Born and raised in The Netherlands.
Graduated from the Technical University Delft in The Netherlands. (M.Sc.)
Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of Washington, USA.
Life Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Large variety of experience designing marine deck machinery, aircraft mechanical systems, mining, saw mill, paper mill and industrial automation machinery, project management, meeting regulation and code requirements, organizing manufacturing, start-up and troubleshooting of equipment, cost estimating and other financial aspects, business management, research and development (5 US patents).
Authored engineering reports and magazine article.
Studied economics and wrote (still unpublished) book about improving economic governance.