About Us
Empowering Automotive and Clean Transport Businesses
Strategic Drive LLC is a specialized consultancy dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses in the automotive, energy, and transport sectors. Founded by an industry veteran with 30 years experience coupled with modern tools including artificial intelligence (AI), we understand the unique challenges facing SMBs and startup companies in these rapidly evolving industries.
OUR MISSION
To provide SMBs with the strategic insights, regulatory expertise, and a business performance optimization partner they need to thrive in complex, highly regulated markets.
OUR APPROACH
We combine deep industry knowledge with a flexible partnership model, allowing us to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to each client's specific needs. Think of it as Just-In-Time inventory, only for professional services. This unique approach enables us to deliver the expertise of a larger consultancy with the personalized attention of a boutique firm.
OUR TEAM
Our core team consists of industry experts and advisors with decades of experience in automotive, energy, and transport sectors. We supplement this expertise with a carefully curated network of specialized partners, ensuring we can address the challenges our clients face by delivering solutions with value.
STEVE CARLSON | FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
Steve Carlson is a seasoned executive with 30 years of experience in the automotive, commercial vehicle and energy sectors. As the founder and principal of Strategic Drive LLC, Steve leverages his extensive background in corporate development, business strategy, and technological innovation to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) thrive in complex, rapidly evolving markets.
Prior to founding Strategic Drive, Steve served as Vice President at Tula Technology, a technology startup in Silicon Valley, where he led global business development efforts and spearheaded strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and regulatory agencies such as the US EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB). His expertise spans regulatory navigation, business performance optimization, and M&A advisory.
Steve's career is marked by significant achievements, including leading teams that won the prestigious Automotive News PACE Award for innovation and collaboration and is a five-time winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines for series-production vehicles. He holds an MBA from HULT International Business School and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering.
A prolific innovator, Steve is named on over 70 global patents in automotive engine technology, focusing on reducing CO2 and regulated emissions. His insights are frequently sought after, having presented at major industry conferences worldwide.
Steve's unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and strategic vision positions him as a valuable partner for SMBs navigating the challenges and opportunities in automotive and clean energy transport.
"The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress."
Charles Kettering
(past inventor and head of research at General Motors)
GET TO KNOW US
At Strategic Drive, our foundation is built on decades of hands-on experience in the automotive and transport industries, combined with a passion for innovation and a commitment to helping businesses thrive in an evolving market.
A Journey of Innovation and Adaptation
Our founder's career spans nearly three decades in the automotive sector, encompassing both the technical and business aspects of the industry:
Series-Production Expertise: Almost two decades of experience in series-production automotive development with industry players like Roush, Bosch, Delphi and Tula, honing skills in powertrain engineering and technology integration.
Silicon Valley Innovation: A decade in the heart of innovation, leading business development for a cutting-edge automotive tech company, bridging the gap between traditional automotive and emerging technologies.
Inventive Mindset: At Tula Technology, contributed numerous inventions and spent years in business development, driving innovation in automotive software and controls.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founded Secant Vehicles, bringing a novel powertrain package to market. Despite initial challenges with market, pivoted successfully to develop a software catalog and strategic partnerships, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a competitive market.
Aftermarket Regulation Expertise starts with 10+ years in series-production emissions calibration. Followed with five years with Dinan Engineering, leading engine and vehicle calibration, managing Dinan's California Air Resources Board (CARB) aftermarket executive order process, successfully legalizing their products.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments is unwavering:
Constantly exploring new technologies and methodologies to bring fresh perspectives to client challenges.
Focusing on clean energy and sustainability as key growth drivers for SMBs, helping businesses capitalize on emerging opportunities in these sectors.
Strategic Drive: Your Partner in Progress
Now, with Strategic Drive, we're leveraging this wealth of experience to help small and medium-sized businesses in the automotive and transport industries navigate their next big transitions:
Guiding companies towards cleaner, more sustainable operations.
Optimizing business processes for increased profitability.
Providing strategic insights to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Guiding companies towards cleaner, more sustainable operations.
Our unique blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and industry foresight positions us to be your ideal partner in driving your business forward.
Join us on the journey to a cleaner, more profitable future in automotive and transport. Let's drive strategic change together.