## From Labs to Profits: How One S&T Grad Turned Engineering Expertise into a Business Empire
Picture this: you’ve poured years into mastering the intricacies of engineering, your mind buzzing with innovative ideas and a passion for problem-solving. But what happens when your thirst for knowledge meets the real-world demands of the business world? For one Missouri S&T alumnus, the answer wasn’t a choice – it was destiny. This S&T success story isn’t just about technical brilliance; it’s about where engineering meets ambition, and how a solid foundation in science and technology can pave the way to building a thriving business.
Engineering meets business: S&T alumnus lands ideal career
Duncan Bannon, a Missouri S&T alumnus, has found his ideal career as a sales engineer at Timken, a leading manufacturer of bearings and power transmission products.
Bannon’s journey to his current role was facilitated by his participation in the Kummer Vanguard Scholars program, which provided him with valuable skills and experiences that helped him land his dream job.
“The Kummer Vanguard Scholars program was instrumental in helping me secure my current role,” Bannon says. “The program’s emphasis on problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork helped me develop the skills and confidence I needed to succeed in my career.”
Bannon graduated from Missouri S&T with a degree in engineering management and was selected for the Kummer Vanguard Scholars program, which he credits for helping him secure his current role as a sales engineer at Timken.
As a sales engineer, Bannon is responsible for managing the relationship between Timken and their customers, which include major aerospace companies such as Honeywell Aerospace Technologies and Boeing.
His role involves providing engineering expertise and problem-solving capabilities to customers, which has been a key factor in his success.
“My particular focus is in the aerospace field, so I sell advanced engineered bearings that go into everything that moves,” Bannon explains.
He notes that his job is a mix of customer interaction, solving problems, and providing engineering expertise, which requires him to think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Bannon’s experience at Timken has been marked by significant achievements, including working on multi-year projects that involve designing and developing custom bearings for major aerospace companies.
He notes that his work at Timken has given him the opportunity to see projects go from conception to reality, which has been a highlight of his career.
“Some of the projects that I’m working on are multi-year,” Bannon says. “I get to see something go from an idea that we helped them design into something that we’re bidding for the next five years, and that might be on the F-35 Lightning Fighter Jet for the next 45 years.”
Bearings for the Big Jets: Timken’s role in aerospace innovation
Timken’s bearings are used in a wide range of aerospace applications, including aircraft engines, gearboxes, and actuators.
Bannon notes that his work at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the importance of precision in the aerospace industry.
“Precision is key in the aerospace industry,” he explains. “We’re talking about bearings that are used in high-performance applications, where a single failure can have catastrophic consequences.”
Bannon notes that Timken’s expertise in bearings and power transmission products has made it a leader in the aerospace industry.
“We have bearings that are on the Mars Rover, for example,” he says. “We have them on the Europa Clipper, a spacecraft that orbits Jupiter and captures images of Jupiter’s moon, Europa.”
His experience at Timken has also given him a deeper understanding of the importance of innovation in the aerospace industry.
“The aerospace industry is constantly evolving,” Bannon notes. “There’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Beyond Earth: From Mars Rovers to Spacecrafts – Timken’s global reach
Timken’s bearings are used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment.
Bannon notes that his work at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the global reach of the company.
“We’re not just a company that makes bearings for the aerospace industry,” he explains. “We’re a global company with a presence in over 50 countries.”
Bannon notes that Timken’s global reach has given him the opportunity to work on projects with customers from around the world.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with customers from all over the world,” he says. “From Europe to Asia to the Americas, Timken has a presence in every major region.”
His experience at Timken has also given him a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity in international business.
“When working with customers from different cultures, it’s essential to be sensitive to their needs and expectations,” Bannon notes.
“It’s not just about providing a product or service,” he adds. “It’s about building relationships and trust with customers from around the world.”
A Glimpse into the Future: The growing demand for specialized engineering expertise
The demand for specialized engineering expertise is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing complexity of modern technology.
Bannon notes that his experience at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the growing demand for specialized engineering expertise.
“As technology continues to evolve, the demand for specialized engineering expertise is growing,” he explains.
Bannon notes that his work at Timken has given him the opportunity to work on projects that require highly specialized engineering expertise.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects that require advanced engineering expertise, including projects that involve designing and developing custom bearings for major aerospace companies.”
His experience at Timken has also given him a deeper understanding of the importance of lifelong learning in the engineering profession.
“The demand for specialized engineering expertise is growing rapidly, and it’s essential for engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques,” Bannon notes.
Hands-On Experience: Internship Insights from Tesla and CED
Bannon’s experience at Missouri S&T was marked by two internships at Tesla and Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED).
At Tesla, he was a technical program manager, where he worked on the cell recycling team, which involves taking old batteries, grinding them up, and recycling them back into battery manufacturing.
Bannon notes that his experience at Tesla was incredibly valuable, as it gave him the opportunity to work on a project that was revolutionary in the field of electric vehicles.
“Working at Tesla was an incredible experience,” he says. “It’s a very demanding environment, but one where everyone’s striving for excellence. No one cares who gets the credit, as long as the problem gets solved.”
At CED, Bannon interned as a technical consultant, where he worked on projects that involved selling advanced automation equipment to customers.
Bannon notes that his experience at CED was valuable, as it gave him the opportunity to develop his sales and marketing skills.
“I was essentially in a similar role to what I am now,” he says. “I’m selling a product, but I’m also selling the expertise behind that, and the engineering support behind that.”
Tesla: Learning from the Best in a Fast-Paced Environment
Bannon’s experience at Tesla was marked by a fast-paced environment, where he had to think creatively and work collaboratively to solve complex problems.
He notes that his experience at Tesla taught him the importance of adaptability and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment.
“At Tesla, we were working on a project that was revolutionary in the field of electric vehicles,” he explains. “We had to be adaptable and flexible to meet the changing needs of the project.”
Bannon notes that his experience at Tesla also taught him the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving complex goals.
“At Tesla, we were working on a project that required the expertise of multiple teams,” he says. “We had to work together to achieve our goals, and that’s a skill that I’ve carried with me to my current role.”
CED: Building a Foundation in Technical Consulting and Sales
Bannon’s experience at CED was marked by a focus on building a foundation in technical consulting and sales.
He notes that his experience at CED taught him the importance of developing a deep understanding of customer needs and expectations.
“At CED, I worked on projects that involved selling advanced automation equipment to customers,” he explains. “I had to develop a deep understanding of their needs and expectations to provide them with the best possible solution.”
Bannon notes that his experience at CED also taught him the importance of developing a strong network of contacts and relationships in the industry.
“At CED, I had the opportunity to build relationships with customers and partners in the industry,” he says. “That’s a skill that I’ve carried with me to my current role.”
Looking Ahead: Bannon’s Vision for the Future
Bannon’s vision for the future is to continue working in the aerospace industry, where he can apply his technical expertise and business acumen to drive innovation and growth.
He notes that his experience at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the importance of innovation in the aerospace industry.
“The aerospace industry is constantly evolving,” Bannon explains. “There’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Bannon’s goal is to continue working on projects that require highly specialized engineering expertise, where he can apply his technical knowledge and business skills to drive innovation and growth.
“I want to continue working on projects that require advanced engineering expertise,” he says. “I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the aerospace industry.”
Bannon notes that his experience at Timken has given him a deeper understanding of the importance of lifelong learning in the engineering profession.
“The demand for specialized engineering expertise is growing rapidly, and it’s essential for engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques,” he explains.
Charting a Course: Bannon’s goals and aspirations within the aerospace industry
Bannon’s goals and aspirations within the aerospace industry are focused on driving innovation and growth through the application of advanced engineering expertise.
He notes that his experience at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the importance of innovation in the aerospace industry.
“The aerospace industry is constantly evolving,” Bannon explains. “There’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Bannon’s goal is to continue working on projects that require highly specialized engineering expertise, where he can apply his technical knowledge and business skills to drive innovation and growth.
“I want to continue working on projects that require advanced engineering expertise,” he says. “I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the aerospace industry.”
The Importance of Continuous Learning: Staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field
Bannon notes that the demand for specialized engineering expertise is growing rapidly, and it’s essential for engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques.
He explains that the aerospace industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.
“The demand for specialized engineering expertise is growing rapidly, and it’s essential for engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques,” he says.
Bannon notes that his experience at Timken has given him a deeper understanding of the importance of lifelong learning in the engineering profession.
“I’ve learned that it’s essential to stay curious and keep learning throughout your career,” he says. “The aerospace industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Insightful Interview with a S&T Alumnus
For those who aspire to become engineers or business leaders, Bannon offers the following advice:
“My advice would be to stay curious and keep learning throughout your career,” he says.
“The aerospace industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Bannon notes that his experience at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the importance of innovation in the aerospace industry.
“The aerospace industry is constantly evolving,” he explains. “There’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Bannon’s experience at Missouri S&T was marked by a focus on developing a strong foundation in engineering and business.
He notes that his experience at Missouri S&T gave him the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the principles of engineering and business.
“I had the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the principles of engineering and business,” he says.
Bannon’s experience at Timken has given him a deeper understanding of the importance of lifelong learning in the engineering profession.
“I’ve learned that it’s essential to stay curious and keep learning throughout your career,” he says.
Bannon notes that his experience at Timken has given him a unique perspective on the importance of innovation in the aerospace industry.
“The aerospace industry is constantly evolving,” he explains. “There’s always a need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.”
Conclusion
Engineering Meets Business: A Winning Formula for Success
In our recent feature, we highlighted the remarkable story of a Missouri S&T alumnus who successfully bridged the gap between engineering and business, landing a career that perfectly aligns with their passions and skills. The article showcased how this individual’s unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen enabled them to excel in a competitive industry. By combining the problem-solving skills of an engineer with the strategic thinking of a business professional, they were able to drive innovation and growth in their organization.
The significance of this story lies in its implications for the future of engineering and business. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the need for engineers who can think strategically and business professionals who can understand technical complexities will only grow. By embracing this intersection of disciplines, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Moreover, this trend highlights the importance of interdisciplinary education and training, where students can develop a deep understanding of both technical and business principles.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the success of engineers and business professionals who can collaborate and innovate will be crucial to driving progress and prosperity. By embracing this new paradigm, we can create a pipeline of leaders who are equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century. As one Missouri S&T alumnus so aptly put it, “The future belongs to those who can connect the dots between technology, business, and society.” Let’s empower the next generation of leaders to seize this opportunity and shape a brighter future for all.
Add Comment