The Curiosity of a Tinkerer: From Childhood to Automation

In this episode of Startup Anthology, Eric Sapiens shares his fascinating career journey from working in aerospace in Southern California to Austin, Texas and joining Icon, an automated construction company that 3D prints homes. Eric delves into his early days as a forklift operator, his foray into CMM programming, and his self-taught exploits in metrology and CNC machines. Eric provides insights into the importance of continuous learning, adapting to new roles, and the impact of mentorship. His passion for tinkering and problem-solving paved the way for his role in a high-tech startup, and his encounter with Squishy Brains, a formative influence in his transition to Texas. Join us as Eric recounts his transformations, lessons learned, and the serendipitous twists that shaped his professional path.

Chapters & Timestamps

1. [00:00] Startup Anthology Introduction

2. [01:28] Journey to Austin

3. [02:51] Early Career in Aerospace

4. [04:15] Discovering CNC and Metrology

5. [06:19] Learning and Mastering CMM

6. [10:57] Diving into Programming

7. [12:51] Tinkering and Troubleshooting

8. [17:55] Discovering TwinCat and YouTube Tutorials

9. [18:18] The TwinCat Turning Point

10. [20:37] Taking Charge of the Automated Cell

11. [21:16] From Forklift Driver to Controls Engineer

12. [22:07] The Squishy Brain Connection: Moving to Texas

13. [23:59] Joining Icon: The Interview Process

14. [25:07] Learning and Growing with the New Team

15. [27:17] The Importance of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

16. [31:36] Balancing Multitasking and Focus

17. [33:53] Reflecting on Career and Personal Growth

18. [35:53] Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs

19. [38:10] Overcoming Challenges and Finding Fulfillment