Hi there, you’re reading about me, Lance Winkler, currently serving as aerospace and defense market segment manager for Orscheln Products. My professional journey thus far has been nothing short of enriching and enjoyable.
From a young age, I spent countless hours in the garage with my dad and grandpa, tinkering with vintage cars and tractors. These experiences sparked my curiosity about how things work and a fueled a passion for hands-on craftsmanship.
During my high school years, I worked as a part-time metal fabricator, welder, and machinist. With understanding of these practical skill sets, the way was paved for my academic pursuits at Central Missouri State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and Manufacturing Management. The program equipped me with not only technical expertise in machine shop operations, CNC technology, and drafting but also with essential insights into the management and business aspects of manufacturing — providing me with a solid foundation for my career.
After graduation, I first started my professional career as an engineer at a composite company, a business dealing with variety of industries, including aerospace. One of my earliest projects, which I still remember to this day, involved meeting and designing fixtures for a customer located in Mexico. The project was inspiring, but here’s the kicker: translating our English training manual into Spanish! Let’s say my Spanish was, well, rusty at best! Naturally, I turned to my former high school Spanish teacher and hired her as my professional translator. I was proud of the outcome, and this taught me the importance of adaptability in the professional field.
In 2008, amidst economic challenges, the company underwent a sale. Following this, I relocated to Wichita, Kansas, where I joined one of my former clients in the aviation sector. This role granted me access to their OEM hangars, where I witnessed firsthand the assembly of jets and aircraft, and the air hummed with the symphony of aircraft assembly. Witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship and intricate processes involved in piecing together jets and aircraft, I developed a deep fascination with the aviation industry.
While in Wichita, my wife and I welcomed our first daughter, prompting our decision to return to Missouri to be closer to family. I subsequently transitioned to a role at an aluminum and magnesium die casting plant, where I gained valuable experience: project engineering, launch engineer, and operations manager.
Fortuitously, a position at Orscheln Products emerged, offering a chance to re-enter the aerospace industry as a product engineer. It was during this time that a conversation with Jim Bradley, the then market segment manager, who sparked my interest in transitioning to sales — a decision I initially grappled with, given my deep-rooted love for engineering.
After our lengthy discussion about Jim’s career and his enthusiasm for sales, I headed home that evening, mulling over the idea of transitioning into sales myself. Despite having dedicated the majority of my career to engineering, which I still deeply cherished, I hesitated to leave it behind entirely.
The following day, during our conversation, I confided with Jim my contemplations regarding applying for his position. Unsure about leaving the engineering realm behind, Jim offered valuable insight: being an engineer could be a tremendous asset in sales. He emphasized that my ability to converse with customers from an engineering perspective would provide a unique advantage.
With Jim’s encouragement ringing in my ears, I decided to take the leap and applied for the sales position. Two and a half years down the line, I find myself thoroughly enjoying the transition. Engaging with customers, gathering project information, and ensuring feasibility from an engineering standpoint before involving our aircraft engineers in the design stage, has been immensely rewarding.
Moreover, the opportunity to travel, visit clients and their facilities, and gain insights into their operations while contributing to their projects has made this career shift the perfect merger of engineering, business, and sales that I had hoped for.
