Who is Russ Strong?
You have likely seen Russ
Strong’s work as you have traveled across the country or around the world. His
engineering experience, innovation and distinctive styling are seen on tractors
and combines, and a wide range of equipment, from agricultural to construction.
By his belief in working within teams, and across organizations, you likely
have not heard of him, yet farmers, contractors and homeowners appreciate the
robust and user-oriented designs of his work with New Holland, Caterpillar,
John Deere, AgChem and others.
Through Russ Strong’s interest in
expanding outdoor independence for those in wheelchairs, and his unique
background and industry network, he is the originator of what today is the JakeÔ. The evolution on this “Soldier/Robotics”
platform and ‘knarly’ wheelchair unit (in background due to financial
challenges) comes from Russ’s determination to help 
both our disabled
community and our troops.
Russ Strong has over 30 years of engineering, product design, and team management experience: from engineering and R&D leadership within Ford New Holland, to automotive design and styling. On his founding Integrated Vision in 1992, FIAT awarded Integrated Vision the worldwide contract for styling for the merged New Holland Global. His client work spans major programs with industry leaders. Holder of over 50 patents, Strong’s strengths in concept development, vehicle design, ergonomics and program management are significant contributors to the success of over 40 programs. His spectrum of global experience and network of resources, with an energetic team-based style, brings a unique angle now to innovation for the military and homeland security.
Russ Strong is a '72 Tau Beta Pi, Agricultural Engineering grad of the University of Idaho, with 'PE' in Mechanical Engineering, and later studies at the Brugge Academy of Art in Belgium. Mr. Strong is a member of IDSA, SAE, and is also a noted Seminar and Motivational Speaker.
References of energy and leadership style of Russ Strong:
“His enthusiasm and passion for creating new vehicles that would shape the future of agriculture and other industries was a key motivator for our team members and helped shape the leadership style of our business unit.”
- David C. Koch, Manager, Caterpillar
“Of all the sharp people I have had the privilege of working with over the years, I would rank Russ at the very top of the innovator pyramid. I have to say he is a creative genius with the bonus of an engineering background. Not only does he have the vision and the ability to dream, but also the knowledge and experience to bring ideas to reality… It is this in concert with [tapping] experts throughout the industry that allows Russ to have a such heavy impact.”
- David Knight, Product Development Manager, Compact Utility Tractors, John Deere
“… In the process, I have experienced Mr. Strong’s phenomenal creativity, drive and work output. From a technical standpoint, he blends a solid engineering background… He is able to execute projects by mobilizing teams to achieve extraordinary results through an understanding of motivational techniques and management best practice. …Mr. Strong’s forte is the application of this technology to the problem and then driving it forward with tenacity to fruition.
– Jim Collier, Engineering Manager, High Power and Compact Vehicles, CNH America
Russ Strong believes that America can rapidly get agile supporting force with our foot soldiers. He has brought great programs together many times before and is asking for America’s help as this urgent program brings together exciting technologies and talent.
