Meet Patrick Louie, a Senior Controls Engineer and Business Manager based out of LSI’s Memphis, TN, office. Patrick began his career at LSI as a controls engineer over 11 years ago. Since then, he has played an integral role in hundreds of projects spanning various industries, demonstrating a commitment to excellence with every client he works with. As an engineer or a manager, Patrick is always ready to find a solution, no matter the challenge. He is best described as creative, approachable, and supportive. We’re proud and honored to feature him in this month’s Employee Spotlight below:
How long have you been with LSI?
Eleven years as of November 2023.
Describe your current role and experience at LSI.
I am a Business Manager at the Memphis office. I have spent most of my career at LSI as a controls engineer with experience in project management, electrical design, process control, PLC/HMI configuration, and commissioning efforts. My current role includes building client relationships, leading and training project teams, and providing operations support for the Memphis office.
Where did you go to college?
Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN.
What industries have you been involved in?
Specialty Chemicals, Grain Handling, Pulp and Paper, Food and Bev, Wastewater, Material Handling, Plastics, Glass & Window Manufacturing, and Electronics Manufacturing.
Tell us about a project success story that you are proud of.
One of our clients’ operations had been shut down by a cyberattack. As a result, I was dispatched to help rebuild their controls infrastructure. The rebuilding process included work on PCs, PLCs, HMIs, networking devices, and servers with many unexpected roadblocks, including a “re-infection” mid-way through the process. After a tough five-day effort, we were able to get the client back into operation.
I’m proud of this project not just for the challenges we overcame quickly but also for the trust and collaboration among everyone involved – LSI and the client – that contributed to its success.
What do you think is unique about LSI?
LSI has a culture where the people have a lot of autonomy. They have the flexibility to work and develop solutions in ways that best fit our client’s needs.
LSI also has a culture where people care for each other and each other’s successes. For example, it’s not uncommon to see folks from leadership work in the “trenches” with project teams to backfill needs or folks voluntarily taking on additional support shifts to cover for a sick colleague.
I think this unique culture translates into a team of people who are committed to providing the best services to our clients.
How have you grown professionally since joining LSI?
LSI has given me the opportunity to work in various industries and develop skills that become transferable from one project to the next. It also helped me understand the value of great relationships with clients and colleagues and not take them for granted.
What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?
- Ask questions – This can help shorten the learning curve and prevent you (and others) from going down the wrong path.
- Communicate Visually – Use whiteboards, scrap paper, or even Paint! A picture is worth a thousand words.
- Don’t forget to test! – Testing, validating, and debugging before a “go-live” can save many hours on the backend.
What is your favorite vacation spot? (do you have a photo we can share)
My family and I enjoy the beaches along the Gulf.
Do you have any hobbies or random facts about yourself that you could share with us?
I enjoy playing basketball and playing the guitar. One day, I’ll perfect my midrange jump shot and learn another four-chord song.