The final installment of MAK's Simulation Solution Superheroes
A few months ago, we introduced round one and round two of our Simulation Solutions Division superheroes. We're back with the final installment of our heroes!
Creativity flows, beauty abounds, and gears are always turning – we’re excited for you to meet more of MAK’s team of Simulation Solutions Superheroes, a formidable force in the realm of simulation technology and solutions.
Buckle up and say hello to:
Clifton Garner
Senior Business Development Manager
"The Disarmer"
In a world where communication barriers and industry challenges grow ever more daunting, Clifton Garner, known as The Disarmer, emerges as a beacon of ease, charm, and authenticity. With his ability to create a comfortable, non-threatening environment, The Disarmer effortlessly breaks down defenses and fosters open, genuine discussions with the team and customers alike.
Clifton’s origin story began in the US Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, where he honed his technical skills and developed a keen eye for detail. After earning a degree in Electrical Engineering, he transitioned to GE Aviation Systems, contributing to cutting-edge flight management systems as an avionics systems engineer and project manager. Pivoting to the Modeling & Simulation (M&S) industry, Clifton embraced emerging technologies like VR/AR simulation and training solutions, advancing from systems engineering to business development. He’s led teams to produce award-winning training products for Fortune 100 medical device and pharmaceutical companies, as well as government agencies like NASA and the Veteran Health Administration. As the Senior Business Development Capture Manager at MAK, Clifton’s leadership, versatility, and ability to build and maintain trust make him an incredible force within the Simulation Solutions Division.
Blake Gates
Lead Software Engineer
"The Closer"
Blake Gates is known both at MAK and in the superhero realm as The Closer. He transforms ideas into reality and ensures that projects are completed with precision and efficiency.
Whether implementing a new feature, optimizing a system, or leading a product team to release, Blake excels in turning concepts into organized, documented efforts. With the ability to bridge high-level business concepts into actionable tasks for engineering teams, he ensures that every project gets done—and gets done right.
Blake's journey began in the Marine Corps infantry, where he served as a Platoon Sergeant during combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the Corps, he earned a degree in Software Engineering from Full Sail University and quickly made a mark in the DoD simulation sector at DiSTI, where he delivered custom software for critical systems like Boeing Starliner instrumentation and Hyundai Motors' infotainment clusters. Blake continued his mission at ProActive Technologies, creating virtual maintenance trainers, and at Veraxx, developing flight and mission simulation software for the Army and Marine Corps. Now, as the Lead Engineer on the NICO team at MAK, Blake continues to turn complex requirements into tangible, optimized solutions, ensuring every task he undertakes is a success.
David Stilli
Business Development Capture Manager
"Visionary Vanguard"
Meet David, aka the Visionary Vanguard, whose superpowers include the ability to see beyond the horizon, infuse every challenge with optimism, and weave bonds that connects the team to the purpose of every project.
Though his superhero name might be the Visionary Vanguard, his true identity is Colonel (Ret) David L. Stilli II, Business Development Capture Manager on our Simulation Solutions team. He brings the superpowers of vision, positivity, and connection to MAK. Enlisting in the Air Force in 1991, he honed his powers as an Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller (ETAC), later becoming a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and an ALO/JTAC during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As the Commander of the 194th Air Support Operations Group, he championed mission readiness, professional development, and welfare across seven states. His legacy? A tapestry of bonds that continue beyond his Air Force retirement and into his tenure at MAK.
Jonathan Towne
Software Engineer
"Script Sentry"
Jonathan Towne is a software engineer, also known as our Script Sentry, in our Simulation Solutions Division; his main mission is to make our software code work. From vanquishing bugs to forging powerful new features, Jonathan keeps the digital realm running seamlessly.
Since embarking on his heroic MAK journey in early 2020, he’s contributed to several teams across MAK, including one where he mastered the VR-Forces behavior engine. He is currently writing code to develop NICO, specializing in camera processing, speech recognition, and AI. With a knack for solving problems and optimizing performance, the Script Sentry keeps our digital world ticking.
Our Interns and Contractors
"The Innovation Squad"
We are proud to have our own group of dynamic interns and contractors, our Innovation Squad, whose raw talent taps into the pulse of cutting-edge technologies. Some are fresh out of school while others are seasoned from diverse industries, but all these heroes bring unique insights and exciting new skillsets to the Division, fueling our team with innovative energy and infusing our missions with the latest trends and techniques.
