The Scoop at the Hook

Spotlight’s On Antonio Beniquez

Who am I?

Antonio Beniquez, Engineering Manager

What do I do?

In my position I manage workload distributing among the engineering team of two designers and two quoters. I also hold the position of senior product designer, am involved in new product development and R&D, conduct weight load testing, and sometimes, due to my creative nature, help with Mighty Hook’s graphic design (web, adding images, creating graphics, and more).

Previous Experience

Mighty Hook was my first engineering job, and I’ve been happy enough here to stick around for 12 years so far. Before Mighty Hook I worked hands on with the mechanics of cars with my father. When I came to Mighty Hook, I started as an applications engineer, designing mechanical components and rubber molded products. Eventually, I moved on to bigger items, intricate mechanical devices, material handling products, and more complex integrated masking products. My hands on automotive mechanical background helped me to understand the mechanics of other products. It was a natural fit for me.

Outside of Mighty Hook

When I’m not working as engineering manager at Mighty Hook, I am a gallery represented street artist in Chicago. I am known for murals on sides of several Chicago buildings and buildings in various other cities. I think this outside work really helps keep the creative juices flowing, on and off the job. Whether I’m metal fabricating or using a spray can to create a design, I stay sharp through consistent creative work, exercising both sides of my brain. I use my creativity as well when helping Mighty Hook get photographs for the website or advertisements, as well as shoot video for YouTube.

Why Mighty Hook?

The people at Mighty Hook have become my family. Most of the people who were here when I started are still here today and have created a unique familial culture. Sometimes, we get along well but fight like a family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We get the work done, and are constantly trying to do better. We’re never micromanaged, and Scott is sure to allow us to be creative in our own right. This helps the business grow, because we are never held back. Great ideas are always on the horizon. We’ve really established a good culture.

Memorable moments

I’ll never forget seeing a product I had designed come to life and be purchased by a customer for the first time. It was great to see the product I had the idea for come to fruition. In general, the ability to have input that people deem valuable is exciting. Becoming the Engineering Manager showed that the company had a level of trust in me and saw the strength of my abilities. It is always gratifying to be able to see the fruits of your labor. I always find it so interesting to see that people will invest in the ideas of others. That’s truly what I love about my job.

Upcoming Spotlight

Antonio is going to be highlighted as one to watch in Products Finishing Magazine’s “Class of 2018 40 Under 40”. Look out for this awesome feature. It is a highly significant recognition in the industry.