01. about
Caleb McCandliss is an entrepreneur and mechanical engineering student at Grand Canyon University with expertise in product design, rapid prototyping, and market-driven innovation. As the Founder and CEO of CarChap, he has built a successful consumer brand with strong online sales across multiple platforms. Caleb has extensive experience leading organizations, launching startups, and collaborating with prominent national brands. He combines advanced manufacturing knowledge with digital marketing strategy and is passionate about mentoring peers, fostering innovation, and building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems.
02. Experience
January 2023 - Present
Founder & CEO – CarChap
I designed and patented a consumer product that prevents lip balm from melting in cars, overseeing the entire development process from concept to retail. This included packaging design, prototyping, and manufacturing coordination to ensure a high-quality final product. I also built and executed marketing strategies that led to strong sales performance on platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and other online marketplaces. The product’s innovation and success earned recognition from major publications, including Car & Driver and Good Housekeeping magazines.
January 2023 - Present
Founder & CEO – CarChap
I designed and patented a consumer product that prevents lip balm from melting in cars, overseeing the entire development process from concept to retail. This included packaging design, prototyping, and manufacturing coordination to ensure a high-quality final product. I also built and executed marketing strategies that led to strong sales performance on platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and other online marketplaces. The product’s innovation and success earned recognition from major publications, including Car & Driver and Good Housekeeping magazines.
January 2023 - Present
Founder & CEO – CarChap
I designed and patented a consumer product that prevents lip balm from melting in cars, overseeing the entire development process from concept to retail. This included packaging design, prototyping, and manufacturing coordination to ensure a high-quality final product. I also built and executed marketing strategies that led to strong sales performance on platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and other online marketplaces. The product’s innovation and success earned recognition from major publications, including Car & Driver and Good Housekeeping magazines.
Sep 2022 - Apr 2022
CNC Machinist – Lux Precision Manufacturing
I worked as a CNC machinist and programmer, managing the full production process from programming and cutting stock to setup, machining, and post-processing. Using Autodesk Fusion 360, I programmed and machined precision parts while consistently meeting tight tolerance requirements and maintaining high-quality standards throughout each project.
Sep 2022 - Apr 2022
CNC Machinist – Lux Precision Manufacturing
I worked as a CNC machinist and programmer, managing the full production process from programming and cutting stock to setup, machining, and post-processing. Using Autodesk Fusion 360, I programmed and machined precision parts while consistently meeting tight tolerance requirements and maintaining high-quality standards throughout each project.
Sep 2022 - Apr 2022
CNC Machinist – Lux Precision Manufacturing
I worked as a CNC machinist and programmer, managing the full production process from programming and cutting stock to setup, machining, and post-processing. Using Autodesk Fusion 360, I programmed and machined precision parts while consistently meeting tight tolerance requirements and maintaining high-quality standards throughout each project.
Aug 2023 - Dec 2025
President – IDEA Club, Grand Canyon University
I lead the largest business club on campus, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students. In this role, I have organized pitch competitions, workshops, and networking events that empower students to transform their ideas into real ventures, resulting in over 471 businesses launched and $631,000 generated across 23 marketplaces. I also manage a leadership team of 13–15 students, guiding them to ensure effective program execution and sustained club growth.
Aug 2023 - Dec 2025
President – IDEA Club, Grand Canyon University
I lead the largest business club on campus, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students. In this role, I have organized pitch competitions, workshops, and networking events that empower students to transform their ideas into real ventures, resulting in over 471 businesses launched and $631,000 generated across 23 marketplaces. I also manage a leadership team of 13–15 students, guiding them to ensure effective program execution and sustained club growth.
Aug 2023 - Dec 2025
President – IDEA Club, Grand Canyon University
I lead the largest business club on campus, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students. In this role, I have organized pitch competitions, workshops, and networking events that empower students to transform their ideas into real ventures, resulting in over 471 businesses launched and $631,000 generated across 23 marketplaces. I also manage a leadership team of 13–15 students, guiding them to ensure effective program execution and sustained club growth.
03. SKILLS
Fusion 360
Project Management
Solidworks
3D Printing
CNC
Design for Manufacturablilty
Product Design
Business Model Design
Communication
Public Speaking
Strategic Decision-Making
Online Sales
Product Market Fit
Leadership
Pitching & Investor Relations
04. education
Grand Canyon University • 2022–2026
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Emphasis: Aerospace
Completed coursework in mechanical and aerospace systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis. Developed hands-on experience in CAD design, prototyping, and control systems while integrating entrepreneurial principles to design, build, and commercialize innovative products.
Grand Canyon University • 2022–2026
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Emphasis: Aerospace
Completed coursework in mechanical and aerospace systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis. Developed hands-on experience in CAD design, prototyping, and control systems while integrating entrepreneurial principles to design, build, and commercialize innovative products.
Grand Canyon University • 2022–2026
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Emphasis: Aerospace
Completed coursework in mechanical and aerospace systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis. Developed hands-on experience in CAD design, prototyping, and control systems while integrating entrepreneurial principles to design, build, and commercialize innovative products.
Grand Canyon University • 2022–2026
Minor in Entrepreneurial Studies
Completed specialized coursework in venture creation, business strategy, and innovation management. Developed skills in value proposition design, marketing, and financial forecasting through real-world startup projects. Applied entrepreneurial principles to engineering designs, leading product launches such as CarChap and organizing large-scale events through IDEA Club to support student-led businesses.
Grand Canyon University • 2022–2026
Minor in Entrepreneurial Studies
Completed specialized coursework in venture creation, business strategy, and innovation management. Developed skills in value proposition design, marketing, and financial forecasting through real-world startup projects. Applied entrepreneurial principles to engineering designs, leading product launches such as CarChap and organizing large-scale events through IDEA Club to support student-led businesses.
Grand Canyon University • 2022–2026
Minor in Entrepreneurial Studies
Completed specialized coursework in venture creation, business strategy, and innovation management. Developed skills in value proposition design, marketing, and financial forecasting through real-world startup projects. Applied entrepreneurial principles to engineering designs, leading product launches such as CarChap and organizing large-scale events through IDEA Club to support student-led businesses.
05. References
John Kaites
Dean - Colangelo College of Business
Caleb is respected for both his accomplishments and his character. Approachable, collaborative, and demonstrating integrity, he listens, encourages, and empowers others. These qualities, along with his entrepreneurial drive and technical skills, make him an excellent candidate for any future opportunity. I am confident Caleb will bring the same energy, creativity, and leadership to his next endeavors. He has my highest recommendation
John Kaites
Dean - Colangelo College of Business
Caleb is respected for both his accomplishments and his character. Approachable, collaborative, and demonstrating integrity, he listens, encourages, and empowers others. These qualities, along with his entrepreneurial drive and technical skills, make him an excellent candidate for any future opportunity. I am confident Caleb will bring the same energy, creativity, and leadership to his next endeavors. He has my highest recommendation
John Kaites
Dean - Colangelo College of Business
Caleb is respected for both his accomplishments and his character. Approachable, collaborative, and demonstrating integrity, he listens, encourages, and empowers others. These qualities, along with his entrepreneurial drive and technical skills, make him an excellent candidate for any future opportunity. I am confident Caleb will bring the same energy, creativity, and leadership to his next endeavors. He has my highest recommendation
Connor Vicary
CEO and Founder Turnkey Industries
Caleb’s drive to turn ideas into reality is unmatched. He blends technical precision with entrepreneurial creativity, leading teams that don’t just talk about innovation, they build it. Working alongside him has shown me what intentional leadership and genuine vision look like.
Connor Vicary
CEO and Founder Turnkey Industries
Caleb’s drive to turn ideas into reality is unmatched. He blends technical precision with entrepreneurial creativity, leading teams that don’t just talk about innovation, they build it. Working alongside him has shown me what intentional leadership and genuine vision look like.
Connor Vicary
CEO and Founder Turnkey Industries
Caleb’s drive to turn ideas into reality is unmatched. He blends technical precision with entrepreneurial creativity, leading teams that don’t just talk about innovation, they build it. Working alongside him has shown me what intentional leadership and genuine vision look like.
Rasean Mcmillar
CEO and Founder Flash Path Golf
Working with Caleb on Flash Path was an incredible experience. He took a rough concept and turned it into a fully functional, beautifully engineered product that exceeded every expectation. His attention to detail, creativity, and ability to blend technical design with real-world usability made the entire development process seamless.
Rasean Mcmillar
CEO and Founder Flash Path Golf
Working with Caleb on Flash Path was an incredible experience. He took a rough concept and turned it into a fully functional, beautifully engineered product that exceeded every expectation. His attention to detail, creativity, and ability to blend technical design with real-world usability made the entire development process seamless.
Rasean Mcmillar
CEO and Founder Flash Path Golf
Working with Caleb on Flash Path was an incredible experience. He took a rough concept and turned it into a fully functional, beautifully engineered product that exceeded every expectation. His attention to detail, creativity, and ability to blend technical design with real-world usability made the entire development process seamless.
06. Awards
07. contact
Phone
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Phone
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