What is your job title and what does the position entail?
Account Sales Engineer. I am responsible for facilitating any vision system sales for Cognex in Georgia, and ensuring that these systems are performing as promised after the sale.
How long have you been at your company?
Going on 4 months with Cognex now.
What do you like best about working at your company so far?
Getting to see so many new and different manufacturing facilities each day. I also enjoy meeting new individuals that are working in these facilities and helping them solve their issues through machine vision. For example, one day I may be in a food plant making and packaging French toast sticks and then in the afternoon I’ll be in a data center or a baby diaper plant. It really sparks the engineering side of my brain.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how it helps you in this position?
I’ve worked in two prior positions before Cognex. The first I was an applications engineer, responsible for installing line scan vision systems all over the world. This job taught me everything that I knew about vision prior to Cognex. I also learned how to think on your feet while trying to troubleshoot complex issues with minimal to no support since I was working in time zones that were far different from the main office in Atlanta. The second position I worked was an outside sales/business development role for high speed checkweighers for the logistics industry. My biggest takeaway from this position was how to stay focused on your goal through the ups and downs of building a new client base. I also learned a lot about the logistics industry which is a fascinating and highly growing industry.
What are some key lessons you have taken from your career thus far?
Staying positive and keeping your mind focused on the task or goal at hand. Every job has ups and downs and it can be easy at times to be discouraged. I think being able to take a step back and appreciate what you are working for really helps. I’ve been in multiple situations where I thought there was no way out and stayed focused to come to a solution that I wasn’t initially able to see.
Describe some of your hobbies – what do you like to do outside of work?
I love almost anything that includes being outdoors. I play and watch a lot of both soccer and golf. I really enjoy live music and try to attend concerts as my free time allows. I also live close to Piedmont Park so you can find me running or walking through the park on nice days after work. Oh and food, I enjoy eating out at new restaurants throughout the city and also cooking new recipes myself.
What is one thing your customers might find surprising about you?
I grew up in Athens, GA with my Mother working at UGA and thinking my whole younger life that I would go there, but I ended up graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. It’s weird how life works out sometimes… Go Jackets!! (Sorry Mom)
Do you have any trips/vacations planned soon?
Always! I love to travel. My parents live in Oregon so I try and get out there as much as possible. Those trips typically include hiking, kayaking, or skiing depending on what time of year it is. I’m also working on planning a trip to Iceland with my girlfriend next spring to see the northern lights and catch a band that we both really like that is playing there. After that, looking to plan another visit to Japan.
What’s your favorite place in or near Atlanta?
I really like how all the Beltline is blowing up in the city. I live in Midtown and always try to find a way to beat traffic by walking, so having new restaurants and bars along the Beltline has been great.
