Spring Loaded Technology has named Stephen Fitzgerald as its new Chief Technology Officer, replacing co-founder Bob Garrish, who has stepped down for health reasons.

Armed with more than 25 years of experience in turning technology into products, Fitzgerald will lead the company’s R&D activities and product development. He will continue to bring the company’s innovative concept products to life, said the Dartmouth-based company in a statement.

“Stephen has an extensive track record and strong reputation as an innovative mechanical engineer and is a welcome addition to our team,” said Spring Loaded CEO Chris Cowper-Smith. “His experience inventing, developing, launching, and improving products in fields that range from aerospace to sporting goods will prove invaluable as we continue to strengthen and expand our product line.”

Garrish, Cowper-Smith and Shea Kerwin (who’s now heading up the Ontario sports hardware startup, UHWK) came together in the first cohort of Dalhousie University’s Starting Lean program to form Spring Loaded in 2012. The aim was to develop a knee brace that not only stabilized the joint but also added power to it. The result was the Levitation knee brace, launched last year, which the company refers to as the world’s first “bionic knee brace”.

Garrish oversaw the development of the Levitation and the continuing research into new products, and helped to build Spring Loaded to an enterprise with almost 30 employees.

“I’ve had to resign so I can focus on my health going forward, and I’ve chosen Steve as my successor,” said Garrish, who will remain as a director of the company. In an interview, he added that eventually he will start another company.

“One of the things I gained from being part of that first Starting Lean group is we learned something about taking your skills and turning them into something marketable,” he said. 

His successor Fitzgerald brings depth and breadth of experience to Spring Loaded Technology. Since completing his MASc in Mechanical Engineering, he has flown an experiment on the space shuttle, worked on development of a stealth fighter, built cable tray systems for the English Channel tunnel, and designed and produced all manner of carbon fiber sporting goods.

Most recently, Fitzgerald served as Senior VP of Engineering at Combat Sports where he was responsible for engineering, product development and applied research, as well as international manufacturing operations.

“There are exciting things happening at Spring Loaded Technology and I’m excited to contribute to the company’s growth,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s rewarding to work with a company and product line that has such a significant positive impact on the lives of its customers and I look forward to doing my part to give customers the best experience possible.”

Last March, Spring Loaded Technology announced a $1.9 million venture capital investment from Build Ventures. Spring Loaded had previously raised more than $1.8 million in equity and non-dilutive capital, including investments from the First Angel Network and Innovacorp.