Name
Evan Parks
Company/Organization
Edgewater Automation
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Edgewater Automation is an industrial equipment supplier specializing in assembly and test equipment. We design & build the machinery that puts together everyday products — from cars and refrigerators to faucets and medical test strips.
Age
28
Accomplishments
I graduated with a degree in Mechanical engineering and now I am a lead engineer at Edgewater Automation. I also hold a professional certification in SolidWorks and a specialist certification in Pneumatics from the International Fluid Power Society.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I plan to get my Professional Engineers License (PE) which will expand the services that I am able to provide. This will help me to explore new markets and grow my knowledge. I hope to learn more about the business side of the company so that I can learn to have a greater impact within the organization.
Education
I graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. I also received a minor in Aerospace Engineering.
Residence
St. Joseph, MI
Where were you born?
Ludington, MI
What was your first job?
Grounds maintenance for an assisted living community. I mowed lawns, painted garages, took out the trash and delivered meals.
Best advice you ever got?
Nothing is new under the sun.
Who inspires you most?
My parents inspire me most. My sister and I wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I have a green thumb! I am currently growing a garden and several different types of trees.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I like to hang out with my fiancée, camp, kayak, paddleboard, run and attend Bible studies.
What book are you reading now?
David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s a good book about seeming underdogs and how they overcame obstacles.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Do Something Day, for First Church of God. This year I was a part of a team that cleaned up Riverview Park.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I hope that anyone who sees us out in the community on Do Something Day will decide to give First Church a try. It’s a good place to be on Sunday mornings.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
Strength, you can use strength and still fit in!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
A healthy Christian family and a thriving community.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
It’s a great honor. I am thankful for the opportunities that Edgewater Automation has given me and the growth that I have experienced while working there. It makes me feel like I am heading in the right direction.
