When Sundyne General Manager Mark Rauenzahn, 36, worked in medical devices, he was always looking for a new challenge. The pumps industry provided.
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At Sundyne, Rauenzahn oversees the manufacturing of six product lines at the Arvada, Colorado, location where he can pursue his interests in alternative energy and climate energy. “A lot of pieces came together at the right time, and I’m really happy with the way it’s worked out.”
Looking ahead, Rauenzahn says power generation and renewable energy have made him the most excited for the future of the industry. “Today, we’re seeing investments like never before. There’s also a corporate and political will to improve processes and to lessen the environmental impact across every industry,” Rauenzahn said. “I’m happy to be a part of this.”
Outside of work, Rauenzahn is always on the move—when he’s not playing for one of his four soccer leagues, he is (like many in Colorado) hiking, biking and rock climbing. Although he has already visited 40 countries, including the time he lived in Poland and Ireland, visiting every country is on Rauenzahn’s bucket list—post COVID-19, of course.
As for the pandemic, Rauenzahn says he learned about the importance of flexibility in the industry. “We all have to be open-minded and attentive to our employees’ needs. Their health and well-being is priority one.”
As for where he wants to be in 10 years, Rauenzahn says: “I’m right where I want to be.”
What advice would you give to a student considering this industry?
“Today, there’s such a need for mechanical skills. The traditional collegiate track isn’t the only way to make a great living and have a high quality of life. I’d tell younger people about how in-demand trade skills are today, and we don’t see this demand slowing anytime soon. There’s so much opportunity to grow from a solid background in trade skills.”
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