Fast Five: Community, Jacob Bonwell is here for you
Meet Jacob Bonwell, an optimistic, deep thinking, developing, philanthropic chemical engineer who finds peace and life guidance in reading futuristic nonfiction books, watching Boeing, SpaceX and Blue Origin rocket launches whilst enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Generation: Well, I am one of those millennial kids...oh man, not another! Mainly because of the fact that I was born in 1988. I do classify as a millennial but one with an old soul. I had the wonderful pleasure of growing up with exemplary role model parents and a sister (thanks Mom, Dad, and my sis, love you!) who got their hands dirty and showed me the way. I also had the amazing blessing of being born at a time where technology was still in a minor progressive state. At that time in my youth I had to memorize all of my friends’ phone numbers, play outside, eat dirt. You know, the kid stuff. Then on another note, I have also been deeply immersed in the development of technology up until this point in time. I mean, in layman’s terms, dial-up internet to a handheld device that has more computing power then what astronauts used in the Apollo program back in the ‘60s. Pretty cool point in time to be born.
Career and community involvement:
As soon as I completed my degree in chemical engineering at the University of Idaho, I started work for ATC Manufacturing, the acronym meaning Advanced Thermoplastic Composites. We are a manufacturer of aerospace components. We are revolutionizing the aerospace industry with our disruptive materials and technology and only plan to blossom from this point forward. At ATC Manufacturing my role is process development engineer/equipment engineer. I love what I do more than anyone would ever know. Outside of work, I am highly active in my community. My whole life I have strived to help others before myself. That doesn’t always happen, but it is something I aim for. I have always loved being a part of something bigger than myself and that came about in 2012 when two of my best friends (Nick Leonard and Brandon Bunch) and myself created the Sweethearts’ Ball. Thanks to the development of our amazing gem the Sweethearts’ Ball, we are the main funding vehicle for Camp Journey, a local pediatric oncology camp located in Post Falls. With the money we raise we are able to bring 120-plus kids to camp for a week to feel like a kid again outside the ongoing battle with pediatric cancer. We are going stronger then ever into our eighth year with this event and many more to come! This last year I was also approached regarding the establishment and developing presence of Make-A-Wish Idaho in North Idaho. I was asked to sit on the regional council of Make-A-Wish Idaho with some amazing colleagues. This role fits in hand with my other nonprofit as it is focused on children with critical illnesses that they are battling. Make-A-Wish is an amazing organization, bringing smiles and developing memories that will last a lifetime is what Make-A-Wish is about. It is an honor to play a vital role with its presence in North Idaho.
Parental status: I am a very blessed father of an almost 3-year-old little boy named Elijah. Elijah is the best thing that ever happened to me and always will be. Elijah is loving, outgoing, hyper (as any kid that age is) and most of all, he is smart. He loves playing in the mud, splashing his feet in puddles and hugging and kissing dogs (he is a bigger dog lover than his father!).
1. As someone who is involved in so much, where do you get the energy and motivation to do what you do?
Honestly, I am hyperactive human by nature so I love staying busy. Really busy. I get my motivation by many things. The first is my father. That man works still to this day harder than anyone I have ever met and I am honored that I am his son. Second, my son! I want to be the best role model to my little guy that each day I wake up and say, “Today I am doing this for myself, my son and God.” He is everything to me, my rock! I also sit back and say I need to pretend that I have his scale of energy and approach it toward all my dreams and goals.
2. What does the phrase “Let your dreams guide you, not strictly your intuition” mean to you?
We all have dreams, right? Now these dreams are something that can take months to reach or a lifetime, hell, they may not even be realistic by any means. But, with dreams, you find passions, and with passions you find the meaning of life. When focusing on your intuition, you know for the most part that something might be the case but with dreams it is an unknown. Intuition is a gut check, where a dream is hurling yourself off a cliff not knowing if there is a sod pad. Shoot for the stars and dream big!
3. What is your favorite part of working as a chemical engineer?
My favorite part has to be putting my knowledge of processes into reality. Take an idea, evaluate its functionality, scale it up and deploy! I love creating, debugging, integrating and envisioning the unknowns of processes and how they can become fluid instruments to make a final product, a finished good.
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge space nerd. I sit at home most evenings catching up on current rocket launches and what the specific payload is whilst eating my favorite jalapeño artichoke dip with kettle chips! As I have said, I love the unknown and that is what chemical engineering, aerospace and astrophysics bring to me. I also love to hunt big game. This time of the year you will more than likely not find me doing much other than being a dad and then up in the woods.
5. What do you like to do when you’re not working or helping others in your community?
I love to be outdoors. Whether it is to go hiking, fishing or hunting, I love to be outside. I also love to read. A good book and some tea really make for a good evening when trying to settle down.