Derek Van Der Woude, 36, found his way into the pump industry by chance. After applying to various jobs in 2009, he ended up accepting a position with Carver Pump as a government contracts administrator. In the last 15 years, he has taken on roles as an aftermarket sales coordinator on the industrial side of the company and is currently an application engineer.
When deciding to move into the application engineer position, Van Der Woude felt it was a natural fit that aligned with his skills and interests. “I’ve always had a way of connecting with people and have been drawn to all things mechanical since I was a child,” he said. Those who work with him also echo these sentiments. Nominator Derek King said, “Derek exemplifies a blend of insatiable curiosity and resolute commitment to delving into customer concerns. His tenure as an applications engineer has honed his ability to navigate even the most intricate customer specifications.”
Van Der Woude’s favorite part of working in the industry is recognizing how pumps are the silent heroes in our daily lives, operating in the background and ensuring countless processes keep running smoothly. “I never let my friends or family forget that every time you turn on a faucet, flush a toilet or fill up your car at the gas station, a pump is working diligently to ensure these essential functions happen seamlessly,” he said.
Outside of work, Van Der Woude often dives into DIY projects, especially ones that involve cars and home improvement. He enjoys learning as he goes and seeing the results of his hard work. He’s also passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures. “I was fortunate enough to experience the Netherlands, Mexico, Iceland and Morocco this past year and still have Panama and Columbia to visit before the year is over,” he said.
What advice would you give to a student considering this industry, or a newcomer?
For those contemplating a career in the pump industry, appreciate experienced individuals and their insights. Whether they may be an engineer, machinist, vendor or assembler, these pump veterans possess a wealth of knowledge that can be invaluable. In some industries, historical technology and data may become obsolete over time, but in my experience the pump industry stands as an exception, where the relevance of past knowledge and technology remains significant.
What is one thing you wish you’d known before getting into the industry?
While I wasn’t initially excited about the pump industry, I wish I would have realized how interesting each project can be.
What do you find most challenging?
The pump industry is currently challenged by a turnover in retirements, where experienced professionals are retiring and being replaced by educated but inexperienced individuals, resulting in a critical loss of practical knowledge and expertise. Unfortunately, this increases the risk for errors and makes day to day activities more time consuming.
What has you most excited about the future of this industry?
I am excited to see the increased implementation of the innovations that are streamlining our industry. Smart sensors and data integration are enhancing efficiency and enabling precise control. Variable speed drives, on the other hand, optimize energy consumption, adapting pump performance as needed. This synergy of smart monitoring and adaptive technology not only boosts efficiency but also reduces operational costs. Though these technologies have been around for some time, I believe we have only scratched the surface of their implementation.
What do you do to make sure you’re continuing your education/training?
I try and stay ahead of the curve, pun intended, by continuing my education and training through a combination of extensive reading, delving into specialized literature, and watching informational videos that offer insights into the technological advancements and best practices, ensuring that my knowledge remains up-to-date.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
People often find it surprising to hear that I am an ordained minister who officiates weddings.