Katie Doerfler | Member
Big Ass Fans (www.bigassfans.com) is the preeminent designer and manufacturer of high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans for industrial, commercial, and, most recently, luxury residential applications. As Big Ass Fans’ technical communicator, I am tasked with a duty that few, if any, technical communicators must manage—creating “no ass” versions of documentation. For the varied audience of Intercom, it’s probably best to maintain a “no ass” policy as well.
I joined The Big Fan Company (the “clean” version of our company name) in the spring of 2009 when the company had reached its tenth year and was rapidly growing. The engineering department was diligently developing new fan designs and the customer base was expanding as applications for these unique fans became more diverse. Because the company had been without a technical communicator for nearly a year prior to my hire, the urgent need for new and updated documentation created an instant heavy workload, and I was thrust into the demanding but rewarding world of big fans.
Like many technical communicators, I create and maintain installation guides, technical releases, and various other technical documents, but the most challenging aspect of my job is maximizing my time in order to keep up with the rate of fan production while consistently producing clear documentation. Steady product releases, a diverse customer base, and Earth’s changing seasons drive sales and product development, creating a fast-paced work environment and an evolving product line. The documentation process for Big Fans can sometimes be challenging and stressful, but hands-on demonstrations, specialized software, and much-needed playtime keep me focused and industrious.
One of the more exciting aspects of my job is hands-on training, which can take me up to 40 feet above ground or just outside the front door. Fan installations can be diverse and occasionally complex, so I find it helpful to visit the test lab every now and then to ensure I fully understand the assemblies and operation, reducing time I later would spend playing 20 questions with the fan engineers. This also reinforces my appreciation for the OSHA- and ISO-compliant safety precautions that headline all Big Ass Fan installation guides.
Hands-on demonstrations are not the only method I use to get up close and personal with Big Ass Fans. Specialized software offers a detailed look at fan assemblies without having to leave my desk. My favorite software is 3DVIA Composer, which I use to produce vector graphics from 3D fan models previously created in a CAD Design software. With Composer, I can work independently to explore and identify product parts and hardware, creating the perfect views of a fan without having to endure a drawn-out, trial-and-error session with a busy design engineer. Not only is 3DVIA Composer fun to work with, more importantly it further familiarizes me with new designs while shaving off time I used to spend conveying my needs to design engineers.
Most recently I have been working in Adobe RoboHelp to create online, searchable versions of the installation guides with added FAQ sections. The online availability of the guides and easy access to common troubleshooting methods is intended to encourage customers and contractors to independently maintenance their Big Fans before calling the customer service department. This is hoped to reduce the time customer service representatives spend answering common questions and help educate fan owners on the less obvious intricacies of our products. Currently, all installation guides are available as PDF files or hardcopies; however, I hope to implement the online versions soon.
Being the only technical communicator at an innovative and progressive company can be stressful at times, but the rewards and fringe benefits keep the job fun and fulfilling. Surprise luncheons, holiday parties, and random prize raffles are scattered throughout the year, creating a cohesive work environment that is anything but humdrum. In fact, the company was chosen as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Work in Kentucky for third year in a row, providing its employees with the necessary tools (and playtime) to effectively and consistently produce superior products.
I can’t be more proud to say I work at Big Ass Fans.
