"Zapata Espinoza, Treks brand manager..." so that's where Zap wound up...
Specialized Snatches McAndrews Away From Trek
DECEMBER 14, 2004 -- MORGAN HILL, CA (BRAIN)
Mike "Mick" McAndrews, arguably one of the industry's best suspension designers, has abruptly left Trek for Specialized, where he once served as vice president of engineering.
Earlier today, Specialized announced McAndrews departure from Trek and his return to Morgan Hill.
McAndrews decision apparently took Treks management by surprise. He had been on the payroll for about a month and was buying a home in Madison. Trek announced his hiring Nov. 15, calling him one of the industrys most "respected and prolific suspension engineers."
Zapata Espinoza, Treks brand manager, has known McAndrews for years. Espinoza described him as a "brilliant suspension guy" and said he had looked forward to working with him.
"He left one broken-hearted Mexican in Wisconsin," Espinoza added.
Broken hearts aside, what makes McAndrews a much sought after executive is his role in innovative, commercially viable technology. And suspension, whether at the high-end or on entry-level models, is a defining component for bike companies' future growth. Thats why Trek had hired him.
McAndrews once raced motorcycles with Paul Turner and Steve Simon and worked for Kawasakis research and development division for 11 years. When Turner launched RockShox, McAndrews helped bring the Mag 21 to market.
He later joined Specialized. McAndrews, working with Bob Fox at Fox Racing Shox, developed Specializeds "BRAIN" inertia-valve rear-suspension shock and is a co-holder of that patent.
Specialized Snatches McAndrews Away From Trek
DECEMBER 14, 2004 -- MORGAN HILL, CA (BRAIN)
Mike "Mick" McAndrews, arguably one of the industry's best suspension designers, has abruptly left Trek for Specialized, where he once served as vice president of engineering.
Earlier today, Specialized announced McAndrews departure from Trek and his return to Morgan Hill.
McAndrews decision apparently took Treks management by surprise. He had been on the payroll for about a month and was buying a home in Madison. Trek announced his hiring Nov. 15, calling him one of the industrys most "respected and prolific suspension engineers."
Zapata Espinoza, Treks brand manager, has known McAndrews for years. Espinoza described him as a "brilliant suspension guy" and said he had looked forward to working with him.
"He left one broken-hearted Mexican in Wisconsin," Espinoza added.
Broken hearts aside, what makes McAndrews a much sought after executive is his role in innovative, commercially viable technology. And suspension, whether at the high-end or on entry-level models, is a defining component for bike companies' future growth. Thats why Trek had hired him.
McAndrews once raced motorcycles with Paul Turner and Steve Simon and worked for Kawasakis research and development division for 11 years. When Turner launched RockShox, McAndrews helped bring the Mag 21 to market.
He later joined Specialized. McAndrews, working with Bob Fox at Fox Racing Shox, developed Specializeds "BRAIN" inertia-valve rear-suspension shock and is a co-holder of that patent.
