VitaTalk Ep. 15

elliebecker35
Jul 21
4 min read

A Farewell Conversation with Jacob Wilson: Creativity, Grit, and Growth at VitaTek

As we wrap up another chapter at VitaTek, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey of someone who’s played a pivotal role in our growth. Jacob Wilson, one of the first engineers to join our team, sat down for a final conversation on the VitaTalk Podcast before embarking on new professional adventures. After three and a half years of contributing to our vision and shaping the future of medical technology with us, Jacob’s send-off was both heartfelt and inspiring.

Jacob came to VitaTek fresh out of college, eager to dive into the world of medical device design. He discovered our company through LinkedIn, applied for a posting, and quickly found himself immersed in the energy and chaos of startup life. At the time, VitaTek was still in its infancy, and Jacob became the third engineer to join the team. This early-stage environment offered him the chance to explore every corner of product development, from brainstorming and client collaboration to tooling and manufacturing. Reflecting on that experience, Jacob shared that his goal was to use his first five years in the field to figure out what he truly wanted to do in the next ten, a mission he feels he accomplished by being exposed to so many facets of the design and development process.

During his time with us, Jacob worked on more than 50 projects across the medical device landscape, touching class I, II, and even class III technologies. His work spanned specialties like cardiology, orthopedics, and plastics. But what stood out even more than his technical range was his creative leadership. Jacob described a particular love for brainstorming meetings, not just for the ideas that surfaced, but for the energy and alignment that came from leading a team toward a shared vision. He saw these sessions as opportunities to channel creativity in a directed, productive way, ensuring that everyone around the table felt energized and focused.

One key insight Jacob shared was how creativity in engineering isn't about starting from scratch. Instead, it’s often about applying known technologies in new ways. He explained that while medical device development may seem rigid, innovation often comes from clever adaptation. Tried-and-true materials and mechanisms, when reimagined for a new problem, can become the backbone of a novel product that meets regulatory expectations and business timelines.

Jacob also spoke to the unique environment at VitaTek during its earliest days. He fondly recalled working in our original space, where the ceilings were so tall they allowed for a climbing rope, which, naturally, became a fun way to burn off steam. That scrappy, DIY culture made the wins feel more personal and the challenges more meaningful. Over the years, as the company expanded and matured, the sense of camaraderie remained even as our resources grew.

Not every project was smooth sailing, of course. Jacob recounted one particularly challenging moment when a mold design went sideways. The manufactured parts came back crystal clear, because no plastic had filled in a critical feature. What followed was a coordinated scramble involving redesigns, tool adjustments, mold flow analysis, and late nights. In the end, the problem was solved, and the client was thrilled. But what stuck with Jacob most was how the team came together, not in blame or frustration, but in partnership, driven by a shared goal of delivering something excellent.

As he prepares to leave, Jacob offers parting advice to engineers looking to enter the medical device space. He emphasized the importance of staying curious, of being the kind of person who asks questions, digs into unfamiliar topics, and takes initiative to learn. He explained that professional curiosity means not just fulfilling your role, but understanding how it fits into the larger ecosystem of a company. When someone cares enough to grasp that bigger picture, they grow faster and contribute more meaningfully to the team.

Jacob also stressed that being a great engineer isn’t enough if you can’t communicate your ideas. He encouraged engineers to develop their soft skills, communication, collaboration, and context awareness, as these often determine whether a great idea gains traction or gets lost in translation. In a collaborative, fast-paced environment like ours, it’s not just about being brilliant; it’s about being useful, adaptable, and aligned with the people around you.

As we closed the conversation, it was clear just how much Jacob’s presence had shaped our culture, our processes, and our projects. He’s leaving behind more than just designs and documentation, he’s leaving a legacy of creativity, resilience, and mentorship that will continue to influence VitaTek long after he’s gone.

We’re grateful for everything Jacob has contributed to VitaTek. Though we’ll miss having him around, we’re excited to see where his talents and spirit of exploration take him next.

Thank you, Jacob. Here’s to the next big adventure.

Stay tuned for more episodes and updates—because the best ideas in healthcare are just getting started.