Hardware Podcasts

S6E5 Keegan Schoch | Pro Tips on Creating an Engineering Consultancy

Being an Engineer · 31 Jan 2025 · 49m · Episode 5

What this episode covers

Keegan Schoch, co-founder of Poindexter by Design, explains how he leveraged nearly a decade of experience at Aerotech to launch an on-demand engineering consultancy focused on mechanical design and analysis. He details the company's strategic use of cloud-based tools like Onshape and SimScale, which enable low-friction integration with client teams and support a niche in remote, collaborative engineering. Schoch emphasizes that success in building client relationships relies on high retention, direct referrals, and delivering consistent value, while also discussing the integration of AI tools for concept generation and workflow optimization.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Poindexter by Design, Aerotech, Hyphen
Tools
Onshape, SolidWorks, OneIPM, SimScale, ChatGPT

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Designing in the Wild · 1h 01m

    Industrial Design, AI & the Business of Design with Jordan Nollman | S3E02

    Jordan Nollman, founder and CEO of Sprout, a Boston-based multidisciplinary design consultancy, discusses the evolution of industrial design from a solo practice to a 60-person studio offering strategy, branding, UX, and engineering. He details the business realities of running a consultancy, including the critical importance of retainers, the pitfalls of all-equity deals, and the strategic use of AI tools like VizCom to accelerate storyboarding and visualization without replacing core design thinking. Nollman emphasizes that while AI speeds up execution, the value lies in solving real-world problems, citing projects like a microplastics sensor and a solar-powered milk trolley that balance aesthetics, function, and sustainability.

    Starting a product companyIndustrial & consumer product design
    9 chapters

  • TRADEOFFS · 59m

    T-25-009 : Sera Evcimen - Mechanical Engineer to Host of The Builder Circle™ Podcast

    Sera Evcimen, mechanical engineer and host of The Builder Circle™ Podcast, discusses her journey from working at Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) to founding her consulting firm Pratik. She explains how her background in machine shops and fusion energy informs her approach to hardware startups, emphasizing the importance of hands-on verification, system architecture mapping with tools like XMind, and managing the 'iron triangle' of cost, time, and quality. Evcimen also shares insights on sourcing clients through content and networks, the pitfalls of remote due diligence, and the critical role of a diverse capital stack beyond just venture capital.

    Careers & educationManufacturing partners & offshoring
    8 chapters

  • Product Startup · 18m

    153: The Evolution of CAD Product Development Software

    Joe Dunne, Director of Partnerships at PTC, traces the evolution of CAD software from 2D drafting to 3D parametric modeling with SolidWorks, and finally to cloud-native platforms like Onshape. He explains how Onshape’s architecture, built on a RESTful API and an app store, allows for integrated third-party tools for simulation and manufacturing, enabling faster, cheaper product development. Dunne emphasizes that this modular, cloud-based approach eliminates legacy installation hurdles and version control issues, allowing startups to iterate quickly and get products to market with fewer resources.

    EDA & CAD toolsPrototyping & iteration
    7 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 32m

    Reengineering the Design Review w/ Adam Keating

    Adam Keating, Co-Founder and CEO of CoLab, explains how his software platform reengineers design reviews by integrating with tools like SolidWorks, Creo, and Siemens Teamcenter to parallelize feedback and reduce late-stage errors. He cites survey data showing 43% of design feedback is lost and 87% of engineers struggle to find decisions, leading to significant cost and time overruns in new product development. Keating highlights success stories with Ford, which saved 30-40% of conversion timelines, and Mainspring Energy, which cut a 12-month program to under six months through early supplier engagement. He argues that modern engineering teams must adopt these 'design engagement systems' to retain talent and compete against tech-driven companies.

    PCB design & layoutMechanical engineering
    8 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 27m

    The Future of Design Collaboration for Engineers

    MJ Peters, VP of Marketing at CoLab Software, discusses the evolution of engineering collaboration and the gap between CAD/PLM systems and real-time decision-making. She explains how CoLab integrates with existing stacks to streamline processes like gate reviews, helping companies reduce product development cycles from 36 months to 12 months. Peters also highlights the rise of industrial SaaS startups like Augmente, Machine Metrics, and Monolith, which are digitizing manufacturing execution and simulation.

    Connected products & IoTDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    6 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Being an Engineer. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.