How it all started...
Welcome to The Engineer's Corner - Where Innovation Meets Expression!
Hello fellow Engineer! I still remember the moment I decided to become an engineer. Coming from a small village of a remote island in Greece, people are, or at least have been, close to each other and more connected. I've always been curious about exploring the world starting from a young age. I remember I would organize the chair and table in a way to climb up on the table and get what my parents had put on top of the fridge.
Later, that curiosity was channeled into technology, or whatever technology I could get my hands on. I would present my latest "invention" to the family and the neighborhood. They would "wow!" and applaud me even though it was a simple thing to me. It felt like I was a magician. I was so eager to give joy to my elders, and they would feel proud and happy about me. That fueled me with dreams, and I decided to become a SW Engineer.
Fueled with that feeling, I charged on to study SW Engineering in Athens, Greece, and MSc in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Studying was hard, and cultural shocks along the way were even harder. But I always kept with me that feeling from the neighborhood. It was my fuel. My fuel for being able to recreate that feeling in the future by building something that would help the world with meaning and purpose! The engineering spirit, as I call it.
And finally, I made it into the corporate world! "Finally! I can create something remarkable!", I was saying to myself. It took me less than 6 months to shatter my illusions regarding the engineering spirit of the corporate world. Office politics, gossip, exploitation of work-ethical engineers, and unfairness are just some of the remarks that I got early on my professional engineering career. Initially, I was in denial and didn't want to accept it. I didn't want to accept that that's how my (engineering) life is supposed to be! My friends tell me that I'm a dreamer, maybe they are right. But, despite everything I see around, I keep on fighting! However, there is a cost. It takes so much energy to swim against the current. I will burn out. And I did....
Took a lot of energy to get out of that black hole, but eventually, I made it. And then I promised to never allow myself to ever get burnt out again. One night, one of those nights that you simply can't sleep but yet you need to wake up early to go to work, I started asking this goddamn question. "Why?" Why is it like that, no matter where I go? Why does everyone do it just for the money? Why is the engineering spirit gone? The questions started escalating quickly until I said, "Enough!". I have to do something about it! I need to create tools that help me continue the fight! Sustainably!
And then, "Eureka!". I need reminders in the workplace to remind me why it is amazing to be an engineer and why I chose this way of living. Personal items that just speak to an engineer. No office politics, no drama, no bullshit! Just pure engineering! The outcome is the store you browse right now. The Engineer's Corner (yay!) is not just another online merch store like Amazon; it's a celebration of the engineering spirit and creativity! I understand the challenges, the long hours, and the endless problem-solving that engineers tackle daily (even outside work)... and very often without recognition. That's why I created The Engineer's Corner! A premium online store for engineers in the whole of Scandinavia!
My Mission
My mission is simple - not just to enhance the productivity of engineers but also their overall satisfaction, pride, and significance in their work. I recognize that the working environment can often be(come) dull, stealing away the joy and curiosity that makes being an engineer truly special. That's where TEC comes in!
Breaking the Wheel
Having worked and observed several fields of engineering and in different countries, I identified a common pattern - the monotony that will inevitably creep into the daily life of an engineer. The routine can kill the spark of creativity and passion. At The Engineer's Corner, as Khaleesi said, my goal is not to stop, but to break the wheel of monotony altogether!
I want to infuse a sense of joy and curiosity back into your workspace, making it a place you look forward to each day. Why did we become engineers in the first place? Because it used to feel like being a magician in the 21st century, and people were amazed by you! I want to bring that feeling back!
Meticulously Designed Products
Before creating any product, I think deeply about your needs. What do you feel? Why? When? Where? And most importantly, how can I create a design that sparks your engineering spirit? To do so, I started reading papers on long-term psychological studies aimed specifically at Software and Electrical Engineers. It has been proven that the environment you work in has a profound impact on your mindset, productivity, and innovative spirit. That's why I take design seriously, ensuring that each product is unique and serves a purpose - to inspire, motivate, and bring a smile to your face and the rest of your team! 😃
Join me in The Engineer's Corner and let's redefine the way engineers work and feel - together! Because engineering is not just a profession; it's a passion, a commitment, and a way of life.
Humbly, your fellow engineer,
Vasileios Manavis
EXPRESSION - SATISFACTION - RECOGNITION