Mike Schiffbauer

Owner and operator of Dragonfyre Designs. Over the years I first made high end props and costumes for professional and competitive cosplayers. As the need and demand for this began to wane especially during and after the lockdowns during the pandemic the focus of the business pivoted to doing 3d printed collectible character statues, which I currently do for private collectors.

• Managed daily operations to ensure smooth workflow and customer satisfaction.
• Developed marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and attract new customers.
• Conducted market research to identify trends and inform business decisions.
• Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
• Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
• Enhanced company reputation by consistently delivering exceptional service quality to customers.
• Directed design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client vision.
• Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and securing quality materials.
• Oversaw financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense management.
• Conducted market research to identify trends and inform product offerings for competitive advantage.

Main duties were accurate cutting of fabric to customers requested lengths, some light register duties and opening and closing duties. Closing duties included sweeping/vacuuming and mopping as needed, restocking of notions and materials, and locking of doors at end of shift.

• Operated cutting machines to ensure precision and efficiency in fabric preparation.
• Collaborated with team members to maintain a safe and organized workspace.
• Assisted in inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels for uninterrupted production flow.

Did a range of fabrication of hand props used on film and television productions. Main focus was Star Trek Voyager the final two seasons. Responsible for original prop fabrication using shop tools such as Vacuum Forming, Silicone mold making, urethane resin casting, professional grade finishing paint work. Also used metal lathes, drill press, and high speed polishers. Was lead fabricator of hero brainwashing prop for the Ben Stiller film Zoolander. Utilized skill and knowledge of traditional sculpting and styrene hand fabrication to create a variety of props and costume pieces.

• Collaborated with design teams to ensure accurate interpretation of creative concepts into functional props.
• Developed detailed props using various materials and techniques to meet production specifications.
• Conducted regular maintenance of tools and equipment to ensure optimal performance during production cycles.
• Coordinated with other departments to align prop availability with project timelines and requirements.