If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to reach out via email or phone.
Email: Bert.Langan@gmail.com
Phone: 952.200.3660
About
I’m a hands-on problem solver with a strong background in scientific glassblowing, Android app development, and process improvement. I enjoy tackling complex challenges, whether it’s crafting precision glassware for scientific applications, developing digital tools to streamline workflows, or refining production methods to boost efficiency. With years of experience working in both creative and technical fields, I’ve learned how to balance precision with innovation, ensuring that every project meets high-quality standards while staying practical and cost-effective.
Beyond technical work, I take pride in training and mentoring others. Teaching apprentices and glassblowers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, helping them build confidence and refine their skills. I’ve also worked closely with teams to scale production, maintain strict safety protocols, and introduce quality control measures that keep products reliable. Whether it’s leading a team, troubleshooting an issue, or improving a system, I believe that collaboration and clear communication are key to making any process more effective.
I thrive in fast-paced environments where adaptability and creative thinking are essential. Managing large-scale projects, handling custom client requests, and ensuring smooth operations—especially in high-demand situations—has given me a strong ability to balance big-picture goals with the finer details. I’m always looking for ways to improve efficiency, strengthen relationships with clients and partners, and create solutions that make a meaningful impact.
Robert Langan
Denver, CO • 952.200.3660 • Bert.Langan@gmail.com
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Technically-inclined professional with extensive experience in designing and implementing solutions across scientific glassblowing, Android application development, and operational efficiency.
- Pioneered process refinement and Lean Manufacturing to achieve zero-defect quality and safety compliance.
- Proven leader with strong skills in training teams, managing large-scale projects, and building client relationships.
- Expertise in:
- Scientific Glassblowing
- Android Application Development
- Glassware Design & Production
- Web Development
- Process Optimization
- Lean Manufacturing
- Quality Assurance
- Computer Programming
- Production & Inventory Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Elemental Scientific Glassblowing
Senior Scientific Glassblower | Aug 2019 – Present
- Fabricated complex scientific glassware from quartz and borosilicate to achieve exacting precision in design and functionality.
- Innovated glass formulations to meet the rigorous demands of analytical science.
- Shortened production cycles to align with stringent manufacturing standards and improve operational efficiency.
- Mentored apprentices and glassblowers, teaching essential techniques and upholding quality standards in their craft.
- Managed hazardous chemicals safely to protect personnel and maintain compliance with safety regulations.
- Boosted monthly production by 30% by developing and implementing a lean production process, which included designing a custom-built digital Kanban board.
- Improved team safety by identifying a hazard with a specific torch model and collaborating with a machinist to redesign it for enhanced reliability.
- Delivered cost-effective solutions by repairing broken glassware for the School of Mines’ chemistry department, exceeding client expectations.
- Implemented a quality control process to resolve inconsistencies between internal and external measurements, ensuring zero defective products were shipped.
TrippyTips LLC
Owner | Oct 2012 – Aug 2019
- Founded and operated a glass art business that shipped handcrafted pieces to collectors worldwide, including acquisitions for permanent museum collections.
- Led a team of apprentices and fellow glassblowers, fostering skill development and maintaining the highest craftsmanship standards.
- Directed custom order production, ensuring each piece met unique client specifications while optimizing processes to exceed production efficiency goals.
- Managed all aspects of the company’s online presence, including website development and maintenance on platforms such as Magento and WordPress.
- Expanded business reach by collaborating with 12 skilled artists to scale production and meet high customer demand.
- Maintained strict quality control by partnering with local experts for premium component sourcing, ensuring product safety and longevity.
- Elevated brand visibility and strengthened customer relationships through high-profile convention appearances, including a live glassblowing demonstration featured on a popular podcast.
- Developed a standardized production process for in-demand designs, enabling wholesale ordering while preserving exclusivity for custom, high-end pieces.
Earlier Career
- Glass Technician I – Lato Scientific Glassblowing (Oct 2010 – Oct 2012)
- Teacher’s Assistant – Salem CC Glass Center (Sep 2008 – Sep 2010)
- Glass Blower – University of Wisconsin (Aug 2007 – Sep 2008)
PROJECTS
Visit the projects section of this site to see how I apply my skills to real-world challenges. Highlights include:
- A custom-built digital Kanban board that increased monthly production by 30%.
- A redesigned torch model that improved team safety and enhanced reliability.
- Various Android applications I developed to improve production and efficiency.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Associate’s Degree in Scientific Glass Technology – Salem Community College (2009)
- Module 1 of 1: Cloud Architecture – Upskillist (2024)
Projects
Glassblower's Toolchest
Industry Specific Android Application
The goal of Glassblower's Toolchest is to empower artists to push through their perceived scale limitations, and to preserve their work for future generations to enjoy. It does this by accurately calculating electronic annealing schedules for kilns and providing precise calculations for the required glass amount for work at the desired scale.
Some of the functionality has been converted to a web interface, and can be accessed at:
Marble Calculator
Glass Annealing Schedule Calculator
The original project, and APK can be found over at Github
SpectraCadence
Lean Production Coordination Application
SpectraCadence imports orders from QuickBooks and organizes them as jobs on a KanBan board.
Jobs automatically move through the steps on the KanBan board, triggered by the physical change of hands. The result is a streamlined production process, and optimized efficiency.
The administrative program provides key insights to where each job is in the process, the workload of any given employee, and a powerful real-time view of where the shop is in regards to monthly production goals.
Modular steps can easily be customized, added, or removed from the production process. Each step shows up as a column on the kanban.
Each job, employee, and part number has a comprehensive history which shows up as an interactive timeline. Timeline events are created when a job passes from one column to the next.