From Forklifts to Robotics: The Journey of Eric Sapiens

In the bustling city of Paramount, California, Eric Sapiens embarked on an unexpected journey that would shape his future in unimaginable ways. Aerospace was a significant industry in Southern California, and Eric found himself drawn to it. He spent over a decade working in aerospace, but his path was anything but straightforward.

From an early age, Eric's life was a series of serendipitous events and relentless determination. It all started in warehouses where he got his first job as a kid, thanks to his brother-in-law. Working in a warehouse, Eric soon became forklift certified, making what he referred to as "the big bucks." But he didn't stop there. Always observant and eager to learn, Eric noticed roles in the warehouse called "inspectors." Intrigued, he decided to apply for one of these positions. 

Life took a fascinating turn when Eric transitioned into the world of aerospace inspector. He learned to inspect raw materials, ensuring that aerospace titanium pieces matched their specifications with precision and traceability, a critical task given the company’s contracts with aviation giants like Boeing and Airbus.

Despite his progress, Eric longed for more. He was fascinated by the automated machines CMM’s (Coordinate Measuring Machine) used in the inspection process. Driven by this curiosity, Eric stumbled upon a small mom-and-pop shop where he hoped to learn more about CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling. Here, he got a delivery driver job, but his eagerness allowed him to spend extra time in the metrology room, learning to read prints and use metrology tools.

Eric’s big break came when he got his hands on a CMM that no one else wanted to use due to its complexity. Unswayed by this, Eric persisted. He started coming in two hours before his shift to learn CMM programming. This early exposure to programming through Excel and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) opened a new world for him. Eric quickly became adept at transforming the analog inspection processes into a digital one, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

It was during this period that Eric's innate ability to tinker and understand machines came to the forefront. He got an opportunity to work on a giant automated cell running 24/7, creating flawless programs that mimicked human precision. This challenging yet exciting role allowed him to master TwinCat software and Beckhoff hardware, and the nuances of real-time system automation for vital manufactured aerospace parts.

But Eric’s journey was far from over. He discovered a YouTube channel featuring TwinCat tutorials by a user named "Squishy Brained." These tutorials were incredibly clear and accessible, making complex topics understandable. It dawned on Eric that he had been following this content creator since high school for automotive projects. This serendipitous connection changed Eric’s career trajectory once again.

When Squishy Brained announced a job opening for control engineers with TwinCat experience in Texas, Eric saw an opportunity. With his wife's family already in Dallas, this seemed like the perfect move. Although it took a year for Squishy Brained Evan Jensen to respond due to pandemic-induced hiring freezes, the eventual interview process was seamless. Eric joined ICON , a startup in Austin focused on construction automation and 3D printing homes. Here, he finally found a place that valued his unconventional yet rich experience.

At Icon, Eric became instrumental in fixing and maintaining the company’s fleet of 3D printers. The leap from a forklift driver to a controls engineer responsible for multimillion-dollar machinery was a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and improvement. The supportive environment at Icon, with mentors like Dan Pool, sharpened his skills even further, helping Eric understand and manage complex systems.

His time at Icon taught Eric the importance of structured workflows and proper planning, crucial lessons that he carried into his next role. At Nautilus, a more established corporation, Eric implemented these workflows despite initial setbacks. He learned to focus on fewer tasks, pushing them to completion, and thus enhanced his productivity and effectiveness.

Reflecting on his incredible journey, Eric often thought about what advice he would give his younger self. His answer was simple yet profound: read the Book of Proverbs. The timeless wisdom contained within those chapters would have been invaluable as he navigated his path without a consistent father figure, always seeking guidance from various mentors and role models.

Eric’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and continuous learning. From driving a forklift to mastering state-of-the-art robotics and control systems, his journey is a reminder that drive and determination can lead to extraordinary transformations. As he looks back, Eric knows that every step, every challenge, and every mentor played an indispensable role in shaping the person he is today.

Dive into this must-listen episode and discover how Eric's story can inspire your professional journey. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!