In this episode, Patrick Jeitler shares his inspiring journey from Austria to the U.S., highlighting the opportunities that motivated him to pursue a career in electrical engineering. He discusses his early experiences in the U.S., the challenges he faced, and the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities. Patrick reflects on his growth at Wayne and his transition to CEO at Freedom Electronics, emphasizing the significance of building relationships and understanding sales in leadership. He also shares insights into his daily routine as a CEO, the implementation of lean principles, and the innovative product development strategies at Freedom Electronics, particularly in remanufacturing. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of leveraging insights from field technicians to drive innovation in engineering and product development. They explore current trends in technology, particularly the rapid development of AI, and its implications for business. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the petroleum industry, including technician shortages and the need for effective training methods. Additionally, they discuss the potential for expanding into new markets beyond petroleum and the importance of adaptability in a changing business landscape.

Takeaways

• ​Patrick's journey from Austria to the U.S. was driven by a desire for opportunity.
• ​His early experiences in the U.S. shaped his career aspirations.
• ​He emphasizes the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities.
• ​Career growth can come from exploring different roles within a company.
• ​Building relationships is crucial for career advancement.
• ​Understanding sales is key to leadership success.
• ​Daily routines and habits contribute to effective leadership.
• ​Implementing lean principles can enhance organizational efficiency.
• ​Innovation in product development can meet market needs.
• ​Remanufacturing involves comprehensive quality assurance.
• ​Field technicians provide valuable insights for product development.
• ​Listening to customer problems is crucial for innovation.
• ​AI is rapidly evolving and presents both opportunities and challenges.
• ​There is still room for new service companies in the industry.
• ​Training methods need to adapt to new technologies.
• ​The petroleum industry is facing consolidation and changes.
• ​Exploring opportunities beyond the petroleum sector is essential.
• ​Flexibility and adaptability are key to future success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:38 Journey to the U.S. and Early Experiences

07:33 Career Beginnings in Electrical Engineering

15:53 Growth and Leadership at Wayne

18:31 Transition to CEO at Freedom Electronics

20:21 Daily Life as a CEO

31:00 Innovations and Product Development at Freedom Electronics

38:56 Leveraging Field Insights for Innovation

41:24 Navigating Trends in Technology and Business

51:00 Adapting to Industry Changes and Challenges

55:08 The Future of Training and Technology in the Workforce

01:00:06 Exploring Opportunities Beyond Petroleum

01:05:33 Reflections and Future Aspirations

Keywords

technology, electrical engineering, career journey, leadership, CEO, Freedom Electronics, product development, lean principles, remanufacturing, innovation, technology, business trends, AI, workforce training, petroleum industry, remanufacturing, technician shortage, industry challenges, future opportunities