About CPD

About the Founder

Fred Heys was born in Dayton, Ohio and grew up nearby in the town of Cambridge. As a young man Fred demonstrated responsibility and motivation. He became an Eagle Scout during his high school years. His commitment to the school Track Team earned him numerous medals and much respect from his peers. Fred also worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. His character was further developed while serving in the U.S. Navy, and he became a veteran of the Gulf War in 1990. After this, he attended college and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He says that his greatest achievement is his wonderful, supportive family. Fred and his wife, Andrea, have three children and currently reside in Beaufort, South Carolina.

In 1994 Fred worked for his father and mentor, George Heys, who founded Centerline Corporation in Atlanta Georgia, which CPD is modeled after. He started out as an apprentice and worked up to Senior Product Designer before joining the corporate world as a Product Design Engineer. Fred primarily worked with Research and Development groups designing consumer, medical, and industrial products. Some notable full-time employers were Panasonic (cell phone development), Makita (power tool design), AVL Scientific (medical equipment), and Roche Diagnostics (medical devices). In 2001 he decided to follow his father’s footsteps, and founded Critical Path Design Corporation in Atlanta, GA. The main office is currently located in Beaufort, SC. Fred is also a consultant for Centerline Corporation, and frequently travels to Atlanta for business. The portfolio section lists various customers and projects that Fred has been involved with while working independently.

From the Founder

My dad and grandfather both have several patents ranging from the first tackle box with fold-out trays, to the Micro-motion keyboard. Surrounded by all this creative energy, I found it only natural to follow their lead. Now, living the American Dream full time, my work seems effortless and brings true joy to my life.

My goal with CPD is to provide value to inventors and entrepreneurs who are not involved in the product development cycle, but have the ingenuity and passion to invent and become financially independent.

My business model is simple; build relationships with corporations, small businesses, and inventors, while providing services to help them quickly move their product ideas to market.

Product design is my passion, and I thrive on the creative energy that surrounds this line of work. CPD provides a venue for me to interact daily with inventors and creative thinkers. This makes my work fun!

The Blog

My Product Engineer™ was created to share the vast amount of information available on product development, and to communicate directly and personally to inventors across the world. The information is provided to help inventors reach their American Dream.

Remember, the Law of Attraction states that what you think about most will manifest in your life.

About the Name of the company

Critical Path Design represents a cutting edge approach to product development. Critical Path (defined): the shortest path through each stage of development, focusing on the necessary details to quickly meet the customer's design intent, production goals, and product success.

The "I" and the "We" of CPD Corporation

Critical Path Design is an "I" company (Fred Heys) when it comes to taking responsibility, customer relationships, and design work. The "We" comes in when projects are too big for one person, or require special disciplines, such as programming, electronic design, etc. The "We" is made up of a network of engineers and designers who typically have 15 to 35 yrs. of experience in product design.

Fred is now a member and Participant of the InventorSpot Forum