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John McEleney, CEO of SolidWorks, keeps his balance even as we throw him curveballs

Roopinder Tara, April 12, 2006

John and TenLinks go way back. Most of the time John is strictly business, but dig a little and you can find out what really warms his heart is helping the disadvantaged youth. We found this and more in our last chat.

  1. What was the biggest change when you took over the reins from founder Jon Hirschtick?
    Jon had big shoes to fill –literally and figuratively. People had to get used to the idea I was CEO. My approach was often different than Jon’s. But if Jon was asked [for a 2nd opinion], he was good at telling people they needed to speak to me.
  2. What book are you reading?
    Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorists, by Benjamin Netanyahu
  3. Which leader most inspires you?
    Ronald Reagan.
  4. What did you want to do when you grew up?
    An engineer. Always an engineer. I started as an electrical engineer but it was too abstract.
  5. Your favorite drink?
    Sapphire martini, straight up, one olive.
  6. What one factor accounts for the success of SolidWorks?
    Our focus on the customer. That's true of our company and our VARs. We are in total alignment. Alignment is the key, like in golf. Hips not aligned with your shoulders and your hands and the shot goes wide.
  7. Is that how you stay fit?
    No, you can't stay fit with golf. But I'm working out and getting back on my bike. A broken foot kept me out of action for months.
  8. What is the main reason why every mechanical/designer is not using your software?
    It's just a matter of time. But seriously, there are customers--like Boeing and Ford--that SolidWorks is just not right for. Customers like that would kill our company. Our business model does not allow us to provide that kind of support.
  9. Do you fly first class, business or coach?
    Coach. I remember the feeling I got years ago [before being in management] at another company when the executives in my company headed to the front of the plane. I don't want my employees to feel that way.
  10. What do you want to do in your retirement?
    Teach high school math. [ed: SolidWorks also contributes to Boston's MATCH School for inner city students]