Get to Know: Eric Saunders
What brought you to MTSI?
MTSI’s leadership played a pivotal role in my decision to join the organization. The dedication and commitment displayed by the Portfolio and Program Directors left a lasting impression on me. The leaders in Dayton consistently demonstrate their commitment and set an outstanding example through their actions. They create an environment that fosters open and honest communication, actively promotes teamwork and collaboration, and consistently recognizes and celebrates individual and company achievements.
What makes MTSI a Great Place to Work?
MTSI truly distinguishes itself as an exceptional workplace, fueled by an unwavering commitment to our most valuable asset: our employees. What sets MTSI apart is our dedication to providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to employee benefits. While the term “benefits” often conjures images of standard offerings such as annual compensation and insurance coverage, we go above and beyond. At MTSI, we take immense pride in offering retirement plans that encompass the 401K and ESOP, equipping each employee with the tools to build a secure and prosperous future. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, we provide generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements, tailoring our support to meet the diverse needs of our valued workforce. Moreover, MTSI commitment to fostering an environment that actively supports career growth and advancement. At the core of our beliefs lies the understanding that our employees are the cornerstone of our success. We hold steadfast to the conviction that by offering a comprehensive range of benefits and fostering an environment that nurtures personal and professional growth, we empower every employee to flourish, thrive, and reach new heights of excellence.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
I always had a deep passion for the great outdoors and wildlife photography. Like everyone else, I have my own set of hobbies. For me, true bliss lies in immersing myself in a remote location, far away from cell service, armed with my trusty Nikon camera (e.g., D610 and Z6), a tripod featuring a gimbal head, and a powerful 500mm f/4 lens. Over the years, I devoted a considerable amount of time to exploring a variety of National Parks. Among the remarkable parks I visited are Mammoth Cave, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Great Sand Dunes, and Glacier. During these awe-inspiring adventures, I had the privilege of capturing truly indelible moments through my camera lens. The subjects of my photography encompass a wide range of captivating wildlife, including black bears, brown bears, coyotes, deer, elk, moose, prairie dogs, yellow-bellied marmots, and a diverse assortment of hawk species. One question that often arises when people view my wildlife photography is whether I ever felt endangered during my visits. I follow the rules and guidelines of the parks, carry a small bell on my backpack, and have bear spray ready to go. The only time I let down my situational awareness was in 2016 at Glacier NP. I had my back turned, and when I turned around to face forward, and a brown bear crossed my path within 50 feet of where I stood. There was no evidence of his presence – no noise from breaking branches, crackling leaves, or the inhale/exhale of his breath. I felt very lucky that he was not interested in me!
