WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT STANDARD ELECTRIC, AND WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
I am a Business Development Specialist (BDS) at Standard Electric, focused on Schneider Electric’s products. This means I work with our associates our customers to improve their business opportunities in conjunction with growing our Schneider business.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN ENGINEERING?
When I was younger, I always enjoyed taking things apart. I wanted to understand how things worked and how I could repair them. This included both mechanical and electrical items. My curiosity of electricity superseded my mechanical curiosity, so I pursued a Bachelor Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS INDUSTRY?
After college I interviewed at a paper company for a Controls Engineer position. I was intrigued by the size of all the different continuous processes, pulp processing, paper machines, converting equipment, boilers, etc. There were so many components to run the different processes, distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), communication networks, instrumentation, motor control centers (MCC’s), etc. I thought it would be fun to learn, program, troubleshoot, and start-up these systems.
WHAT TRAITS DO YOU HAVE THAT HELP YOU IN YOUR ROLE?
I am technical engineer experienced with a very diverse skillset, including troubleshooting and problem-solving automation systems. The technical support I provide helps reduce engineering development and equipment downtime. I can also program applications and implement new ideas which reduces variability, increases production, and proves a quality product. I also like working as an individual or in a team environment.
WHEN YOU'RE WORKING WITH CLIENTS, HOW DO YOU HELP THEM IDENTIFY AND SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THEY'RE FACING?
Asking key questions to understand the environment, application and the core problem is crucial. Analyzing changes that may or may not be directly related to the application is beneficial in the problem-solving process. Being open minded and thinking outside the box is also helpful in identifying and solving problems.
WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU'VE LEARNED WHILE WORKING AT STANDARD ELECTRIC?
At Standard Electric I learned that I have a lot more to learn! The knowledge of the individuals on the Standard Electric team is impressive! I learn something new every day at work.
WHAT KIND OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I like to be outdoors. Motorcycling, hunting and fishing are a few of my activities. Each year I usually do a couple of motorcycle trips. Missouri, South Dakota, Texas Hill Country, and Washington state have been some of the most enjoyable.
WHAT IS AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE CO-WORKERS OR FRIENDS?
I can grow hair on my head… I just choose to shave it off. 😊
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.