How to Go from Product Designer to Business Owner [Podcast]

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

–Steve Jobs

Do you love what you do?  I talk to many designers and engineers who truly love what they are doing.  They are problem solvers who enjoy creating solutions.  It’s also a great career choice.  Many designers are heading out on their own, choosing to do projects for other companies.  It’s not an easy business, as you will spend less time designing, and more time with business development, marketing, management, supply chain, etc. but many have done it very well.

In this episode of the Born to Design Podcast, I had a chance to sit down and speak with two of them.  Jesse Hahne, President at Center for Advanced Design (CAD), and Marc McCauley, CEO at CAD.  Jesse and Marc shared tips on what it takes to run and grow a successful design firm and how to stay competitive in their industry by better understanding user needs.  They also spend some time discussing their relationship with Mike Schultz, a pareathlete who they have collaborated with on the design of a high-end prosthetic leg that allows Mike to compete and win many X-Games competitions.  Mike lost his leg and was riding and competing again in just seven months!

Listen into my full interview with Marc and Jesse in the latest Born to Design Podcast:

Be sure to check out all of the Born to Design podcasts, and subscribe below so you will never miss an episode:

Soundcloud  Subscribe to Solidworks Podcast on Spotify iTunes Stitcher Listen on Google Play Music TuneIn - Solidworks Podcast Page Subscribe to Solidworks Podcast on CastBox  Subscribe to Solidworks Podcast on Overcast

Here is a short SOLIDWORKS LIVE interview with Jesse and Marc at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2020:

To keep up with Marc and Jesse, here are links to their businesses:

 

Cliff Medling

Cliff Medling is a Senior Marketing Manager at SolidWorks and the host for the Born to Design Podcast.