Robert Steingass

Fellow 

He is the director of research at Task Force Tips (TFT), Valparaiso, a manufacturer of fire fighting equipment worldwide. Steingass invented the “Monsoon” water cannon to fight large fires in “places of extreme hazard.” Based upon a “stove pipe” design Bob saw at Menards, this is a “totally new and extremely efficient way to direct water.” It represents two of the 38 domestic and international patents he holds. Currently, Bob is introducing a multi-million dollar finishing line for aluminum parts as part of a major expansion of TFT. This process was previously outsourced and by “bringing it inside,” this will produce better quality and safer environmental conditions for workers. As a volunteer for his church, Bob recently conceived a new generation “Braille” printing press design in conjunction with Valparaiso University to produce Bibles for blind people. This award of a plaque and a $500 gift is sponsored by ArcelorMittal.