Johnny Nelson

Koya

Manufacturing Engineer

FindGrows

I help service-based and online businesses generate consistent leads, close more sales, and build brands that convert.

At Findgrows, we specialize in SEO, high-performance websites, and AI-powered automation that streamlines your entire customer journey—from discovery to follow-up. Whether you're looking to improve your visibility, polish your brand, or build a sales system that runs without constant manual effort—we deliver practical, proven solutions.

If your digital presence isn’t helping you grow, let’s change that.

Blended like a great espresso with AI and the right notes of a human touch.

Founder

Arctos Capital

Johnny's professional journey is a compelling narrative of continuous growth, adaptability, and leadership. His career trajectory has spanned construction, mechanical engineering, process development, and real estate investment, demonstrating his versatility and dynamic approach to problem-solving.

Johnny's roots are in the construction industry, where he honed his skills in all aspects of the trade at Beachy Construction. This hands-on experience laid a solid foundation for his subsequent roles in engineering.

His engineering expertise evolved at Eaton and Heraeus Medical, where he led new product lines, improved production processes, and implemented lean operations. His broad familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials drove business process improvements.

Johnny's tenure as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Evolve Additive Solutions, an innovative 3D polymer printing startup, was a testament to his ability to lead in a high-tech, fast-paced environment. He honed engineering standards, managed technical suppliers, and selected engineering tools and infrastructure. His proficiency in SolidWorks was evident as he designed parts and assemblies, stepping in for hands-on assembly and testing when necessary.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Arctos Capital, a commercial real estate firm. As the Principal Founder, he manages assets and investments, educates investors, and oversees syndication and investor relations. His firm handles deals ranging from $1m to $50m, focusing on Class A/B assets, and targets growth markets throughout the US.

Johnny's career is a testament to his adaptability, technical acumen, and leadership skills. His journey from construction to engineering and then to real estate investment illustrates his ability to navigate complex industries and deliver exceptional results.

Evolve Additive Solutions

As a Senior Design Engineer and Manager at an innovative 3D polymer printing startup, I've honed our engineering standards, managed technical suppliers, and selected engineering tools and infrastructure.

I've proven my expertise in SolidWorks, driving best practices with PLM & PDM, as well as designing parts and assemblies. Further, when necessary, stepped in to perform hands-on assembly and testing. As part of the core team, I've helped in defining product roadmaps, supply-chain strategies, and department schedules.

I've excelled in recruiting and mentoring a high-performance technical team. 

With a decade of machine design experience, I've led teams in product development, focusing on precision motion and temperature control. My broad familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials has been instrumental in driving business process improvements.

Finally, my experience in structured problem-solving, risk assessment, and mitigation sets me apart in the industry.

Senior Mechanical Engineering Manager

Heraeus Medical

As the lead engineer within the implantable housing division, I oversaw the process development for both existing and new products, particularly those involving deep draw techniques on materials like Stainless Steel and Titanium.

In my commitment to lean operations, I designed an automated Isopropyl delivery system that improved efficiency across the entire plant. I also collaborated on the creation of a new continuous-improvement portal, establishing a facility-wide commitment to innovation and advancement.

Senior Process Development Engineer

Eaton

Lead engineer on new product line providing testing guidance, production, and assembly line improvements. Lead project engineer for automated robotic motor test cell as well as on multiple capitol improvement projects.  Assist in NPD for existing motor line, as well as significant support in SCM realignment of  sourcing components. Address customer concerns and provide technical product and test support on closed loop and open loop heavy duty pumps and motor systems using piston motors.

Senior Engineering Manager

Proto Labs

In my role as a Senior Design Engineer, I specialized in fine-tuning customer-submitted 3D designs using Solidworks to align with Protolabs' manufacturing processes. 

I was responsible for optimizing tooling and ensuring high-quality subtractive machining output from our CNC machines.

In addition, I served as a consultant for our manufacturing team, helping them navigate intricate milling operations. This involved working with challenging materials such as PEEK, ABS, and stainless steel, which required in-depth knowledge and precision.

Overall, my goal was to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients and our team.

Design Engineer

Institute for Energy Studies

Spearheaded the creation of a new Chemical Looping Combustion Catalyst Attrition machine. This project, accomplished in collaboration with other team members, attracted additional funding from energy leaders, including Alstom.

As part of my role, I also contributed to new product development and enhanced existing energy projects through equipment repair and upgrades. I've led and assisted in conducting experiments, data gathering, and process monitoring. Always striving for improvement, I've kept our projects moving forward

Senior Research And Development Engineer

Constructive Building Solutions

In my role as a Construction Manager, I held responsibility for both interior and exterior building layout and design. My purview also extended to thermal modifications and upgrades, contributing to a more energy-efficient structure.

In addition to overseeing the aesthetics of our projects, I also managed structural upgrades and refinements. This included working with various elements such as cabinetry, flooring, tiles, as well as electrical and plumbing systems. 

Furthermore, I ensured construction equipment and machinery were optimized for each project, promoting efficient and quality outcomes. My role encapsulated a broad spectrum of construction management, delivering superior results in every aspect

Independent Contractor

Beachy Construction

Performed all aspects of construction, including foundations, concrete flatwork, framing, siding, roofing, trimming and flooring.

General Contractor

Growing YOUR Wealth Through Real Estate Investing | Fund Manager | Investor | Founder | Podcast Host -INVESTING STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW -

Hi, I’m Johnny—founder of Findgrows.

We help businesses grow through strategic branding, targeted lead generation, and systems that drive sales.

From Local SEO and sales-focused website design to AI-powered follow-up and CRM integration, our work is built to do one thing: help you grow smarter, faster, and more predictably.

You don’t need fluff. You need a brand that builds trust, a site that converts, and automation that saves you time.

If you're tired of inconsistent leads, weak follow-up, or a brand that doesn't reflect your value—we can fix that.

Let’s build something that drives results.

Onto Innovation

Principal Product Manager

Product Leader for Evolve Product Management and Commercialization: Systems, Software, Materials
Lead E-commerce portal development-creating requirements, test and resource plan to launch

Product Lifecycle Management- Gather VOC, Own requirements, Marketing Stage-gate, NPI and Sales training, Pricing and Product SKU management in ERP system. Drive service pack releases on time to grow revenue

Sr. Product Manager

Go-to-Market, Business Development 
Report to CEO and serve on Sr. Leadership Team
Product Management and Commercialization Strategy for Additive Manufacturing Platform

Director, Product Management and Commercialization

MTS Systems Corporation

•	Manage a global product family tactically and strategically as a key contributor to global operations team.  Lead through complex product rationalization, forecasting models and lead-time requirements.
•	Develop innovative analytics solutions to visualize and direct a portfolio that spans more than 9 product lines, encompassing thousands of standard products.
•	Create and lead high temperature testing solutions group for materials up to 1500C where a solutions approach was needed to innovate and satisfy leading-edge customers.

Global Product Portfolio Manager, Specimen Measurement & Accessories

•	Team leader to build Service Products into Configure, Price, Quote tool.  Managed cross-functional team of Developers, Sales, Operations and Engineering to build and implement requirements for a service quoting tool in Oracle/Big Machines/SFDC environment to replace disparate global quoting tools such as MS Access, MS Excel and ad hoc code. Successfully delivered North America tool in 6 months with nearly 95% adoption within 1 month of go-live and laid foundation of Europe and Asia CPQ.
•	As software product manager, I launched minor release and built team deliverables to beta and final launch most significant upgrade in 10 years.  Worked with team to create field service training as critical path preparation.  Managed coordination between Software Dev, Mar/Com, Service, Sales, CPQ for public launch activities.

Global Product Portfolio Manager of Materials Software and Services

I took on this role to help the organization “understand the basics” of the calibration business.  I leveraged analytic tools and data, and business acumen to develop, monitor and create new business goals to grow the calibration business.
•	As Business intelligence and Visualization Thought Leader, I was first to adopt and promote fast, easy “self-service” analytics using Tableau for the calibration business.  I developed visualizations and KPI’s to measure performance of contract renewals, won/lost sales, YTD orders vs. goals, and pipeline.  This analysis allowed us to “know the business” and make decisions to drive a multi-million dollar part of the business to double digit CAGR with a strategy backed by data.

Calibration Development Manager

I advanced to this product leadership role based on my experience with complex product-lines of standard and custom capital equipment products.
•	Accessories Product Team Lead for corporate IT project to build Oracle/Big Machines CPQ tool replacing MS Excel and SAP Variant Configurator. In this role I lead the dynamic accessories team to collaborate with other product groups and IT to develop the requirements of what would be in the quoting tool and how we wanted products presented to Sales. This two year development program resulted in 65% of quotes and orders to be automated saving ~$800k in the first year.
•	New Product Development Leader to get voice of customer, develop requirements, determine budget and project timeline. Lead teams to develop new products for thermo-mechanical fatigue testing (TMF), direct current potential drop (DCPD), environmental testing, and measurement instrumentation. Lead new product introduction (NPI) for these products.

Product Manager, Materials, Dynamic Accessories

Veeco

Recognized for my strong and diverse product background, I was hired to manage a product line of standard and customized systems and accessories for Molecular Beam Epitaxy
•	Coordinated product recall for a major component of the capital equipment system. Created customer messaging, recall plan, service preparedness, inventory plan and implemented successful recall
•	Managed New Product Introduction for research system for $1.5M ASP with $5M in first year. 
•	Created Knowledge Wiki to document critical know-how, product information, and training.  Built Sharepoint site to manage Stage-gate process and maintain product lifecycle documents across business unit.

MBE Product Marketing Manager at Veeco Instruments

Wavecrest Corporation

•	Launched new product, training materials and sales collateral.  Sales directly contributed >$1M to company.
•	Created product knowledge and IP archive for sale of company to new owners.

Product Manager- Signal Integrity Analyzer

Hired for my strong interest and background in electronics and test equipment.  I leveraged my liberal arts and strong technical background to develop an overall technical support and sales capability
•	Technical Sales Partnered with key account manager for field sales, developing prospects and performing demos and training. Gained significant sales experience domestically and internationally calling on large semiconductor companies
•	Wore many hats in a small company environment and contributed by technical writing, voice of customer, market requirements, software testing, team trainer, sales collateral, trade-shows, technical sales, and phone tech support.

Field Application Engineer/Product Marketing Engineer

SICK, Inc

•	Worked closely with German HQ to develop sales and marketing collateral, North American distributor training, and technical sales support as the subject matter expert (SME).

Product Manager- Auto ID 2D barcode readers

USAF

•	Worked in shop and leveraged strong background in electronics and physics to repair RADAR jamming equipment that flew in combat over Bosnia and N. Iraq.
•	Learned systems and maintained a high standard of workmanship for systems that were life-critical.  Used a broad array of test equipment and enforced additional testing to go above the baseline
•	Selected to manage and maintain a key classified system that flew in combat.  Extremely proud to be selected as one of a couple of technicians to maintain and control this system.

Lackland AFB, TX : Basic Military Training May-June 1995
Keesler AFB, MS : Electronics/RADAR Training June 1995-Feb 1996
Aviano AB, Italy : Duty Station Feb 1996-May 1999

Electronic Warfare Technician 2A157 / E-4 / 31st Fighter Wing

Carleton College

•	Shop assistant for Sciences department instrument shop.
•	Maintained tools and shop: Machine shop and wood shop
•	Designed, built, repaired equipment from sciences departments.
•	Used available tools to include: milling machine, metal lathe, drill press, hydraulic press, band saw, press/brake, shear, spot-welder, hand tools, woodworking planer/jointer, tablesaw, radial arm saw.

Assistant, Instrument Shop

I am a Minnesota transplant, but have lived here for over 30 years. I am passionate about products and working with customers.  My key strengths are rolling up my sleeves in a technical organization and listening, learning and working across all aspects of the business to drive products to commercial readiness with a GTM strategy.

I focus on driving innovation and commercial success through strategic product lifecycle management. My roles encompass a spectrum of responsibilities from gathering voice of customer insights, steering new product introductions, training salespeople, internal systems and process development, and managing technical publications.

taplio

The Battle

Johnny Nelson

Andy H.

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