RISING STARS: Patrick Coyne

Patrick Coyne
Outside Sales Representative
SennTec-MacInnis

To gain better insight into how young professionals in the electronics industry have survived and thrived, The Representor interviewed Patrick Coyne, outside sales rep at SennTec-MacInnis. Coyne shared how virtual networking, visiting his suppliers’ factories and attending industry conferences helps him gain important insights about the electronics components industry and how to be successful as a sales rep.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself, personally and professionally.

I am an outside sales representative for SennTec-MacInnis covering the Eastern part of New York state and have been with the company for just under three years. I was born and raised in upstate New York in a small Finger Lakes town and enjoy the summer seasons out boating and golfing. I am an avid sports lover who also enjoys time with family and friends.

How long have you worked in the electronics industry?

I have now been in the industry for three years. These last three years have gone incredibly fast but have been nothing short of a great journey so far.

What made you choose this industry as your current career path?

I didn’t know much about the industry and hadn’t considered it until seeing an opportunity on LinkedIn. As a kid growing up, I was always intrigued by technology and had some sort of device in my hand. I soon learned what a great industry it is in which to try and establish a career. After initial conversations with SennTec-MacInnis, I quickly learned that this industry allows you to work on so many different impactful projects in industries that are exciting to be a part of.

What are some of the main challenges you encountered as you embarked on your career journey?

The biggest challenge that I have had to encounter was coming into the industry during a pandemic and trying to build a network of relationships with customers, distributors and suppliers virtually for the most part. Also, as someone who does not come from an engineering background, it was a challenge learning the technical side of things.

What are some steps that you have taken to overcome these challenges and to ensure that you can establish and nurture a successful career?

Using virtual platforms with customers was crucial, as little face-to-face interaction was happening. LinkedIn also played a role in helping me stay connected with our customers and engage with new people I had not had the chance to yet. Having an updated and active LinkedIn page was an easy way to stay present with customers and distributors. Also, getting involved in our local ERA chapter and ERA NEXGEN group gave me a chance to meet local and national industry individuals.

What are training tools or networking/ industry events you find beneficial to your professional growth?

I attended EDS in 2022 and the ERA Conference in 2023. Going to these conferences gives you a chance to hear from our industry leaders and influencers about important trends, events and updates within our industry. Another beneficial tool I have found is visits to our suppliers’ factories. Seeing the process start to finish from a production standpoint made it much easier for me to develop a better understanding of the technology. Also, at the factories you have a really true appreciation for what goes into manufacturing some of the components we represent.

Do you think there is enough new talent entering the electronics industry and what could make this field more attractive to future young professionals?

I would say there is plenty of room for more new talent to get into the industry. There are many people in the industry who have great insight to share but not always the right audience to share with. There is no better way of being exposed to what the industry is truly about than going to conferences and hearing from people in various roles with proven success in our line of work. Creating a great work environment with a long-term plan for an individual is something that can attract a young professional to take a leap into this industry.

Where do you see your profession and the industry 10 to 20 years from now?

The trends in the electronics industry are moving in an exciting direction. Technology is used now more than ever, and the power of technology is only getting more influential. I firmly believe it is a great time to be working in our industry and look forward to playing a role in electronics for years to come!

Professionally, what keeps you up at night?

I would say the desire to make meaningful contributions and make sure it is represented in a professional way.