From building multiple airplanes in high school to revolutionizing metal recycling, Ian Wiese’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and passion. As the President of Metcovery, a foundry in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Ian is reshaping the landscape of circular metal value chains with a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) is pleased to announce that Ian is returning, after participating in I-Corps™ in 2018, to bring his expertise, curiosity, and passion to our community, joining us as entrepreneur-in-residence.
A Foundation in Engineering and Materials Science
Ian’s fascination with problem-solving began early. In high school, he built two full-size, flyable airplanes as part of a class project. This hands-on experience steered him towards engineering, leading him to pursue a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
“I figured if I could do both, I’d be covering both steps,” Ian explains, reflecting on his decision to combine these fields. This interdisciplinary approach would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.
Connecting with the LEC: From Metallurgy to Entrepreneurship
After graduation, Ian quickly found himself working as a metallurgist in a brass and bronze foundry, gaining hands-on experience in metal casting and international consulting. A metallurgist is a scientist or engineer who studies and works with metals to develop and improve materials for various uses, ensuring they are strong, durable, and suitable for specific applications.
Ian’s entrepreneurial journey took off through conversations with his cohort mates from Northwestern University, where he completed a Master of Engineering Management degree. They had begun working on a startup focused on developing innovative water treatment solutions. Ian researched the materials involved, figured out how to work with them and started making them in the lab, resulting in him becoming the CTO and Co-founder of Numix Materials.
Ian and his team at Numix Materials participated in the I-Corps™ program at the LEC. “That’s actually how I got introduced to the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center,” Ian recalls. After I-Corps™, Ian’s involvement with the LEC grew organically over time. He began by advising student groups and contributing his expertise, eventually becoming a more integral part of the center’s ecosystem. “I just kept coming in. I like to come in and add value. I don’t really care what I get out of it,” Ian says, reflecting on his journey with the LEC.
A New Paradigm in Business
At the helm of Metcovery, Ian implements a long-term, sustainable approach to business management. When asked how he will avoid the flaws he sees in current systems, Ian responded “I’m not going to think I’m so smart that I can architect a beautiful system. I need to put together a set of conditions that allows for emergent systems to flourish, emergent innovation.”
His business operates from three main priorities, always satisfied in order:
1. The betterment of the human beings that make up the business
2. The betterment of the people and environments with which the business interacts
3. Making a profit for the company
“If we can’t make a profit while being good for the people we are and the people we interact with and the environment we interact with, we have no right to make any profit,” Ian asserts.
Continuing Innovation: Inspiring the Next Generation
Ian’s latest focus is on addressing the critical shortage of gallium and germanium, essential metals for semiconductor manufacturing. With China controlling 90% of the world’s supply, Ian sees an opportunity to innovate and create domestic sources for these crucial materials. As part of this focus, Ian is looking forward to a project to clean up old mining resources in Kosovo, a country in Southeast Europe.
In addition to his work at Metcovery, Ian has come full circle, now teaching entrepreneurship and innovation at Northwestern University. He brings his real-world experiences and unconventional approach to the classroom, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
“I live entrepreneurship all day, every day,” Ian says. “And then I turn around and I teach it at night to students.”
Enthusiasm In Joining the LEC Community As Entrepreneur-In-Residence
As Ian joins the LEC as Entrepreneur-In-Residence, he’s particularly drawn to the LEC’s core belief in the importance of community. He emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not about rugged individualism but rather about being part of a larger network that supports and uplifts one another, “…you know, ‘the entrepreneur is the pinnacle of rugged individualism’ [speaking on his initially held beliefs], that could not be further from the truth. That is the antithesis of the truth. Entrepreneurship requires an ecological consciousness,” Ian asserts. This mindset aligns with LEC culture, fostering collaboration among aspiring entrepreneurs from various backgrounds.
Ian appreciates how the LEC empowers people from all walks of life to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. He notes that most people come to the center by choice, actively seeking knowledge and opportunities for personal growth.
“It’s the 500 people that come through here that change the world. That’s where the difference is made … they’re actively trying to better themselves and, in the process, they’re actively bettering the community around them and if I can help with that in any way shape or form, I’m down,” he states.
Ian’s journey from a curious high school student to a pioneering entrepreneur and educator exemplifies the power of innovative thinking and perseverance. His approach to business, focusing on long-term value creation and human-centric systems, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional corporate models. As he continues to push the boundaries of metallurgy and entrepreneurship, Ian is not just solving today’s problems but shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for industry and society alike.
We are thrilled to welcome Ian to our community as an entrepreneur-in-residence. His extensive experience in metallurgy, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship will be an invaluable asset to our community. Ian will be involved in various initiatives, including our mentoring sessions, and innovative workshops. We look forward to the fresh perspectives, technical expertise, and wealth of real-world experience that Ian will bring to our team.
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