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Keeping Pace with ProgressHeatelex Corporation’s customers produce memory chips and microprocessors found in smartphones and computers, heart valves, solar cells, medical devices, and other high-technology parts. In their manufacturing plants, these companies must rinse and clean the parts using high-purity chemicals and deionized water.“Particles and contamination can damage their products,” says Ramirez. “Our heaters heat the luids without contaminating it with particles.”To stay focused on its area of expertise, ultra-pure heating, the company’s innovative, customer-focused professionals maintain close relationships with clients. This helps them continuously develop products to meet ever-changing speciications.“The semiconductor industry has historically been very cyclical,” says Ramirez. “Structurally, we have positioned ourselves to have a product mix that optimizes our ability to react to industry challenges.”Heatelex immersion tank heaters, in the consumable product category, are in demand on a monthly basis. The company’s larger systems, in the capital equipment category, are more in demand as the industry expands.Ramirez adds, “The semiconductor industry is consolidating and, through our acquisitions, our customer list is now more diverse geographically and by industry.”Heatelex also leads its industry through research and development. The company already has 10 patents and ive patent applications pending.Encouraging an Enduring EducationRamirez considers himself a lifelong learner. While he was growing up, his father owned an auto body repair shop, so he was exposed to the small business environment and always had entrepreneurial aspirations.“I credit Cal State L.A. for being the place that gave me the broad education and strong technical foundation I needed to succeed in developing manufacturing equipment for the semiconductor industry,” states Ramirez. “And, Cal State L.A. introduced me to the company I would later own. If I had not walked into the career center and followed up on the information I received, I may never have known about the company I’ve been with for 27 years.”Ramirez completed his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Cal State L.A. in 2004. After leaving the College originally to work full time with Etheridge, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Redlands and went on to purchase an additional company, integrating its products into his existing business. During this time, he also married his wife Katie and became a dad to two daughters.Ramirez advises current students, whatever their goals, to take action to realize them and to never give up.“There were a lot of obstacles to making my dreams come true,” he says. “I am not smarter than anyone else. I just do not give up. I continue making progress as best I can.” •InSights | 21CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS CRAFTWATER-WORTHY CONCRETE CANOECal State L.A.’s Concrete Canoe Team, made up of civil engineering students, participated in the 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) National Concrete Canoe Competition at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown last June. The students used their engineering and hydrodynamic design skills to construct a water-worthy canoe from concrete.