My IMI Story - Patrick Zimmer

Now, four years later, he has worked with the experienced teams from around the world that make up the core of IMI’s engineering and design expertise and has seen the dedication and innovation in practice. It is, he says, one of the best things about IMI.

“The people and the teams are one of the best things about working at IMI. Everyone is engaged, interested and willing to explore opportunities to provide the best solutions to our customers, and to work together to build better solutions for all.”

Growing up, Patrick attended schools in both Egypt and Russia and has lived abroad, most notably in Singapore. His experiences working with people from different cultures and backgrounds, combined with his curiosity and passion for exploring new solutions, have strongly influenced his career choices.

“From a young age, I have always enjoyed taking things apart, learning how they worked, and, more importantly, building things. At engineering school, I found that planning, creating and design work could bring incredible insight: that I could design a tool or a part that would account for several possible outcomes. Engineering taught me how to solve problems by looking at challenges from several angles.”

Sixteen years after completing his Mechanical Engineering degree, Patrick has 8 issued patents to his name.

“But I’ll never forget getting my first design patent for an engineered solution. It was a genuine life moment.

Having a patent is a massive accomplishment in the engineering world. It means you've invented something that is unique and, you know, first of its kind in the world. It’s kind of cool.”

In 2018, Patrick completed his MBA, and now he puts that to good use, overseeing the product development and management of IMI’s product line.

“Working on a global product line means I am very involved in international business, which always introduces new opportunities for personal development, especially through addressing unique business challenges to elevate our product portfolio strategy. I always believe there is something new to learn and to develop for our customers.

Product management blends two of my core interests, solving technical problems and business challenges. It reminds me of a saying my dad would say to me while we solved a problem on a project, "I have brains I haven't even used yet', there is always a creative way to solve a challenge or problem, and it doesn't always mean it's your first idea either. Challenge can be met and overcome with innovative thinking and by working with others."

So, now he is more of a business leader, does Patrick still get involved with the engineering?

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is that I combine both the engineering side with the business side, developing new products and seeing global strategies come together.

I can translate technical things to people with a less technical background so that we can bridge the gap between complex, high-level engineering and business strategy in a way that makes an impact.

So, I was fascinated by the business side as it finds a way to put an engineering solution into action, from paper to mainstream product and ultimately to see the solutions in the field helping customers achieve their goals.”

“IMI operates across multiple countries and markets worldwide, but when I joined, there was no centralised group helping with product decisions across all the brands. My role was to provide expertise in product line management, improve product positioning and promotion.

The cultural variability in the business is really exciting. The level of expertise we have in different regions is very high, and sometimes the solutions can be very localised to a region. Rules and regulations can be very different, and so is the way a plant operates, with different product requirements.

So, creating global product strategies works much better when we can speak to someone from each region, to understand their needs. Then my challenge is to balance the need to standardise products as a group with the regional variety required.

The thing about IMI is that it is dynamic and personal. With other companies, particularly those based in one place, everything can become very mechanical and automatic. You put forward a suggestion, it enters the process, and you’re no longer needed.

With IMI, I can speak directly to the people who made the product themselves in any country. It’s far more personal and hands-on, and you feel directly involved.”

With a global role focused on finding innovative solutions for customers, it’s not surprising that there is one IMI value that resonates the most for Patrick.

“Be Curious. I always think, ‘What is something we could do better or differently?’ Find ways that could help our customers and constantly ask, what additional benefits can we bring to our customers.”

With so much to oversee at a company like IMI, Patrick seems to have engineered the work-life balance with the same thought and care he brings to his professional life. Family is clearly important to him. So, he makes sure to spend quality time with his two children, wife and his dog, Bo, in his hometown in Colorado. Exploring the outdoors and watching his children explore the world brings him the most inspiration and joy.

“Balance needs a conscious effort, planning and some adaptability. Working with global teams means managing 3 major time zones, so my work hours have to be flexible. I take care to block off key time to spend with my family, and for my own health, but also allow time to suit international colleagues. It’s important to set some boundaries so that I can be available and present with my family. Then, when I am recharged, I know I can be fully focused and deliver when I am at work.”