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Alan F. Kaniarz

Affiliation

Principal, AK Services
Member of Better Business Bureau

Work Experience

• 2006 to present: Adjunct faculty, College for Creative Studies, Foundations department, Detroit, MI. Duties include preparation of class syllabus and instruction in the use of various tools and equipment in the school's woodshop. Students learn the basics of tool usage through lectures and demonstrations of the materials and processes needed to complete four projects during the length of course.
• 1983 to present: A.K. Services, Inc., Detroit, MI. Founder and sole proprietor. Engage in and Oversee all aspects of full-service custom woodworking. Design, fabricate, finish and install kitchens, furniture, doors, and assorted case - and millwork. Specialize in inset door and drawer cabinetry and Stained glass fabrication and repair, Buy, sell, restore and repair antique furniture, stained glass and lighting fixtures. Some of my furniture is in use at the Detroit Institute of Arts in the Modem Wing.
• 1980-1983: Inland Craft Products, Madison Heights, MI. Director of Product Development. Vice President in 1982. Increased product line from 17 to 53 items, resulting in company gross sales rising from $450,000 to $1.9 M. Developed three stained glass diamond grinding machines, strip circle cutter for glass, specialty soldering irons. Received U.S. patent for carbide glass cutter. Set up company diamond- plating lab; developed first pre-mixed stained glass window glazing compound; wrote all owner manuals and company product literature. As Vice President, developed assembly line; designed national trade- show booth; oversaw show logistics; acted as company spokesperson, engaging in national and international sales calls; managed human resources and customer service.
• 1976-1980: Canterbury Art Glass, Pontiac, MI. Designer, technician, instructor. Designed and fabricated stained glass windows and leaded lamps; etched and sand-blasted glass items; specialized in glass painting and kiln bending of art glass, including repair and restoration of antique stained glass items such as authentic Tiffany and John LaFarge lamps and panels. Installed art pieces and carried out major stained glass repair work at area churches, homes, and institutions such as the Central Methodist Church, Hecker Mansion and the Whitney Mansion, among others. Taught advanced and beginning stained glass techniques, with average class sizes of 15 to 20. Prepared class syllabi. Planned employee work schedules. Participated in design conferences. Connected with public through retail counter service.
• 1972-1975: Michigan Roll Form, Detroit, MI. Machinist. Built cut-off dies using various machines in company die shop, including surface grinders, horizontal and vertical mills, shapers, band saws, and drill presses.
• 1971: Aero Trailers, Warren MI. Welder.
• 1968-1971: Auto mechanic at three area garages. Light auto repair.
• 1971: Graduated from Pershing High School, Detroit MI.

Community Involvement

• Board member, Royal Oak Historical Society
• Member, City of Royal Oak Historic District Commission
• In association with Preservation Wayne, surveyed building on historic Ferry Street in Detroit, resulting in the opening of the Ferry Bed and Breakfast.

Publications

Articles and photographic examples of work shown in: Better Homes and Gardens, Kitchen and Bath Magazine, Remodeling Ideas Magazine, Bungalow Magazine) Country Living, Style 1900, The Detroit News and Free Press, and The Oakland Press.

Categories: Advisory Board