Get to Know: Andy Grimmer
We recently had the chance to sit down with our newly minted Vice President and resident baseball card expert, Andy Grimmer, about where he’s from and where he sees iRex and the cable industry going into the future.
Where did you grow up and go to school?
My dad was in the oil/gas business, so we moved around a bit growing up. New Orleans, Alaska, Corpus Christi, Dubai, etc. Ended up in Katy, TX for middle school and high school. Went to the University of Texas for a few semesters and then transferred to Texas State University to complete my undergrad degree (Bachelor of Science with a major in Digital and Photographic Imaging) and stayed there for my masters degree (Master of Science in Technology with a major in Industrial Technology).
Where have you worked previously?
I had several jobs through high school and college (movie theater, Walgreens, etc). After graduate school, I got my first job at an architectural lighting company in San Marcos as an applications engineer. I moved to Oklahoma and was general manager of an engineering/procurement/fabrication company that built custom, process chemical skids. After that, I went to Colorado to be senior operations manager for a material science R&D company and was helping them commercialize some of their existing technology. I finally made it back to Texas (Woohoo!) and now I’m here with the TyRex family.
What is your role?
I initially started with the TyRex Family at SabeRex as an operations manager. After a short time there I was asked to be the Vice President of iRex. I oversee day-to-day activities over here and make sure everyone has the support they need. Right now the big focus is on securing future business, this is not only providing support for existing clients and recurring revenue but also chasing new opportunities and cultivating new relationships. I see a bright future.
Do you have any specialties, areas of focus?
In graduate school, I focused on Industrial Technology and Engineering with an emphasis in Manufacturing. My areas of focus are leading engineering teams and operation/fabrication activities.
What particularly excites you to come work at iRex?
The people are fantastic. I mean, getting to be around motivated, excited individuals who take pride in their work? Yes, please! I also enjoy the fast pace and challenges that the job brings.
What areas are you looking forward to expanding at iRex?
I am looking forward to expanding our involvement with 3D printing. Being able to enhance our offering to our customers (or potential customers) will be what wins us PO’s and contracts that we might not otherwise be able to secure.
What industries do you find most interesting to work with?
The most interesting industry for me at the moment has to be electric vehicles due to their complex cable harnesses.
What are some things you wish the average person knew about your line of work?
Cables and wire harnesses can range from simple to complex, but however you see it, there is a talented group of people working behind the scenes to make this a success. It’s much more than “just cables.”
What types of jobs do you find most rewarding?
When hard work and effort come together to make a product (or project) where the end user also sees the hard work and effort and commends you on it…those are the most rewarding.
What’s your number one hobby outside of work?
My wife loves to poke fun at me, but collecting baseball cards is still a favorite hobby of mine. It takes me back to being a kid I suppose.
