WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT STANDARD ELECTRIC, AND WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?
I am an Application Specialist on Standard Electric’s Technical Solutions Team, specializing in sensors, robotics, and general automation.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN ENGINEERING?
As a kid, I loved to take things apart to see how they worked, then putting them back together again (and sometimes they still worked!). When it came to electronics, disassembling and analyzing a device was much less obvious, so I found myself pursuing an education in electronics to find out how these mysterious components worked.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS INDUSTRY?
After working as an Engineering Technician for a naval defense contractor in central Florida, I accepted a position with Disney to install and debug control systems for the rides and shows in their new studio theme park. I enjoyed working with many brands of PLC’s and cutting-edge industrial controls. Florida was a nice place to visit (for 9 years), but I felt drawn back to my home state of Wisconsin to work as a Controls Engineer.
WHAT TRAITS DO YOU HAVE THAT HELP YOU IN YOUR ROLE?
I have always found great satisfaction in helping others solve problems. Throughout my career, I have often been the “Go-To Guy”. If I don’t have the answer, I try to find it.
WHEN YOU'RE WORKING WITH CLIENTS, HOW DO YOU HELP THEM IDENTIFY AND SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THEY'RE FACING?
I start by listening completely to their problem. Then, ask detailed, pertinent questions to get clarity on the big picture. I like to think “outside the box” - sometimes the obvious solution is not always the best solution.
WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU'VE LEARNED WHILE WORKING AT STANDARD ELECTRIC?
I have always felt that we never quit learning. Standard Electric promotes all necessary resources for their associates to expand our knowledge. The more we know, the more beneficial we are to our customers. No one person can know everything, but we have an amazing wealth of knowledge within our Technical Solutions Team.
WHAT KIND OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I spend most of my down-time spending time with family and friends, taking the pontoon out on the lake, downhill skiing, or travelling to new places.
WHAT IS AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE CO-WORKERS OR FRIENDS?
I have been to Disney World over 1,472 times.
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