ISO 13485:2016
DEVICE DEVELOPMENT

Clarity in Stillness: A Portrait of John Duval

There are many things that make a team successful. Some might guess the most obvious; that the team works well together. Others may list the impressive resumes of their employees, but what is written on paper doesn’t represent ability in practice. In the ever adapting world of user centered design, there is something even more important and, dare I say it human, when you look at what motivates and makes each team member unique.

 

John Duval, Principal Engineer at Nectar Product Development (NectarPD), was raised to solve his own problems. The youngest of five children, his parents instilled the idea that “if you wanted something done, you do it. All toys we had, very rarely did we get them pre-made. You were supposed to use your imagination and build it.” It was both a philosophy based on self-reliance as well as financial necessity. The son of a machinist, he realized he wanted to be an engineer early on. Having to make his own things as a kid, he wanted to make things that would last. As he looked around at all the products being made, he understood something that many of the general public rarely think of even today. “Everything in our world that you could buy, somebody has to design.”

Fast-forward several years and John is working in San Pedro for Nagy Designs, where Darren Saravis, founder of NectarPD, later gained employment. After getting to know each other, the two started NectarPD out of their homes until a warehouse located behind a quirky bar and club became the new and permanent home for their business. Over twenty-five years have passed and the team and the business has grown, changed and adapted. People have come and gone, but when I asked John why he stays, he said, “I feel emotionally invested in it, like it’s something I helped build.”

At the start, there was more of a focus on personal computer (PC) accessories, but as that died down, the company has focused on industrial and medical device design, the latter of which John prefers. Consumer products are just “landfill”, he says. “It’s on the market for a few months and then it just ends up in the landfill. It doesn’t feel like you’re doing anything good for the world.” He continued to state the irony of everyone wanting ‘green products’, but it required them to throw away all of their old products. “If you want to be green, just keep what you got and make it last.”

John doesn’t feed much into fear, and doesn’t believe in worrying. Instead, he assesses the situation and makes decisions on how he will react. “Then I let go of the worry.” His concerns lay more in the environmental and human factors, such as the infrastructure of living that has made it nearly impossible to live close to where you work.

“For seventy-five years you could not get funding for a mixed-use building: retail underneath and living above, the traditional pattern that’s been used for thousands of years. So, all these types of  buildings went into disrepair.” He watched as more and more land was used for suburban neighborhoods and freeways that went between work and home. The necessity of driving a car was built in to our culture and infrastructure. The availability of housing that was reasonably close to work places became less and less. “I question our values” he said, pensive, “when we expect ample free parking for cars and ever more expensive housing for people. However, this type of thinking is slowly starting to change.”

Even with this global concern, John spends more of his time working on finding solutions to problems that are in front of him, and says that being given a good problem to solve fuels his creativity. “You’re a bit of a perfectionist if you’re an engineer” he says, laughing as we discuss philosophy. “I’ve always been inspired by the Taoist teachings, but there’s always a little bit of discontent.” He’s poised between the zen of accepting the way things are now, but as a problem solver, he’s always trying to improve upon them. He mentioned several times that he will obsess over the hundreds of ways to solve a problem or improve on a design.

“You’re constantly asking yourself, ‘Could it be cheaper, could it be lighter, could it be better or is it good enough for this iteration?’” However, when asked what advice he could offer to future engineers and designers, he answered eloquently and very much in the style of Tao.

“Not to seek happiness, but to be still, and when you’re still you find it.”

He believes the same can be applied to engineering.

“A good design designs itself. I’ve seen people just keep adding features and adding features until it’s insanely complex for what it does. For example, it has four times as many bends as is required for something that does the same job. You have to take a step back and ask, What are all these features really doing? What is this design really trying to be? What is it’s true nature, and whittling away to just that.”

His philosophy extends to people, as well. When it comes to people, these social creatures, John believes that we have to understand their nature and accept them as they are. Trust that they will behave according to their nature and you won’t be disappointed. They may not always be what you want them to be, but it may not be their nature to be anything else.

It’s this acceptance of human nature that is one of the many rare qualities contributing to John’s ability to assess a product’s efficacy. Instead of wanting to change the person or their nature, accept their human behavior and build a product that serves them best. However, he still insists that his perfectionism is his gift and his curse. “I never feel like I’ve looked at a problem enough different ways.” he laments. I think of him, eyes focused and body upright and still at his computer station; he barely made a motion as people passed by. In stillness, working through hundreds of problems, he tells me what he continues to seek.

“I’m looking for some clarity… some perspective I’ve never had before.”

 

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Nectar is an award-winning design & engineering consultancy with a specialization in medical device development. We are proudly 13485 certified, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Nectar has been an industry leader in Southern California for over 25 years. Our proven user-centered design process has facilitated the successful launch of hundreds of products in the market.
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Darren Saravis

CEO

Darren is an accomplished, dynamic leader who founded Nectar, X-Naut, and BreathDirect. He is committed to improving the world through the synthesis of technology, science, and art. Under Darren’s leadership, Nectar is leveraging the latest advances in cutting-edge technology to transform medical device development and design. As part of his

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Steven Wells Ph.D.

Director of Operations

Dr. Steve Wells holds a critical role in steering Nectar’s operations and defining its strategic direction. His impactful leadership has established a clear course for the company’s success. He has revitalized the company with a passion for maximizing impact through expert resource utilization since taking the helm in 2020. Steve has boosted Nectar’s portfolio, streamlined processes, and reinvigorated its innovation agenda, all with the goal of developing life-saving and impactful products. His background in senior leadership roles at Georg Fischer and his people-focused, results-driven leadership style make him an invaluable asset to our team. Steve’s extensive knowledge in chemistry, biocompatibility, and biology only adds to his value as a team member.

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Nellie Roque

Director of Finance and Accounting

Nellie Roque is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in the fields of accounting, human resources, and payroll. She has a wide range of experience, having worked in industries such as manufacturing, software, and non-profit organizations. Nellie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting, demonstrating her strong foundation in financial management and human resource practices. Throughout her career, Nellie has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in these areas, making her a valuable asset to any organization.
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John Duval

Principal Engineer

John is a true asset to Nectar, having been a founding member and instrumental in shaping the company’s portfolio and establishing its reputation for engineering excellence. With over 30 patents and numerous design awards to his name, John is a master of product architecture and subsystem integration, as well as design for manufacture, mechanisms, and root cause analysis. His passion for creating simple and holistic solutions that take into account a wide range of variables is evident in his work and has made him a valuable member of the Nectar team.
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Aaron Gifford

Principal Engineer

With a wealth of experience as a medical device developer, Aaron is a valuable addition to the Nectar team. His expertise in transferring medical devices and IVD instruments to production is unmatched, and his 25 years of professional engineering experience speaks to his expertise. At Nectar, Aaron plays a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance throughout product development and manages projects with skill and precision. His recent leadership in the development of the critical care Covid EUA BDR-19™ ventilator is a testament to his abilities, and his 13 patents in the medical device space further highlight his contributions to the field.
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Larry Larson

Director of Hardware and Firmware Engineering 

Larry Larson is a highly experienced engineering professional who has served as Nectar’s Director of Engineering for several years. He has extensive experience in leading, overseeing, and managing the design and development of innovative products, and has been involved in 70 unique product design cycles to date. With a deep understanding of highly regulated industries such as medical and aerospace devices, Larry has been instrumental in bringing cutting-edge technologies to market and delivering solutions that meet the needs of his clients. He has a passion for engineering and is dedicated to advancing the field by delivering products that are safe, effective, and of the highest quality.
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Adam Marten

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Adam Marten has worked in the aerospace and consumer products industries since 2006 with lead engineering experience in conceptual design, product development, analysis and performance qualification testing. Adam has experience leading a range of technical projects, including multiple structural analyses for military and aerospace applications. He has also worked directly with engineering teams to develop medical devices and laboratory instrumentation.

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James Wilkin

Industrial Design Manager

James is a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience at Nectar, where he brings his expertise in industrial design, user interface, and user experience to the table. With a background in the highly competitive automotive industry, working for heavyweights like Daimler and Tesla, James is a true asset to the Nectar team. He is responsible for ensuring that the company adheres to user-centered design best practices, and he works closely with clients and partners on crucial human factors strategies for FDA submissions and the overall usability engineering process. James’ achievements in this field speak to his exceptional skills and dedication to the work he does.
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Rejsa Kuci

Business Development Coordinator

Rejsa is a dynamic force in driving sales and acquiring new projects at Nectar, where she excels in seamlessly aligning the Sales and Operations teams. Holding a prestigious double degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Management and Multimedia, Rejsa brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Project Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, and Creative Lead. With over four years of expertise in the digital world, Rejsa is not only highly skilled but also enthusiastic about following the ISO 13485 path to ensure successful project completion. Her ability to effectively bridge the gap between Sales and Operations, combined with her passion for driving projects forward, makes her an invaluable asset to the Nectar team.
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Belen Quintero

Associate Project Manager

Belen is a project manager at Nectar who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. With a strong background in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of California, Riverside, she has honed her skills in a variety of industries including healthcare ,education, food manufacturing, and engineering. Belen’ success as a project manager is due in large part to her ability to align projects with business goals, clearly define project needs, lead cross-functional teams, and effectively communicate results to stakeholders. With her proven track record of success, Belen is a valuable asset to the Nectar team and a key player in driving the company’s projects forward.
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Erjon Ameti

Mechatronics Engineer

Erjon Ameti is a highly knowledgeable Mechatronics Engineer with a wealth of experience in both academic settings and startup environments. With a strong background in electronics, robotics, and 3D modeling, he possesses a unique combination of skills that allow him to excel in the fields of automation systems and mechatronics. Over the past five years, Erjon has honed his expertise in product development and industrial automation, emerging as a leading authority in his field. Currently, Erjon works at Nectar as a hardware engineer, where he is responsible for documentation, CAD design, and electronics in general. He has been involved in the entire process of Nectar engineering, bringing his expertise and experience to the forefront of the company’s success.
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Redon Berisha

Electronics Engineer

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Kerry Eiss

Clinical Expert - RN, BSN, CLNC

With over two decades of experience in healthcare innovation, Kerry has been instrumental in transforming patient care and improving patient outcomes across the globe. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the cardiovascular and cardiothoracic operating room, as well as her experience in emergency medicine, geriatrics, pediatric psychiatry, and main OR, make her a versatile and valuable member of the team. From small hospitals to large teaching institutions, Kerry’s 20 years of experience with patient documentation, including the use of EPIC, Cerner, and Meditech electronic charting systems, have positioned her as a leader in her field. Her recent involvement in helping transition the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center’s Cardiac Surgery program from paper charting to electronic documentation further underscores her commitment to advancing the healthcare industry.

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Flaka Brahimi

Marketing Manager

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Brayton Hammerli

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Stephanie Rodriguez

Accounting Coordinator

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Toska Ukaj

Scientific Content Writer

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Sean Wells

Mechanical R&D Technician

Sean plays a critical role at Nectar. He has a wide range of skills that help keep the company and equipment running. His background in machine and building maintenance means he has skilled hands ready for anything. Sean runs our lab equipment including 3D printers and a laser cutter. He also helps with complex project builds, assemblies, and testing.
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Jonathan Cantera

Quality Manager

Jonathan at his core is a Human Factors Engineer with his M.S. in Human Factors and Minor in Sociology from California State University of Long Beach. At Nectar, Jonathan is responsible for managing and maintaining the company’s ISO 13485 Quality Management System keeping in compliance with US and international regulations for product development. Jonathan’s role ensures each department is in compliance every step of the design process, making him a critical Nectar team member. Jonathan’s Human Factors background also allows him to aid in user research, feedback sessions, usability evaluations, and formative studies such as risks assessments. When he’s not in the office, Jonathan enjoys film photography, and reading.
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Vesa Hyseni

Purchasing Manager

Vesa is a skilled Purchasing Manager with a strong focus on procurement strategies and vendor management. With a track record of successfully leading procurement teams, Vesa excels in optimizing procurement processes, consistently striking a balance between quality assurance and cost-effectiveness. Her ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and manage supplier relationships effectively makes her an indispensable asset to Nectar.
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Uran Çabra

Software Engineer

Uran Çabra, with a background in Mechatronic Systems Engineering, has been working on Embedded Systems, specifically on IoT product development. His responsibilities include firmware development and electronics design and testing. He holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Autonomous Mobile Robotics.
Sarah Clark UX UI Designer

Sarah Clark

Industrial Designer

Sarah has a background in fine art & graphic design with a B.S in Industrial Design from California State University Long Beach. As a user experience designer her specialties include: keen aesthetics, creative problem solving, a detail oriented approach to research, and improving user journeys within complex experiences.