Mastering 3D Printing Made Easy: From Beginner to Advanced with Expert Troubleshooting by a Certified Instructor with 20+ Years of Experience

Find out more about Brian

• Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  My first experience using a computer was in elementary school, when our school introduced a computer lab. One of the first programs we used was a math-based game called The Oregon Trail. It presented different scenarios and required us to type responses accurately and quickly to move forward. It was both educational and engaging, and it sparked my early interest in computers.
  
  Around the same time, a friend of mine owned an Apple II, and we spent time playing local games at his house, including what I recall as an early version of a Dungeons & Dragons–style game. These experiences made computers feel exciting and interactive rather than intimidating.
  
  I didn’t own my first personal computer until I was in college, when early internet services like Prodigy were becoming available to the public. Looking back now, it’s remarkable to see how far technology has come. More than 30 years later, I am a computer science and engineering instructor, helping others begin their own journeys with technology.

• What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  The technological evolution that has had the greatest impact on me is 3D printing. It was the turning point where my personal hobbies evolved into professional-level work. I am a scale model railroader and CAD design instructor, and I began designing buildings and structures to complement the large model railroad layout that my daughter and I built together.
  
  Once those models were completed and placed on our layout, we began marketing them on Etsy and eBay in our primary scale, and eventually expanded into five additional scales. Today, we offer 22 different models, each available in six scales and three variations: kit form, fully assembled, and assembled with weathering.
  
  Over several years, this hands-on process allowed me to develop deep expertise in CAD design, 3D printing, and product development, which ultimately led to my work tutoring others in these areas. At the same time, we documented the growth and development of our model railroad layout on YouTube, including filming the creation and assembly of the models as instructional content.
  
  Through producing more than 1,100 videos to date, I gained advanced video editing and content creation skills. These efforts led to our channel becoming fully monetized as a member of the YouTube Partner Program. As a result, I am now able to teach students how to launch, create, manage, and grow a successful YouTube channel, in addition to tutoring in CAD design, 3D printing, and video editing. I would welcome the opportunity to formally offer YouTube channel creation and management as a tutoring service as soon as that option becomes available.

• Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  My expertise centers on computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, digital fabrication, video production, and content creation, with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world application. My interest in this field grew organically from hands-on problem solving—using technology not just to learn concepts, but to create tangible, functional results.
  
  Through CAD and 3D printing, I have designed, prototyped, and produced commercial products across multiple scales and variations. This process required a deep understanding of design constraints, material behavior, iteration, and optimization—skills that are fundamental in modern engineering and computer science workflows. These technologies represent a major shift in the computer world, where digital designs can now be rapidly transformed into physical objects, enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, and customization at an unprecedented level.
  
  In parallel, I developed expertise in digital media production and video editing by documenting complex technical processes for instructional purposes. Producing over a thousand educational videos taught me how to communicate technical concepts clearly, manage digital assets, and apply software tools efficiently—skills that are increasingly essential as learning, collaboration, and business continue to move online. This work also led to building and monetizing a successful YouTube channel, giving me firsthand experience with platform management, analytics, audience growth, and content strategy.
  
  Broadly speaking, my expertise reflects the growing convergence of design, engineering, manufacturing, and digital communication within the computer world. Modern computing is no longer limited to programming alone—it empowers people to design products, launch businesses, educate global audiences, and turn ideas into reality. My passion lies in helping students understand this bigger picture and giving them the technical and creative skills needed to participate confidently in today’s technology-driven world.

• Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  While well-known technology visionaries like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg are influential figures, my primary role models are educators and inventors who focus on improving and enhancing the lives of others. I am especially inspired by individuals who use technology as a tool for empowerment—those who make complex ideas accessible, create practical solutions, and help others grow through learning and innovation. Their ability to combine technical skill with purpose is what motivates me most in my own work as an educator and mentor.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One of the most valuable lessons I learned in school came not from a textbook, but from a computer lab. As a student, I was first exposed to computers through simple educational games that required problem-solving, experimentation, and persistence. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but those moments taught me how technology could turn learning into an interactive and engaging experience rather than a passive one.
  
  Years later, when I began teaching CAD design, 3D printing, and digital media, I recognized the same pattern. Students learn best when they are allowed to explore, make mistakes, and see real results from their efforts. That early experience shaped how I approach education today—focusing on hands-on learning, creativity, and practical application to help students build confidence and transferable skills.

• What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  I would tell them that feeling overwhelmed by technology is completely normal, and that IT is not too complicated—it’s just unfamiliar. Every skill in technology is built one small step at a time, and no one starts out knowing how everything works.
  
  I would reassure them that computers are simply tools created by people, for people, and they are meant to solve problems—not create stress. With the right guidance, hands-on practice, and patience, anyone can become comfortable and confident using technology. My role as an educator is to break complex concepts into manageable pieces and help students realize that they are far more capable than they think.

• What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  Beyond computers, I am passionate about coaching soccer, being a dedicated father, and caring for our family pets, including a Great Pyrenees and a large Oscar fish. I enjoy gardening and am committed to environmental stewardship, doing my part to take care of the planet.
  
  As a teacher for over 25 years, I have also taken on many additional roles to support students whenever needed, helping them grow both academically and personally. Outside of work, my family and I enjoy spending summers at our local water park and vacationing at Margaritaville, creating meaningful experiences and memories together.

• What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  What makes me a Superprof in IT is my ability to bridge the gap between technology and real-world application. I don’t just teach tools or software—I help students understand how technology can be used creatively, practically, and professionally. My experience spans CAD design, 3D printing, digital fabrication, video editing, and content creation, all learned through hands-on projects that evolved into successful products, educational content, and online businesses.
  
  As an educator, I focus on meeting students where they are, breaking complex topics into clear, achievable steps, and building confidence through practical success. I bring real industry experience, patience, and adaptability to every lesson, helping students not only learn IT skills but also understand how to apply them to their own goals—whether that’s education, entrepreneurship, or creative expression.