Job Title: President, Tribotec International Ltd.
Company: Tribotec International Ltd.
Industry: Reliability Engineering
What I Do
I am a semi-retired engineer and have sold most of my engineering company that I started 1985. From the very beginning I have taught courses at colleges and universities, including UBC and later also UNBC on Engineering, mainly Reliability Engineering, as well as Science & Engineering 101, while managing my engineering company. During that time I registered a few patents, like a multiple bit screw driver and a saw guide lubrication system and published extensively in a local industrial magazine.
A Day in the Life
On January 30, 2005 I was inaugurated as the German Honorary Consul for all of Northern BC, which forced me to reduce the teaching at UNBC. Shortly thereafter I was elected to the board of directors of the local Chamber of Commerce and became its president for the year 2007/2008. I started an engineering committee which became the ATEEC committee, leading to an incubator for more technical and engineering education in the North of our province. In other words, my day lately is filled with work which one could describe as: “Giving back to the Community”.
Why My Job Is Great
I love the fact that I can relate to many issues in a professional life and to education problems, all based on my education and professional history in Canada but also in Europe. The engineering education and profession has prepared me for much in my life and I would do it any time again.
The Downside
There is nothing I dislike, other than occasional meeting individuals who do not have a positive attitude.
Off the Job
I like to read and I am very engaged in various events within the Prince George Community. Further, it always was my dream to own a farm. Well, a few years ago we bought a farm 15 minutes west of Prince George, as a hobby farm, which keeps me as busy as I want and/or desire. I very much enjoy the outdoors and nature.
Experiences to Learn From
I grew up on a farm and always liked machinery. I was fascinated with machinery and technique and learned the trade of a mechanic (became a certified mechanic) before studying engineering. The school did not really prepare me for anything engineering related.
The Best Part
So much in our world today is related to engineering and mechanics. It is wonderful to understand much of it and can relate to our “technologized” world. It further provides a great foundation to many other areas in our daily life. Also, there comes a high reputation along with being a “professional engineer”. It is the public’s perception, rightfully or not, that an engineer “knows things” or, is a knowledgeable and well educated person.
My Advice to You
My advice would be: Do not think too long, just do it. You will not regret it, because it is in my opinion the best profession on the earth. If I would have the opportunity, I would do it again. I love my profession and do not know any other mechanical engineer (and I know many), who would not express himself/herself in a similar way.