Mr. Stratton’s credentials begin with formal training as an Aerospace and Electrical Controls Engineer, and more than thirty years of experience in the automotive industry. He holds a number of industry “firsts” and is experienced in areas including vehicle regulation and certification; electrical architecture; chassis, exterior, powertrain and drivetrain systems; vehicle service and repair; failure and root cause analysis, among others. His combined mechanical and electrical controls skill set make him capable of analyzing and consulting on a wide variety of vehicle and engineering topics.

Before consulting, Mr. Stratton held a number of engineering design, product development, and management positions with Ford Motor Company.  His career highlights include leading many complex efforts and working with many different types of vehicles and their systems. He is well-versed in program management, engineering technology readiness/design/development and marketing. He has extensive experience in vehicle servicing, and held the position of Great Lakes Technical Service Operations Manager, overseeing a team of Field Service Engineers covering 200 dealers across 6 states.  

In addition to his formal education, certifications, and managerial skills, he is an accomplished mechanic and fabricator.  He has a passion for creation. He has a unique ability to assess and understand the operation and performance of vehicles, machines, or other devices, and to explain technically complex topics.  

Examples of vehicle topics that Mr. Stratton often analyses and consults on include:

Powertrain: Design / Development expert fit, function, and performance & operation. 

Chassis: Recovery winches, shocks, struts, exhaust systems, suspension systems, conventional and 5th wheel hitches, air intake systems, fuel systems

Exteriors: Mud guards, wheel spats, fascias, cooling modules, bumpers, grills, ground lighting, lighting systems, emblems, mirrors, overlanding, chase racks

Interiors: Lighting, fabrics, leathers, seat covering, instrument panels, door panels, floors, center consoles, shifters, carpets, NVH acoustics dampeners

Electrical: Competent in all aspects of vehicle systems architecture and controls including circuit design, wiring layout, controls & actuation, communications protocols, service and repair, diagnostics and programming