Q&A with Marcus Pyles
Q: What first got you interested in pursuing a career as an engineer? Why aerospace engineering and what was it that made you decide on Wichita State? Any favorite college memories?
A: As a child, I always created things and always used my hands. From K’nex and Legos to working on my own vehicles and renovating houses. I was also great at math, so it seems like it was kind of inevitable when I look back at it now. That said, in high school when I had to decide what to major in, I almost picked architecture — but I love moving parts, so I went with mechanical engineering. I also love flight. So, I picked aerospace engineering over mechanical engineering.
I originally intended to travel out of state for college, but it just so happens that Wichita State has a spectacular aerospace engineering program. On top of that, I received scholarship money in a WSU engineering competition during my junior year in high school. And on top of all that, my mom and brother already went to WSU, so they already wanted me to be a part of the school. All things considered, the decision ultimately became a no-brainer.
Too many great memories to cover, especially on the social end of things. But on the academic end of things, my introduction to intentional self-molding was an experience I’d say sticks with me. When I got into college, I was a very hard-driving achievement-seeking robot, to the point of being a bit overwhelming to some people. Eventually, I ended up taking a course called “Leadership Challenge” with Dr. Peter Cohen. That class is the earliest I can remember that I began making an intentional and ongoing practice of shaping my outward persona for the purposes of business and team interactions, from a leadership standpoint. Before then, I tended to just walk into a room, assume/take control, and drive the group where I thought it needed to go. It was a bit domineering and didn’t always foster optimal group cohesion. I mention all of that because it was outside of the engineering discipline. We engineers have a stereotypical personality — one that is not well suited for leadership or business. Cultivating interpersonal skills is a very worthwhile endeavor for us. That’s why that experience really stuck out to me. Genuine self-improvement.
A saying that I learned during college is that “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.” How I’ve applied that to engineering students that I’ve mentored, I say “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. You’re expected to have a baseline level of technical competence. That’s bare minimum. So, to really excel, go do something unique and also build relationships.” In practice, that means go do projects outside of class that applies what you learned in class. Build something. Have fun and socialize. Find balance.
Q: You wear many different hats; in addition to EuroAmerica, you head your own consulting business, are an executive vice president at ADDITIUM USA, have written two e-books (so far), plus create websites — and more. How in the world do you juggle all that? Asked another way, what is your work/life balance strategy?
A: To be honest, I don’t have much of a work/life balance strategy currently. I’m a bit of a workaholic historically, and my strategy thus far has been to work as hard as I can now so that I can build up a healthier structure for later on. Having three young kids while simultaneously running my own business has proven to be a tough cookie. I’m building internal systems and infrastructure though, so it will look much different in five years. I’m intentional about working towards a different daily picture. I’m looking to build a self-care routine that includes yoga and meditation, sooner than later.
The e-books and website building are in-the-past ventures, though I’ll hopefully someday publish more books. I think website building will stay as something I can do for myself since there are people who make whole careers out of that and are much better at it than me. Those were bucket-list skills that I achieved mainly for my own sense of satisfaction. My focus is on EuroAmerica and Pyles Consulting. Additium is one of the largest suppliers for EuroAmerica, so that clearly will have focus too.
Q: You have an interest in wearable robotics. How did you get involved in this aspect of engineering, and does EuroAmerica deal in this field directly?
A: As far back as I can remember, I’ve absolutely loved the concept of wearable technology. Everything from Power Rangers to various video games to Iron Man, etc. It’s actually one reason I picked engineering to study in the first place, all those years ago. So, since childhood, I’ve kept an eye on the various industries that touch wearable robotics in their own ways. Anything that a human can wear on their body to augment their abilities is just downright exciting to me. There are so many cool directions it can go, and so many common problems that can be solved or improved.
EuroAmerica doesn’t deal in this field currently. EuroAmerica deals in crash safety testing. I intend to be more involved in the wearable robotics industry in the coming years though, whether through EuroAmerica (there is notable overlap on the safety end of things) or by bringing an additional company into the fold.
Q: Please share a bit about you just as a person rather than a businessman and professional. What do you like to do?
A: I love adventure sports. Snowboarding, surfing, skydiving, rock climbing, etc. I like to get a workout while having fun. I also love to travel. My wife and I like going to the Caribbean (wonderful weather) and seeing the world when we can find the time. So far, we’ve hit North America, Central America, Europe and Asia to one extent or the other. Still more continents to go, and still so many countries to go within the continents we’ve been to. Always more to explore.
I’m an avid reader. These days it’s usually via audiobooks instead of physical books (having a baby on your lap trying to grab pages makes audiobooks a lot more appealing. LOL). I read fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, and space opera usually) and non-fiction (history, politics, science, psychology, self-help, etc.)
I’m a thinker and a ponderer. Working through ideas and concepts is an enjoyment in itself.
Our family includes one cat.
I have been intentionally trying to plan my life from the perspective of myself years and years from now. When I’m (hopefully) much older and on my deathbed, surrounded by family, I want to look back at my life and feel proud of what I did, what I tried to do, and how I treated people and the world. I don’t want to regret not trying the things I yearn for. That’s one big reason I’m a business owner today. I’ve never felt fully prepared or fully ready for this, or to be a father. Yet life tends to put opportunities on your lap and you get to decide whether you’re going to step up and try or not. My philosophy is to step up and try. The worst that can happen is that I fail. And if I fail, I’ll at least know I tried — I won’t regret that.
