Engineer Spotlight: Mike Berrong
Meet… Mike Berrong! Mike is an Application Engineer for Standard Electric Supply Co. He works out of our Indianapolis, IN location. Get to know Mike!
What is your role and what do you specialize in?
I am an Application Specialist on the Technical Solutions Team (TST). I’ve been in industrial automation for many years and generally focus on motion and motion control products; mechatronics.
How did you become interested in Engineering?
I went into the Navy right out of high school and found I had strong aptitudes in electricity and electronics. I was placed to work on Autopilot systems which, as I think on it, is an: analog, three-axis position-control system with force override. Oh, and the axes are coordinated with each other as well as some military technology I’m not at liberty to discuss. At any rate, my efforts landed me at Purdue on a scholarship and the rest is history.
What attracted you to this industry?
Right out of college I went into Industrial Automation as a technology writer. The company I worked for developed training systems and curriculum for many of the products we distribute here at Standard Electric Supply Co. I’ve been in Industrial Automation from day one; as it were.
What traits do you have that help you succeed in your role?
Top of the list you must have a high degree of intellectual curiosity. You need to be driven to step out of your comfort zone and desirous to take on and master new technologies and concepts. I’m also very detail oriented. I’m not comfortable with a spec or a configuration until I know for certain that every single facet is accounted for.
When you're working with clients, how do you help them identify and solve the problems that they're facing?
I let the customer do the talking! I am an engineer and I’ve been doing it for a long time. But the customer has been doing what they do just as long or longer. They are the experts in material handling, packaging, extrusion, machine building… They know best how to solve their problems. To be a good solution provider is to really just be a good listener. After that, the engineering part is just math and physics.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned while working for the Standard Electric family of companies?
It’s a lesson I wish I learned long ago… Customer first. We hear it everywhere, but it’s generally lip service; something that looks good on a glossy brochure or entryway signage. At Standard Electric, it’s in our DNA.
What kinds of things do you like to do outside of work?
I’m a beach bum. Sand, sun, (sunscreen), salty water, adult beverages, and a Bluetooth speaker are all I need. Central Indiana isn’t necessarily a beach-lover’s haven, so I also cook. Yes, cooking can be a hobby. Then there’s our weekly Trivia night.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Let’s see… Even though I was in the Navy and travelled the world, I never once saw a ship. I saw lots of Soviet submarines (they couldn’t hide from us) but never a US ship.
Standard Electric Supply Co. is a family-owned distributor, built on delivering outstanding service. For over 100 years, Standard Electric has been the best at what they do; delivering top-quality products, outstanding service, and providing value-added services to customers across the Midwest. Visit standardelectricsupply.com to see how Standard Electric can become the solution to your needs.
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