About Pinnacle

The growing team at Pinnacle is led by Ron Brown with a track record of 25+ years of continuous achievement in progressive leadership roles within automotive, industrial and marine industries. Many businesses have leveraged Pinnacle’s high impact expertise to win groundbreaking acquisitions, influence product innovation and drive up performance of business units. In today’s business climate, time to market is key. Pinnacle can put a team together to manage each step from a clean sheet to production. Pinnacle has had exposure to all types of machinery and equipment and manufacturing processes.

Career Highlights – Ronald A. Brown:

At Pinnacle, Ron has played a high-profile role in supporting various manufacturers in sales, engineering and business development activities; recent highlights include:

• For Malibu Boats, Ron assembled a team of engineers based in Oshkosh, WI, Livonia, MI and Loudon, TN to conduct product development of a line of engines based on the GM Gen V series G.D.I. engines; the team went from a clean sheet to full production at Malibu’s new 80,000 square foot engine production facility within a 19-month period, with engines achieving the lowest emissions within their category, with a 5 Star rating in California.
• For JetSurf, Ron managed the emissions certification activities for a motorized surfboard, produced in the Czech Republic by MSR Engines, s.r.o., for Sales in the USA. The product is powered by a 100cc two-stroke engine with transfer port injection and equipped with a catalyst.

Through the years, Ron has conducted exhaust emissions tests/inspections as a certified inspector for EU compliance for marine, industrial equipment and automotive markets; assisted manufacturers implement diversification strategies; provided sales and technical guidance to various foundries and other manufacturers throughout North America; and also represented engine manufacturers in negotiations with industry committees and in negotiations with EPA and CARB during Rulemaking.

As President of Ilmor Marine, LLC, Ron orchestrated the startup and launch of operations to manufacture marine inboard engines within a 24-month period; negotiated economic development grants with state, county and town governments; interviewed and hired staff in manufacturing, supply chain, inventory control, and service and administration areas of the business; established unique supply chain to support the business; and, directed all planning, design and construction to equip an existing 50,000 square foot facility on the grounds of Penske Racing’s campus in Mooresville, NC.

As Executive Manager, North American Sales at Isuzu PowerTrain, Ron directed sales of diesel engines and parts through distributors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in North American industrial equipment marketplace; oversaw and developed distributor network of 20 independent businesses; coordinated initiatives of Distributor Advisory Council; managed cross-functional teams of regional sales managers, regional parts and service managers, and application engineers to spearhead sales strategies; and, achieved highest single year records for distributor sales as well as highest overall sales within the division.

As Director of Engineering at Crusader Engines, Ron managed an engineering facility equipped with dynamometers and CAD room and a staff of engineers, designers, and technicians; oversaw design of components and program management of marine engines for stern drive engine product line for Yamaha; managed cross-functional divisions to develop engines for marine market and engine product lines for industrial and automotive applications; Ron ultimately ensured quality production for global clients by managing the engineering and business activities of overseas clients.