding, and this is a particularly time-consuming task,” Gordon explains. “Our robotics platform performs these repetitive jobs instead, reducing physical strain. The productivity gains can be measured in weeks compared to traditional drilling and layout.”
With its autonomous operation, the robot is the world’s first downward-drilling solution. “There is no other solution like it in the market today,” Gordon says. “It gives us a unique value proposition we can offer our users.”
Bringing This Innovation to the Jobsite
As a Senior Robotics Field Implementation Manager, Gordon was instrumental in bringing this solution to the jobsite. He leads demonstrations of the solution and has developed procedures for its eventual deployment, training our trade partners on the proper operation of the robot.
In his role, Gordon visits jobsites to gather performance data and insights. This information is already being implemented into the robot’s design. “No two jobsites are alike, so we take challenges on individual sites as a new opportunity to learn,” Gordon explains. “We’ve already made software updates to help the robot work with site conditions and customer needs.”
Gordon values working at a company that embraces big ideas. “Making a bet on robotics is not a small thing,” he says. “It takes courage to try something we’ve never done before. That’s how we stay on the cutting edge of innovation.”
From the Office to the Jobsite
Gordon’s career here has taken him to jobsites across the country. One particular site visit confirmed that Stanley Black & Decker was the right place for him to build his career. “I found myself on one of the largest jobsites in North America, conducting research into tool inventory management,” he shares. “It was such a cool experience. I knew this was where I belonged.”
Fieldwork like this develops camaraderie between coworkers. “We all have the same experiences,” Gordon explains. “Knowing your manager and teammates understand and have your back is critical.”
Throughout his career, Gordon has been encouraged by his managers to take on new challenges. “My managers have opened a lot of doors for me to try new things over the past few years,” he says. “I’ve become an expert in pre-fabrication software, along with learning the ins and outs of robotics—all while taking sales training courses and honing my ability to present to the media.”
