June 2020

June 2020
Mitch Maiman

(BS, Engineering Science, ’75)

Q & A:

• What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
  My favorite professor was Dr. Stanley Goldstein. He cared about each and every one of his students, and I will never forget that. There was a class I wanted to take my junior year – Advanced Fluid Dynamics. Unfortunately, the class was only offered during times that did not coordinate with my other classes. Dr. Goldstein wanted me to have the opportunity to take the class, so he offered to teach me the course material during times that worked for me. That is what Hofstra University is all about – personal experience.
• What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
  My first job post graduation was at a company called I.D. Watch Case Co. I started there in January of 1975, designing LED digital watch cases. The most valuable thing I learned there was what I was not looking for in a job. I had a number of jobs following that one, which I also did not feel were the right fit. Through process of elimination, I was able to find my passion.
• What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
  My field of specialty is mechanical engineering, specifically electronic packaging. I studied this field and had several roles in the industry before opening my own company, Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS), along with my business partner, Paul Severino.
• What advice would you give to Hofstra students?
  My one piece of advice would be “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Throughout your career, be prepared for disappointments and to change gears often. Sun Tzu once said, “In chaos, there is opportunity,” and I truly believe that. Those who are able to embrace change will succeed.
• In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
  Personal – as I mentioned earlier, my favorite thing about Hofstra was the one-on-one experiences I had with my professors.
• What is the single most rewarding experience in your career thus far?
  I would have to say selling my company was the pinnacle for me because it was proof that what I worked hard to build has worth.
• What is a typical day like in the life of the president and co-founder of IPS?
  Every day is different, which I enjoy – but ever since selling my company, my primary role has shifted to business development. My focus is the vision and where business opportunities will stem from. I spend a great deal of time meeting with clients and prospects, as my new role is very relationship-driven.
• Who was the person that most influenced you, and how?
  My grandfather has definitely been the most influential person in my life. My biological grandfather passed away from a heart attack in his early 40s. My grandmother owned a grocery store. He was not educated, but he was one of the wisest people I’ve ever known, as well as one of the best businessmen. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I’ll never forget him telling me, “work for yourself – don’t be a sucker and make someone else rich.”