John Colby Calhoun

Founder CADMORE METAL

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

About

At CADMORE Metal (Co-Founder), I spearheaded the development of a scalable Cold-Metal Fusion (CMF) production line for Ti64 and Nickel based super alloys—transforming a high-precision AM process into a robust manufacturing platform and positioning HeadMade GmbH materials for global adoption.

Experience

  • Founder CADMORE METAL at CADmore Metal
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    As founder, I led the creation of North America’s first titanium additive manufacturing facility built exclusively on HeadMade GmbH’s Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) technology. I oversaw end-to-end technical development, production integration, and strategic positioning for a next-generation metal AM platform capable of producing aerospace- and performance-grade Ti64 Grade 5 and TiAl 4822 components with unmatched cost efficiency and precision. Key Highlights: Designed and implemented the full CMF production line—including SLS printing, debinding, sintering, and finishing—optimized for Ti64 alloys. Led supplier negotiations and established long-term strategic alignment with HeadMade GmbH, securing exclusive material access and regional rights.

  • Director of Powder Additive at Nexa3D
    Mar 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

    At Nexa3D, I drove the company’s entry into high-speed powder-based additive manufacturing, combining technical innovation with commercial strategy to position SLS as a competitive production technology. Reporting directly to leadership under Dr. Kevin McAlea and Avi Reichental, I led product definition, global go-to-market execution, and strategic supplier partnerships for polymer and metal additive systems. Key Achievements: Accelerated SLS adoption by implementing fast-cycle printing and closed-loop powder recycling, reducing production cost per part and setting new throughput benchmarks. Created the industrial design for Nexa3D’s QLS 260 and contributed to the QLS 230/236 development, guiding the transition of machine production from NKG Thailand to Nexa3D Ventura, CA. Headed the global SLS applications engineering team, building a benchmark testing program that validated customer parts for mechanical performance, accuracy, and productivity. Introduced Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) technology to Nexa3D, expanding the company’s material and market reach into metal AM. Led global sales, materials, and marketing development, integrating technical proof points into commercial campaigns and partner onboarding. Negotiated international supplier contracts for both materials and hardware, optimizing cost structure and throughput to strengthen competitive positioning.

  • Director of Additive at XYZprinting
    Jan 2018 - Mar 2023 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    At XYZprinting, under Simon Shen’s leadership at New Kinpo Group (NKG), I directed both product development and go-to-market strategy for the company’s industrial and professional additive manufacturing platforms—most notably the MfgPro230 and MfgPro236 SLS systems. My role bridged technology, market expansion, and global sales enablement, helping position NKG as a competitive player in industrial 3D printing. Key Achievements: Negotiated and managed the sale of the industrial 3D printing division of XYZprinting to Nexa3D, transferring intellectual property and setting the foundation for the QLS-series product line. Served as product development lead and strategist, defining specifications, materials integration, and performance targets for industrial SLS platforms. Recruited and onboarded 17 channel partners across North America, including several of the largest and most established resellers in the 3D printing industry. Created the marketing strategy and messaging for XYZ’s professional division, including website positioning and branding for industrial products. Authored all XYZ SLS case studies, translating complex technical results into compelling customer narratives and ROI stories. Developed and delivered global sales training programs for XYZ Professional 3D Printing, upskilling teams on applications, technology, and competitive differentiation. Built and managed the Americas service and print services teams, creating responsive support infrastructure and ensuring customer success across the region.

  • Director at CadBlu Inc.
    Nov 2015 - Jan 2018 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    As Director of Sales & Business Development, I led revenue growth, regional expansion, and strategic acquisitions for CadBlu’s West Coast operations. I built and scaled a high-performing sales organization while driving partnerships and customer success in 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions. Key Achievements: Substantially increased sales performance and expanded the sales team’s reach through both organic growth and targeted acquisitions. Established CadBlu’s Oregon division, positioning it as a key regional hub for advanced additive manufacturing technologies. Secured major accounts including Nike, Adidas, Laika, and Columbia, strengthening CadBlu’s footprint in consumer product design, footwear, and entertainment sectors. Managed the acquisition of Red Rocks LLC (Colorado), integrating its personnel and customer base to expand CadBlu’s geographic and technical capabilities. Collaborated with engineering and R&D teams to align hardware, software, and process solutions for metal and polymer 3D printing workflows. Advanced CadBlu’s mission of providing end-to-end digital manufacturing solutions supported by world-class customer service and technology integration.

  • Senior Director of Sales for the Americas at 3D Systems Corporation
    Oct 2009 - May 2015 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    At 3D Systems, I led the Americas business division through an unprecedented phase of expansion, driving growth across sales, channel development, and international partner management. My leadership helped scale 3D Systems’ reach across key vertical industries through a mix of strategic partnerships, sales enablement, and innovative marketing. Key Achievements: Managed and guided record growth for the Americas division by leading international sales teams, recruiting high-performance partners, and developing multi-tier distribution channels. Built strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, extending 3D Systems’ technology footprint across aerospace, medical, automotive, and consumer sectors. Developed and executed 3D Systems’ global sales training and certification program, a multi-level curriculum for internal and partner teams that became the standard for international enablement. Introduced new marketing direction focused on application-driven messaging, output-based imagery, and part-level branding to elevate the company’s product positioning. Strengthened the link between engineering performance and commercial value, enabling faster adoption of additive manufacturing across diverse markets.