December 18, 2014
Every one of us is more than just our work and the services we provide. We have families, hobbies, and other passions that fulfill our lives and make us better at what we do each day. After working in this industry for a few years, I’ve gotten to know many of the people that make up the EMC community at large and at Elite. Here is a brief look at what makes our Elite family so unique and diverse:
As everyone is gearing up for year-end and the holidays, our personal pursuits and passions can be put on the back burner until after the rush. At the same time, the holidays are the perfect time to celebrate those around us and recognize their talents and special skills. This month, we recognize some of the talents and inner workings of pool-cue-wielding Rob Bugielski. After working diligently in our Automotive EMC department for about 7 years, he has gotten a chance this year to put his practical testing expertise to a different use as a key part of Elite’s Technical Sales team.
Read below to find out a little more about Rob and maybe pick up a few tricks:
- How did you get into EMC/testing?
- Fresh out of college, I was really just looking for any open position to start my career. A college friend was hired at Elite in the summer of 05’and gave our EMC lab manager my contact information if another position opened. Elite had another opening on January 06’. During my interview, Mr. Klouda had on his signature Harley Davidson suspenders and I knew this was going to be a great place to work.
- What is the most rewarding/favorite aspect of working at Elite?
- My favorite aspect is the short duration of the projects. Both as a test engineer and now in the sales department, there are new projects to work on every week. I couldn’t imagine being tied to just a few projects all year long. In the sales department, I truly enjoy interactions with customers and helping them meet project goals or guiding them on the right path.
- I hear you’re an excellent pool player. What do you love about playing pool? How did you get started?
- I began playing pool in my grandfather’s basement at a very young age. I could barely see over the rail, but that didn’t stop my family from teaching me how to bridge and move the cue. At a young age, I was fascinated with the physical sports aspect of the game and the problem-solving ability that is also required. Playing pool for over 20 years now, and I still learn new things every day. I’ve met some extraordinary people along the way and have many fond memories of my experiences.
- I began playing pool in my grandfather’s basement at a very young age. I could barely see over the rail, but that didn’t stop my family from teaching me how to bridge and move the cue. At a young age, I was fascinated with the physical sports aspect of the game and the problem-solving ability that is also required. Playing pool for over 20 years now, and I still learn new things every day. I’ve met some extraordinary people along the way and have many fond memories of my experiences.
- Any favorite moves or good tips?
- Too many players think the pool is about the offense. They try to run out all the balls, without understanding the table layout and if it is possible. New players to the game should be focusing on Defense. If your opponent can not run all the balls off the table, then you can not lose the game.
- What’s your proudest moment in life so far?
- Watching my wife win the American Cue Sports Illinois Open Team championship and Standard Singles championship in March of 2014. I introduced her to the sport 14 years ago. After all of the time spent on practicing, league competitions, and tournament competitions. It was very gratifying to see her accomplish some of her goals.
- If you had a personal motto, what would it be?
- It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all.
Quick Team Member Facts:
- Year Started at Elite: 2006
- Areas of Expertise: Automotive EMC test procedures, MIL-STD-461 EMC test procedures, Technical Sales, and consulting for both EMC and Environmental testing.
- Education: DeVry University B.S.E.E.T. ‘05
- Industry Certifications: iNARTE Certified EMC Engineer; Certificate in Business Administration and Lean Operations from the University of Illinois at Chicago
- Unique: Pool player that participates in leagues for American Pool Players Association, American Cue Sports, and Billiards Congress of America.
- Favorite Christmas present of all time: Goldeneye 007 for N64
Labels: Elite Experts