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At the age of 15, Mr. Vander Molen rebuilt the engine of his first car—a 1957 Pontiac. During his senior year of high school he attended Bellingham Technical College for Automotive Technology, graduating from both the same year. He went on to study Diesel Mechanics. He is also a PPG Certified Automotive Paint & Refinish Specialist and has applied his expert hand to numerous restoration projects. His most recent experience has been working as Body Shop Manager for Walker Auto Works, in the restoration of classic and exotic cars. Mr. Vander Molen is a Master in Composite Fabrication, Plug and Mold Making. While working as Shop Foreman for Interior Fiberglass (Malibu Boats), Duane hand-built 22 boat plugs/molds (16’-24’) within 8 years during the off season. Each plug/mold was crafted with great precision with less than 1/8 inch tolerance. As Production Manager for Big Country Waterslides/Fibertech Industries, Mr. Vander Molen was responsible for the manufacture of multiple products for both companies in a 30,000 square foot facility. With his leadership, crews worked over three shifts to build 400 boats (16’-21’) a year as well as van tops, truck canopies, and waterslides. When business expanded globally he travelled as a troubleshooter to waterslide installation sites such as Japan, Canada, and Alabama. Duane also supervised the set up of a sister plant for Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. After relocating to the Palm Springs area, Mr. Vander Molen streamlined production at Club Cars’ Golf Car manufacturing plant in Indio. During his five years of service for Club Car, Duane invented new products, organized parts, and ran production for hundreds of high end quality custom golf cars. An avid radio-controlled aircraft hobbyist, Mr. Vander Molen builds and flies award winning R/C Scale Model Aircraft (up to 12’ wingspan) and is a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the Coachella Valley R/C Club.
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