Jordan Guter works – quite literally – on the driving edge of change.
The 2009 electrical engineering grad has spent the last decade helping the world of commercial vehicle fleets use web-based data analytics tools to make their operations safer and more efficient.
Currently VP of Solutions Engineering with Oakville-based Geotab, Guter has assisted the company’s transformation from a small family business into a global leader in fleet management and vehicle tracking.
He’s also moved from the role of support engineer to vice-president, largely on his capacity to marry technical knowledge and soft skills.
“My original role had a lot of customer engagement and my ability to communicate well and work with others was key to my success,” he says.
About five years ago, Guter established Geotab’s solutions engineering team and now manages the group and all of its global activities.
The aim of the team, he says, is to uncover customer needs and find ways to develop technical offerings that provide solutions and help the company expand into new markets.
“I really enjoy engaging and working with customers and partners in the industry,” he says. “It’s great to be able to apply my technical knowledge to real world scenarios.”
In his current role, he is focusing some of his energy on creating relationships with diversity groups, both within and outside of the company.
“As a hiring manager, it’s been difficult to see the lack of diverse candidates,” he explains. “I feel in my position, I can drive some change by working with such organizations.”
He urges students to remember the importance of soft skills as essential career drivers.
“Please think beyond your technical knowledge and capability. The world is about communication and how to interact with other people.”