In addition to being Caloris’ Business Development Manager, Jim Kent is one of our dryer gurus, with many years of experience in commissioning, project management and sales.
Caloris: How did you get involved in your field?
Jim: I studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Minnesota. The specialization in Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics was a natural fit for understanding Spray Drying. I might have worked at Boeing, but may have played a smaller part on the design of a large plane. My career path has allowed to play a much deeper role in the outcomes and designs of the factories I’ve been involved with.
Jim Kent
Caloris: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Jim: I really enjoy the problem-solving, this plays to the nature of an engineer. I also really enjoy the educational aspect of interacting with the people and helping them to understand the complex machines they are operating. Working collaboratively with customers to get something more from their plant, while they gain knowledge is the most rewarding.
Caloris: What do you like most about living/working in Minnesota?
Jim: The four seasons in Minnesota are special. Every 12 weeks there is a new palette in nature and the surroundings. We’ve got great people here and a fun culture. You just have to be able to find a way to enjoy the winter season. For me, that’s cross-country skiing.
Caloris: What are your hobbies? Anything else fun you’d like to share?
Jim: I’m a fan of the outdoors, especially of hiking in the mountains. I’ve been fortunate enough to have stood on the top of the United States, summiting Denali in Alaska with a group of friends in 1993. It was the memory of a lifetime and fueled a passion that continues to this day. Shortly after joining Caloris in 2018, I was able to go to Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina for my 50th Birthday, although weather conspired to make it impossible to reach the top.
Caloris: What’s your favorite cheese?
Jim: We have a small local artisan cheesemaker near us, Bass Lake Cheese. They make a great aged cheddar that, if your lucky, you can get their 7 year aged variety. Delicious.
Caloris: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Jim: Zanzibar Dark Chocolate