Mr. Balmer’s passion for steam locomotives not only reflects his personal interests but also connects with his professional expertise in engineering.
URBANA, OH, May 06, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Charles F. Balmer has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Balmer has led a fulfilling career as a master scale model locomotive designer and engineer, but primarily known for his ownership of AVATEC Electronic Systems from 1982 to 2012. At AVATEC, he was instrumental in building electronic production test equipment and manufacturing it in his own shop. He also wrote software for the computer-controlled systems, showcasing his expertise in microcomputer hardware and software, as well as computer data acquisition systems.
Before his tenure at AVATEC, Mr. Balmer eventually served as an engineering manager at Digitech for six years, where he led projects that further honed his skills in electronics and engineering management. His career also includes roles as a project engineer at the Hobart Corporation for one year and at the Grimes Manufacturing Company for seven years, where he developed a strong foundation in engineering projects. Additionally, Mr. Balmer contributed his expertise as a contract engineer for the University of Dayton Department of Electrical Engineering at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for six months and worked as a consultant for Firetrol from 1990 to 2006.
Mr. Balmer’s professional affiliations reflect his commitment to excellence in his field. He was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers) and Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. These memberships have provided him with platforms to engage with peers, stay abreast of technological advancements and contribute to the discourse within the engineering community.
Mr. Balmer’s success can be attributed to his solid educational foundation and determination. Initially studying at the University of Dayton, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1968, after which he graduated with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1970. The driving force behind his accomplishments and innovations throughout his career has been the sheer willpower to complete any task that came before him.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Balmer was previously involved in civic contributions and creative pursuits, temporarily serving as a coordinator for maintenance at a local parochial school. His dedication to craftsmanship and engineering excellence was recognized when he received the Craftsman of the Year award from the Joe Martin Foundation in 2018 for building a 1/16 working scale model of the Allegheny 2-6-6-6 steam locomotive. The full size engine is on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. While an undergraduate at the University of Dayton, he received an award for the best article in the UD engineering magazine. Additionally, a robot he built called Avatar won the best home built robot award from Robotics Age magazine in 1982. This distinction was featured across several publications and garnered interest in eventually displaying the robot at the Boston Computer Museum. Later he designed and built another robot Named Huey that has lived autonomously in his shop for over 30 years.
Mr. Balmer’s passion for steam locomotives not only reflects his personal interests but also connects with his professional expertise in engineering. He is committed to passing on his knowledge and experience to his sons, aiming to advise, help and teach them about electronics. This goal underscores Mr. Balmer’s dedication to fostering growth and innovation in future generations, ensuring that his legacy of ingenuity and excellence continues beyond his own achievements.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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