Meet… Nathan Vanderloop! Nathan is an Engineering Manager with Vision Control & Automation and SE Automation. He works out of our Appleton, WI location. Get to know Nathan!
What is your role at Standard Electric and what do you specialize in?
I am the Engineering Manager for Vision Control & Automation and SE Automation. I support AC Drives, PLCs, Industrial Networks, and Controls.
How did you become interested in Engineering?
My dad was an Electrical Engineer. I was interested in his work and the projects he brought home when I was a kid. I needed to know how everything worked.
What attracted you to this industry?
I was a Plant Engineer before joining VCA. I really enjoyed the technology and how it was always changing. Getting into Electrical Distribution introduced me to many more manufacturers and technologies than what I was previously using.
What traits do you have that help you succeed in your role?
I really like helping people. I understand what it is like to be frustrated when you are dealing with a production environment and something goes wrong. My role as a Manager and Application Engineer allows me to help these customers solve their most difficult issues.
When you’re working with clients, how do you help them identify and solve the problems that they’re facing?
The 1st step is listening. Often, issues are small details that get missed. I have learned to pay attention to details that might seem unimportant but might also be key to finding the solution.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned while working at Standard Electric?
To work as a team. We have such a broad range of technologies and products that it is impossible to know it all. I never dismiss an application as impossible before talking to some of my peers. I am often surprised by the creative solutions our team has come up with.
What kinds of things do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy being outdoors with my family. We spend our weekends hiking, camping, skiing, biking, and traveling as much as time allows.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I still like to play with Legos.