# Eron Flory | Toastmasters for Engineers, and FIRST Robotics

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2026-10-23
- Length: 53m
- Episode: 44
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics

## Summary

Eron Flory, a former Medtronic engineer and founder of Eron Engineering, discusses how his background in motorcycle racing and hands-on automotive repair shaped his approach to mechanical design and assembly. He explains how joining a Toastmasters group called 'Toastronic' at Medtronic helped him overcome public speaking fears, enabling him to present confidently to executives and lead major events. Flory details his extensive volunteer work coaching FIRST Robotics teams, highlighting the complex engineering, collaboration, and rapid prototyping required to build competitive high school robots.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=0) Introduction: Eron Flory and FIRST Robotics Overview
- [2:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=159) Eron Flory's Early Life and Racing Career
- [11:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=707) First Engineering Job and Cold Calling Strategy
- [19:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=1173) Toastmasters and Overcoming Public Speaking Fear
- [30:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=1804) FIRST Robotics Challenge Mechanics and Strategy
- [45:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=2737) Advice for Younger Engineers on Communication
- [50:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-23-eron-flory-toastmasters-for-engineers-and-first-robotics#t=3001) Getting Involved with SAE and FIRST Robotics

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Medtronic (company)
- Merit Medical (company)
- Direct Flow Medical (company)
- Osseon (company)
- Production Robotics (company)
- Float Machine Incorporated (company)
- Kosman Engineering (company)
- Eron Engineering (company)
- Zipline (company)
- FIRST Robotics (product)
- Formula SAE (product)
- Baja SAE (product)
- Toastmasters (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [257: Small Parts Flew Everywhere](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-08-24-257-small-parts-flew-everywhere) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep. 8 - Ryan from V1 Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2023-11-09-ep-8-ryan-from-v1-engineering) (Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast)
- [Em Moshouris (Founder, WORC)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-02-11-em-moshouris-founder-worc) (Just Gonna Send It)
- [132: Destruction Is Easy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-12-30-132-destruction-is-easy) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep. 14: Zero to H.I.R.O.: The Path to Becoming a Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-08-18-ep-14-zero-to-h-i-r-o-the-path-to-becoming-a-full-stack-mechatronics-engineer) (The Robo Success Podcast)

## Citing this page

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