JOHN PEARSON

                                                                               Return to INVENTING THE WORKS blog

This profile originally published summer 2005 in The Works' newsletter

One summer, when John Pearson was a teenager, he built a redwood motorboat to explore the waters of Balsam Lake.  Not content to look only above water, he rigged up a diving helmet using a 5 gallon pail, hefty piece of glass, sash weights and an air pump.  The next project was an airplane – a high winged monoplane with a 4 cylinder motorcycle engine and doped muslin wings.  After flying that around a few times, John and a friend took the wings off, added skis and turned it into a unique but quite functional propeller-driven snowmobile.

70 years later, John Pearson is still snowmobiling.  And still an active, master builder.

John Pearson (r) and his friend Roy Bewick (l) install the pulley exhibit.

John builds elegant, robust exhibits ... six and counting!  The newest exhibit at The Works is John’s creation.  With many hours of garage-based winter welding, John and his friend Roy Bewick have transformed The Works’ popular Pulley Power exhibit into a rugged and reliable demonstration of mechanical advantage.  John also crafted one of the first exhibits at The Works – Stage Lights – and four others:  Amazing Mirrors, Pivot Power, Bend the Beams and the Giant Zipper.

 “The key is to be curious always,”   says John.  “Develop a strong curiosity about everything, not just in a narrow field.”  By taking extra courses,  John became a registered engineer in both mechanical and chemical engineering.  His first professional job, at 3M, became a distinguished 43 year career, ranging from an early stint in the prolific ProFab Lab to appointment as Vice President of Development.

John’s range of knowledge is awe inspiring, and very handy.  He has served on The Works’ Board of Trustees for 9 years, and has been a crucial source of insight into business strategy, manufacturing, mechanisms, materials, chemistry, physics, finance and more.  John is also a quiet but persistent model of high standards, unflinching reflection and dogged determination.   By personal example, John has inspired The Works to pick something doable, get it done (no excuses!) and do it well.

Kids enjoy the Lift Your Friend exhibit 
that John attached to the pulley exhibit.

John believes deeply in hands-on learning and puts his hands, heart and brains behind this commitment.  John’s work building a world-class engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout was recognized there by an honorary doctorate in 2003.  The Works continues to benefit tremendously from his masterful exhibits, sage counsel, wry humor and unfailing generosity.  Thank you John Pearson, valued volunteer.    #

Return to INVENTING THE WORKS blog