• LEARN & CONNECT /
  • BLOG
leak detect

Where are you from and what did you study in school?

Robin: I was born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan, and I studied advertising and public relations with a minor in sociology at Grand Valley State University.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Robin: I am a huge sports fan, especially hockey and college football, so there will always be something on my TV. I am a huge fan of the Red Wings, Michigan State Spartans, and Washington Football Team. When I am not watching sports, I like to stay very active. I walk, run, and bike a lot throughout the year and can often be found snacking on pizza. When it’s time to relax, I like to sit on my porch and read a book, play video games with my friends, or watch a true crime documentary.

What jobs did you have before working with UE Systems?

Robin: My first real job was baking pizzas at a local pizza tavern, and that was the best first job I could ask for. Who doesn’t like free pizza? After that, I have experience working in a factory and delivering sandwiches for Jimmy John’s. Most recently, I bartended for 4 years and worked as a Digital Marketing Specialist at a local marketing firm.

What’s your first impression of the maintenance & reliability community?

Robin: My first impression is that this industry is filled with a ton of great people who are always happy to spread their knowledge and help out. I haven’t met a single person who wasn’t happy to discuss how important and critical ultrasound has become in preventative maintenance.

What’s surprised you most about what you could do with ultrasound technology?

Robin: The thing that has surprised me the most about using ultrasound technology would definitely have to be how simplified it can be. It is an intimidating industry to come into, so everything on paper seems complicated and scattered, but the technology available today essentially does most of, if not all, the work for you, and I think that is a really cool thing.

What’s something in your background that you think helps you understand the role that maintenance & reliability plays in keeping facilities safe & profitable?

Robin: While it is not directly related to using ultrasound technology, I did spend 3 years working full-time in a factory throughout college. I mainly worked on machine presses of all sizes and CNC machines for various products, so I understand the importance of having precautionary procedures in place. We had to consistently lubricate our tools, otherwise it was obvious damage was being done and the tools would either crack or break. Anyone who works at a plant or factory experiences downtime sooner or later, so this was the first job that subjected me to the world of preventative maintenance.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Robin: I don’t think it’s much of a “talent” anymore because I never use it, but I did take tap, ballet, and jazz for 12 years growing up. If I wanted to play sports, I also had to take a dance class. I absolutely dreaded it at the time, but I am glad I did it. My mom’s justification was always, “Walter Payton took dance class and look what he did,” so the running joke has always been that it’s not fair to compare Walter Payton to ME!

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something what would it be?

Robin: Without a doubt, playing the piano. I never had the opportunity to learn to play because I was busy with school, sports, and other activities, but I wish I had learned how to play the piano. It is my favorite instrument, and I am always jealous of people who know how to play it. I hope to find time to learn how to play soon.

Post-Covid, what’s a destination you hope to get to?

Robin: The top activity on my bucket list of things to do has always been to watch the Red Wings play in every single NHL arena. So far, I have only crossed 2 arenas off my list – Joe Louis Arena and Little Caesar’s Arena- both Red Wings arenas, so I have A LOT of catching up to do. I will do my best to continue this journey as soon as things open back up.