TechHelp News
TechHelp Welcomes Luke Fuess as Client Manager for North & North Central Idaho
TechHelp, was thrilled to add Luke Fuess as a Client Manager in March of 2023.
Luke will rely on his extensive manufacturing management and operations background to help Idaho manufacturers improve operations, quality, and profitability. Luke is based at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene and will focus on North and North Central Idaho companies from the Canadian border south into Grangeivlle. Luke’s work experience covers Aerospace, Weapons Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and other technical trades.
Luke succeeds Gene Hamacher, who served the North Idaho manufacturing community for nearly 10 years. Hamacher will continue working with TechHelp as a contractor providing training, implementation, coaching, and consulting delivery to support client projects.
Luke has the education, experience, and passion to do a great job of serving Idaho manufacturers. His alignment with our organizational values of teamwork, respect, honesty, and humility is what really makes him stand out,” said TechHelp Executive Director, Steve Hatten.
After attending Ventura Community College, Luke enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a CH-46 & CH-53 Helicopter Technician. Luke received an honorable discharge from the USMC and attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Technical Management. He then obtained his FAA Airframe and Powerplant License and became a Production Manager with ICON Aircraft, manufacturer of the ICON A5 Light Sport Amphibious Aircraft.
Joining ICON as the company transitioned from research and development to aircraft production gave Luke the opportunity to oversee the company’s production line from start to finish. Luke led a team that created ICON’s 136,000 SqFt facility in Northern California. The work fueled Luke’s passion for manufacturing by giving him a true understanding of what it takes to move a product from its beginning stages to serial production. Working on the factory floor gave Luke vast experience with Lean Methodology, Inventory Management, ERP Systems, Staffing, Training and much more.
It is a great privilege to be a part of the TechHelp team, supporting the growth and development of Idaho’s Manufactures,” said Fuess. “I truly look forward to the many years to come and relationships that will be made along the way.
Most recently, Luke worked as the COO at US Ordnance, a company that develops and manufactures military small arms and machine guns near Reno, Nevada. Luke also held a Supervisory Role in the Green Fuel industry at Plug Power, a company developing hydrogen fuel cell systems that replace conventional batteries in equipment and electric-powered vehicles.
Luke moved to Northern Idaho with his wife and young son in 2021. He spends most of his free time with family and friends enjoying everything the area offers. His hobbies include fishing, exploring new places, kayaking and working on his 1971 Chevelle.
Meet Luke Fuess in person at the 2023 I90 Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo on May 30-31 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Visit our “Smart Manufacturing Demonstration Zone” which will feature companies demonstrating how their machines, tools, and software impact production efficiency, cost savings and innovation.