Volunteer Interview: Tom McGuire
At Groover Labs, we always have a handful of projects and improvements going on. As the Maker Labs and Facilities Manager, Jeremiah Burian does an excellent job coordinating and managing all those moving parts, but it wouldn’t be possible to get everything accomplished without our volunteers. Our volunteers are both experts in their own disciplines and are usually looking to grow and improve with new projects.
Meet Maker Labs Volunteer, Tom McGuire!
Tom McGuire
Which skills do you believe you've strengthened during your time volunteering with Groover Labs?
After I retired from engineering, I felt like my skill set was getting kind of dull. I wasn't using my knowledge, and I needed a new challenge. Helping to organize and develop the lab is a great opportunity for me, and I get to work with some wonderful people.
If you had the chance to launch a startup to solve any problem, what problem would you choose and why?
I have always felt bad for people who are uninspired. If I could solve a problem, I would like to help people find real purpose in their lives. There's no sense in just taking up space. We are here to move mountains. Not sure how to make a business out of that, but it's what I want to do.
Is there a piece of equipment at Groover Labs that you're really excited about, even if you haven't had the chance to use it yet?
Every project is an opportunity to learn a new skill and sometimes use a new tool. Groover has a massive set of tools to work with a broad range of materials. I can just focus on what I want to do, and I know they have the tool for it.
In what ways do you think Groover Labs, and especially the Maker Lab, can help founders and entrepreneurs?
Personally, I don't like to put profit first, but I know it's important. Building community around a good project is what inspires me, and I think in the end it is profitable.
How did you first learn about Groover Labs?
That goes way back. I first heard about Groover when Curt and Tracy found the building.
What inspired you to volunteer?
Just looking for trouble, I guess. Not sure where I'm going to go with it, but I'm enjoying the people and the space.
