J. Chip Dean - Principal

Chip started in the truss industry in 1977 in Sacramento, California as a truss designer using the Gang Nail System. Working under the direct supervision of an in-house professional engineer, Chip learned the component manufacturing business from a design and engineering perspective.

In 1980 he moved to Washington state and began working at a truss plant as the production scheduler and computer programmer. Chip wrote production scheduling software, cutting software, framing software, and accounting software while there. Within a few years, he was promoted to Engineering Manager and was instrumental in helping that company develop a strong commercial truss presence as until then they were primarily a residential truss manufacturer.

In 1986, Chip moved to the Boston area. His love for computers and his natural skills as an instructor led him to Gang-Nail Systems where he became the first dedicated Regional Technical Support Specialist in the industry. He supported Gang-Nail customers' computer and software needs in 16 states and was promoted to District Sales Manager shortly thereafter.

In 1993 Chip relocated to St. Louis to work at MiTek's headquarters. While there he ran Software Product Management, the Technical Support department, Global Technical Support, ultimately becoming Marketing Director. In total, Chip worked at MiTek for 21 years.

In 2005 Chip moved to Marshfield, Massachusetts to  be closer to his family.  In July of 2007,  Chip and his brother David Bailey, started Component Runner, LLC with an unprecedented software license from MiTek to provide component design services exclusively for MiTek customers in North America.

In 2012 Chip relocated to northern California to create a west coast presence for Component Runner.

Chip continues to find ways to add value and expertise to his company by focusing on excellent service, high-quality design at realistic prices, his passion for the SBC industry, and the MiTek software that makes it all possible.

Chip is currently semi-retired and resides in Placerville, CA.

Contact Chip here.