In this episode of Verify Infield, host Jacob Edmond talks with Dave Doran, the inventor of a game-changing Z clip system and the founder of Seven Degree Solutions. After more than 25 years in high-end millwork installation, Dave saw firsthand how much time and effort was wasted shimming wall panels by hand—and decided to do something about it.
What began as a sketch in Bluebeam and a prototype in his garage has now become a patented system used by leading shops in the Bay Area and beyond. With a clever beveled clip and horseshoe shim combo, Dave’s innovation simplifies installation, saves time, and eliminates the frustration of misaligned panels.
About Our Guest
Dave Doran is a seasoned project manager and millwork installer with a deep background in architectural woodwork. He began his career as an apprentice with Design Workshops in the Bay Area and now works for a major general contractor managing large-scale projects—including OpenAI’s new headquarters in San Francisco.
Drawing on decades of hands-on experience (and a family legacy in the trades), Dave developed the Seven Degree Z Clip System—a refined, field-tested solution for faster and more accurate panel installation. His mission? Make installation smarter and simpler for the next generation of tradespeople—including his own son, now a union apprentice.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The Problem with Traditional Z Clips
Dave breaks down why conventional Z clip systems create a labor-intensive, error-prone process when trying to shim panels over wavy walls. - How Seven Degrees Simplifies It All
By adding a 7° bevel to the Z clip and using a wedge-style horseshoe shim, Dave’s system makes fine-tuning wall and ceiling panels fast, clean, and dead-accurate. - Eliminating the Shim Stack Struggle
No more stacking 1/32″ and 1/16″ shims hoping to hit the right plane—this system gives installers infinite adjustability with precision and repeatability. - Speed Gains That Add Up
Installers using the system report cutting installation time by up to 66%. For multi-week panel jobs, that translates to serious labor savings. - Real-World Endorsements
Top-tier shops like Design Workshops have already adopted the system, updating their internal standards because of the reliability and ease it provides in the field. - A Family Legacy in the Trades
From his dad to his son, Dave represents three generations of trade experience—and his solution is built with that legacy in mind. - Ceiling-Ready and Reuse-Ready
The Seven Degree system also works on ceiling installs and can support reuse or repositioning without hassle or misalignment. - What’s in the Box?
Just four parts: a beveled wall rail, panel clip, and two shim options (small and large). Simple. Scalable. Shippable anywhere in the U.S. - A Company Built on Field Knowledge
Dave isn’t just an inventor—he’s still in the field managing major GC projects, and everything about the system was built to solve real-life frustrations he faced daily. - The Future of Field Innovation
From battery-powered tools to 3D software and Bluebeam markups, Dave reflects on how the field has changed—and how simple mechanical innovations still have big impact.
Where to Learn More
Explore Seven Degree Solutions, watch demo videos, or request a free sample:
- Home – 7 Degree Solutions
- Request a sample or place a quote directly from the site
- Connect with Dave Doran on LinkedIn
- Follow 7 Degree Solutions in LinkedIn
Final Thought
“You don’t need to change how you build—you just install faster and better.”
Seven Degree Solutions isn’t trying to reinvent the wall panel. It’s fixing the real bottleneck: time-consuming field shim work.
Whether you’re a shop foreman, a GC superintendent, or a millwork drafter who’s never set foot on-site, this episode will give you a newfound appreciation for what it really takes to get things flat, flush, and flawless.