Meet Andrew Shannon – Embedded Software Team

At Punch Through, we encourage everyone to proudly be themselves and want you to know the people behind the work that we’re so proud of. That’s why we launched our “Meet the Team” series, where we introduce you to one of our team members each month. 

Meet Andrew, an embedded firmware engineer, who writes software that informs embedded devices – more specifically, medical devices – how to behave.  In his free time, you can often find Andrew running and camping (or just generally in the outdoors), as well as watching both professional and college football, professional soccer, and college basketball.

What were you doing before working at Punch Through?

What I was doing before Punch Through was studying electrical and computer engineering at the University of Missouri. After graduating, I found my way into the avionics industry, where I worked for eight years. Much of it involved firmware and development with an emphasis in wireless connectivity – things like bluetooth, WiFi, and so on. What brought me to Punch Through specifically comes down to location. I was living in Oregon and looking to move to the Twin Cities area, and I ran across this opportunity that involved a lot of things I had a good familiarity with and enjoyed working with in the past. So, it seemed like a good fit, which brought me to Punch Through.

What is your favorite thing about Punch Through culture?

My favorite thing about Punch Through in general has to be its values. One in particular really resonates with me: Protect our people, protect our culture. The company has a deliberate and intentional focus on things like learning, mentorship, and growth. Those facets can be easily forgotten or abandoned when there are other commitments to be met, and that’s something I really appreciate here. It’s at the forefront of what we do.

Tell me a story about your most memorable moment while working at Punch Through

As far as memorable moments go, the company trip probably tops the list. Twice a year, the company rents this big house. We talk about the company, things we’ve done well, areas where we can grow, and other aspects of the business, of course, but it isn’t just about that. It’s about the fun and camaraderie of the experience. Campfires, smores, hottub, food, drinks…it’s a chance to bond with one another.

What cool or rewarding things do you get to do on a regular basis?

Probably the most rewarding thing I get to do on a regular basis is to actually participate in the whole development process. I have the opportunity to be involved from the very beginning and design something, whether it’s a product or a feature, that I will also be involved with when it comes time to implement what I’ve been working on.

What is the most valuable part of your work to you on a personal level?

Honestly, the most valuable part of my work on a personal level is the work itself. I’m working on medical devices, which ultimately can make other people’s lives better. It’s really fulfilling to work on a product or feature that has value.

What is different about Punch Through versus other places you have worked?

I’d never worked in the design services field prior to Punch Through, which was a concern. Needless to say, client interactions have been a new paradigm for me, and it’s been interesting to watch how team members handle that.  And how they do that is a huge emphasis on communication. They’re very open and honest with clients and the team, which helps build trust and actually makes for a real fun environment. Learning those communications skills have been rewarding and different for me.