Since Paul Meyer joined the Olsträd family a few months back, he’s hit the ground running as a Combustion Sales Specialist. Throughout his career, he’s been driven by the pursuit of new knowledge.
Electrical Engineering Roots
Paul shared that his engineering mindset developed the day he could read a word. “Math is my first language,” he joked. “I’m stronger with math than I am with my real first language, English.”
With a father who managed the technical publications department at the overhaul base of Trans World Airlines, Paul had a wealth of aviation knowledge at his fingertips. “Aviation covers a really broad range of disciplines. Aerodynamics, ergonomic design, and human factors. I grabbed the magazines my Dad brought home and read like crazy!”
Due to respiratory issues, playing outside was of limited value throughout his childhood. “A lot of my identity developed around ongoing learning.” When an electronic hobbyist neighbor sadly passed away, he was gifted a garage full of electronic test equipment, which contributed heavily to his decision to pursue formal training in electrical engineering.
He first transitioned from pure engineering to field work with KLA Corporation, a semiconductor manufacturing corporation based in Milpitas, CA. “It’s one of those big companies that you’ve never heard of, but you would not have the phone in your hand today if they didn’t exist.”
When Paul decided to move away from the Silicon Valley to raise his family, field work made sense to him. “I really enjoyed getting involved with the customers and solving their problems.
To me, the reward for hard work is a happy customer calling up your boss.”
Past Accomplishments & Future Goals
Above his career successes, Paul’s proudest accomplishment is staying married for nearly 33 years. “The way my wife and I have supported each other over the years probably takes more effort than a job. I think too many people think of spousal relationship as something that should come as a byproduct of other successes. I think that other success come as a byproduct of great relationships.”
Career-wise, his continued goal is to enjoy the work he does. “Daniel Pink talks a lot about how humans take great pleasure in refining what they do. Right now, I want to figure out how to refine designing combustion systems as well as how we initiate interactions with new combustion customers.”
Next month, along with Steve Ogonek, Clint Hall, and Sabra Corea, Paul is headed to GIFA, the 15th International Foundry Trade Fair in Düsseldorf. “We’ll participate by assisting one of our favorite suppliers, Elektrogas (Elettromeccanica Delta S.p.A.).”
He’s looking forward to interacting with a wide range of companies that rely on combustion. “Combustion technology can seem primitive to some in comparison to other technologies. But they’re all connected. For example, optics is related to combustion technology. One way to monitor a flame is through an ultraviolet sensor. You need to separate your ultraviolet from the combustion, and that takes optics technology. There’s so much overlap that goes unnoticed.”
Paul pointed out that companies could reduce their carbon footprint by addressing the efficiency with which they use natural gas. “Over the next five to ten years, there will be new energy options. In the meantime, natural gas is still the go-to. Our role is to make sure that natural gas is used as efficiently and as cleanly as possible.”
Diving into a New Role
In the past few months as our Combustion Sales Specialist, Paul has spent the bulk of his time training. “It’s a classic field sales role with the desirable complication of combustion system design.” He calls the complication desirable because it builds on experience gained in past roles while still offering room for learning something new.
“From a physics perspective, I understand the concepts behind combustion systems, but there’s a level of knowledge that comes alongside practical application. The greatest benefit of my role has been working with knowledgeable people who share what they know!”
In all of Kent, his most recommended spot is the Portage Hike & Bike Trail. “That’s my outdoor office. It’s right along the river. If you sit the right place, you can get washed over by the sounds of the water. During the business day, it’s generally not too busy.” Without a doubt, Paul’s favorite part of working at Olsträd is the people. “The core team communicates and pulls together when they need to. They can work independently but keep everybody informed. They proactively share knowledge. Nobody hesitates when they’re in a position to help you, guide you, or even entertain you. They’ll be there.”
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