Eric Gatmaitan is the owner of Applied IE, an industrial engineering firm continually developing and implementing new or enhanced industrial engineering methods. Applied IE helps organizations implement systems and methods to deploy performance-driven solutions. Applied IE has expertise in industrial engineering, operations management, quality systems, and technology applications. Applied IE has been an Innovation Center client since May 2015. Through a series of interview questions, Eric shared his thoughts about his experience growing Applied IE.
Eric, tell us about Applied IE.
“Applied IE enables companies to operate faster, better, and easier. We utilize the science of industrial engineering to improve efficiency.”
What excites you most about what your company does?
“It’s very exciting to listen to clients explain operational challenges across all industries and know that Applied IE can provide practical solutions demonstrating performance outcomes. Also, meeting new people, discovering their talents, and showcasing their strengths is very rewarding.”
How did you become interested in what you’re doing now?
“During 4th grade attending an all-boys Catholic school, we were asked to ponder “Who am I?”, what is your purpose and core value in life? After a few months this 4th grader came up with the core value of “making people happy”. That led to an evolution from being a class clown to an Industrial Engineering profession. I earned a Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering from De La Salle University and a Master Business Administration from ͷ University.”
If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
“I would like to dine with Niccolò Machiavelli (May 3 1469 – June 21 1527), the Italian diplomat, politician, historian, philosopher, humanist, writer, playwright and poet of the Renaissance period. His practical thinking on human nature made my Industrial Psychology class very interesting. To this day, Machiavelli influence my methods and approach to industrial engineering and management science.”
What do you find most challenging about leading a start-up company?
“One of the most challenging aspects is figuring out how to encapsulate the services we provide, transfer it to another person, and apply the knowledge with their key strengths.”
What is the most rewarding aspect about being an entrepreneur?
“I love the process of developing new methods and techniques and witnessing clients overcome operational challenges.”
What do you like most about being a client of the Innovation Center?
“A major benefit of the Innovation Center is the building itself and the security measures that assure client data security. It’s a great office environment into which to invite clients. I believe the physical building and address greatly improves the branding of Applied IE. Lastly, being part of the community of ͷ University and the WMed School of Medicine is a big plus. I am grateful and fortunate to be part of the WMed Innovation Center.”
To learn more about Applied IE, please visit .