Meet Jeff Fowler, a Senior Controls Engineer based out of the Memphis, TN, office. Jeff joined LSI nearly a decade ago and has had an ever-increasing impact on our team and our client’s businesses. His work ethic and expertise help LSI build trust, and we’re proud to have him on our team. The three words we use to describe Jeff are diligent, teacher, and positive. Read our latest Employee Spotlight interview below to learn more.
How long have you been with LSI?
Nine years as of August 2023
What is your role at LSI?
Senior Controls Engineer
Where did you go to college?
University of Memphis
What industries have you been involved in?
Logistics and Package Handling, Automotive, Glass/Window Manufacturing, Specialty Chemical, Baggage Handling Systems
What is your area of expertise?
My experience is in control system upgrades for our Logistics and Package Handling and Specialty Chemical industries. Whether upgrading legacy systems or implementing the latest technology on a greenfield site, I have worked on numerous control system projects, primarily with Rockwell Automation products. I am also a Certified TUV Rheinland Functional Safety Technician and have helped our automotive clients with their machine functional safety.
What platforms are you familiar with?
- Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 Logix Designer, FactoryTalk View Studio, RSLogix 5, ThinManager
- Emerson Bristol-Babcock ControlWave
- Iconics
What has been your favorite project at LSI?
The multi-year obsolescence project for a large logistics client with a sortation facility up in the northeast U.S. I’m the Lead Engineer on this project, and as we approach the end of the project, what our team has accomplished over the last few years is nothing short of incredible. Each weekend for the last couple of years, we were given a very tight window of time that the client was not running (usually 2-3 days) to do a conversion and start-up. During each window, the team installed new conduit runs, demoed out old wiring and rewired to IFMs (Interface Modules), checked out the I/O, and tested/proved out new PLC logic & graphics, all during these tight windows, allowing the client to be able to run at full speed again at the end of the shutdown window.
What is your proudest moment at LSI?
My proudest moment at LSI doesn’t revolve around a specific instance but rather when customers recognize and appreciate the extra effort we put into projects, going above and beyond their expectations.
What sets LSI apart as an employer?
Our people because they genuinely care about what happens at work and outside of it.
What sets LSI apart as a system integrator?
The access that clients have to employees who’ve had experience in all areas of manufacturing, from controls to mechanical design to project management.
What are three ways or words that you would use to describe LSI?
Hardworking, innovative, and family-oriented.
What is one thing that clients may not know about LSI that you would like to share?
LSI is unique from other integrators because we provide several other services, such as mechanical & piping design, project management, construction management, panel fabrication & ICS/OT Cybersecurity.
Long-term client relationships are a hallmark of LSI. Why is that?
I think the main reason for this is the trust we build with our clients as a result of what they receive when working with us on projects.
How has LSI helped you in your career development?
By giving me the opportunity to take on projects/tasks that push me beyond my comfort zone, expanding my skills and knowledge in the process.
What advice do you have for prospective LSI candidates?
No single project is the same – so if you’re looking for a career where you’ll be constantly challenged to learn about new processes and ways of doing things, look no further than LSI.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Spending time with my wife, son, and friends.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Every summer from the time I was born until life got a bit busier, my family would head up to Adams, Massachusetts, for a couple of weeks to spend time at ‘camp’ that’s been passed down from previous generations. It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to make it back out, but this is definitely it.
Your favorite sports team?
Memphis Grizzlies & Memphis Tigers
Apple iOS or Android?
Indifferent. I recently made the switch (back) to Apple. I miss many features from my Android, but iOS has some neat features too.
Any random facts about yourself that you could share with us?
My first job was selling cotton candy and funnel cakes at the Mid-South Coliseum (RIP). Following that, I worked as a cart attendant at a golf course (I don’t golf) and a brass technician at a local music shop.