Meet Tyler Grunenwald – 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 Tyler, Embedded Software Engineer who specializes in developing and testing firmware for medical devices, creating and refining user stories, and drafting technical documentation. When not behind his mechanical keyboard (yeah, you’ll want to ask him about that), you’ll find him trying to juggle more hobbies than he has time. Some of his go-tos, though, include home improvement, sailing, and flying RC helicopters.

What were you doing before working at Punch Through?

I have a BS in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth. After graduation, I eventually found my way to OSI, where I worked in software development for open automation solutions in the electric, water, transport, and oil & gas industries. The job definitely brought a lot of variety, as I had the chance to work on a mixed bag of different products. But my real interest was in firmware. When an opportunity opened up at Punch Through, I was quick to act — which, obviously, leads us to today. 

What is your favorite thing about Punch Through culture?

As far as culture goes, my favorite aspects would have to be how the company protects its engineers and its focus on Culture is a big thing here, so it’s hard to pick a “favorite.” If I had to choose, however, the first thing that comes to mind is the emphasis on learning and personal development. You don’t always get that at other companies. You’ve got this great team dynamic, with so many different backgrounds coming together to develop solutions for a variety of customers. Even though we’re working in this hybrid model, the team collaboration and knowledge sharing that takes place makes a difference to both development and outcomes. 

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

The company trip would have to be the most memorable moment to date. Again, it all ties back to the team dynamic — and a true testament to the culture at Punch Through. On more than one occasion, we’d all be taking part in discussions about improvements to procedures, and then suddenly the conversations would shift to less serious matters. We’d joke, play games, and share about our lives. It was a really comfortable atmosphere. From top down, people are genuinely, and I mean genuinely, interested in getting to know one another. 

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

Like I said, my interest has been in firmware. I wanted to be involved in working on something that sort of serves as the junction between software code and the physical world. That, in its simplest terms, is firmware. Career-wise, I can honestly say that it’s very rewarding to write code that performs a function in the physical world. 

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

One of the most valuable parts of my work would have to be the opportunities for learning. Working for Punch Through exposes you to new technology, new ways of doing things, and new ways of thought. It’s hard not to gain a lot of valuable skills just from that experience alone. To date, I’ve technically worked on three different projects during my tenure of about six months, and I can safely say that I’ve learned a lot already. 

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

For me, the biggest difference that sticks out, and it really is quite impressive, is the importance of our company values. Most if not all companies have them, but it’s different here at Punch Through. They’re more than just words on the wall or something you read about in the company manual. Our values are always front of mind. They guide every decision, and everyone in the organization makes a conscious effort to live out those values in everything we do. We’re all better for it, team member and customer alike.