graduated from ϳԹ in 2019 with his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and applied data science. He co-founded Factored Quality.
Tell us about your time at think[box].
I came to Case in big part because of think[box]. I visited when I was in high school and it was a big part of my decision.
My association with think[box] was entrepreneurial. I had a startup in my third year at Case. My cofounder had received some of the Student Project Fund and we used that money to start our company. It grew into something much bigger than just a little bit of cash. We got office space on the second floor, then a new office space when the sixth floor opened.
I was heavily involved with think[box] when I started my own company. I was going to the building every single day. I could go to my office space to work on my business, or to hang out and do homework. Having a little piece of the building to call my own is what kept me coming back. It’s a catalyst for creation. You don’t have to worry about where to house the ideas you are working on.
What aspects of think[box] were most helpful to you?
When we started our business, we were working on electronic hardware. So having access to the machinery on the third floor was essential to our success.
The office space is valuable. Small things like office space and business cards don’t seem like the most important aspects, but to the people who are investing in you, those things build your reputation as a serious startup. It’s difficult to be taken seriously as a college student running their own startup. When you’re able to offer coffee, invite visitors to your office and the conference rooms, and have a mailbox, you indicate legitimacy to investors in the business world.
What skills did you learn at think[box] and how did those skills carry over into what you’re doing now?
I learned a lot of skills within the walls of think[box]. We often spoke with successful entrepreneurs. That exposure was very influential. We spoke with people who had insight from experience rather than textbooks. Those opinions and advice carried significantly more weight.
From an equipment standpoint, I learned how to use a watercutter, a lathe, a drill press, all the electronics and robotics. I learned how to use machines I didn’t have access to anywhere else.
How would you describe your interactions with the staff?
Tiffany was great. She used to be a mentor and advisor but now I consider her a friend. At times, all we needed was a companion. Sometimes we needed tough love. Other times we needed professional advice. Tiffany was in all these roles for us. She was a chameleon of an advisor. She became whatever we needed and did it very well.
Doug was always great. I loved hanging out with Doug. I enjoyed his presence. He’s a hard worker and always wants to help people.
All the PRO and FAB staff do great work. We didn’t interact with them as much, but when we had questions, they were always willing to help.
What advice would you give a first time think[box] user?
Come with purpose. If you don’t have intention, walking into the facility can be very overwhelming. The biggest thing you can do is have an idea of what you want to pursue. The space is like the “Hogwarts room of requirement”. It’s whatever you need it to be, but you have to know what you need from it. That’s my advice to anybody that is trying to get a lot out of think[box].
When I started using think[box], I didn’t consider myself a builder. But after two years of spending multiple days a week in the building, I now consider myself a part of that community. Don’t let the big machines scare you away. It’s a great place and you might not feel like you fit into it, but you do. Everybody’s a builder. Come and build something and you will realize what you’re capable of.