In his own words: Mike Noonan, Owner, EFI Connection LLC
What or who fueled your interest in manufacturing?
My father encouraged me to help him restore a 1982 S-10 pickup truck when I was in high school. Because of his guidance (and generosity), I had a high sense of pride in the finished truck. Several years after the truck was completed, I removed the V6 engine and swapped in a fuel injected V8 engine. Merging the Trans Am wiring with the S-10 wiring was my introduction to a passion that would become a successful career in manufacturing.
What is your current role in manufacturing?
My current role in manufacturing is the generation of detailed CAD models and wire harness build templates to support my engine wire harness build team. More than that, I’ve also been designing and manufacturing continuity test fixtures for connectors used within our wire harness builds. Since shifting my focus toward this work, the quality and efficiency of wire harness production has noticeably increased.
Describe your path to get to where you are today.
My work began as a hobby that quickly transitioned into a side business. Through my 20s, I kept the business-related work on the side while I focused on my software development career to make a good living. As the side work grew, I took a leap of faith to build engine wire harnesses and sell related products from within my small basement. Through innovation and hard work, I developed a successful product line that allowed me to build a large garage on my residential property to expand the manufacturing capabilities of my business. The business steadily grew to the point where, in 2021, I moved the shop from my residential property to a 15,500 sq ft building in downtown Erie. I’ve hired several new employees and added additional manufacturing capabilities since moving to a larger building.
What is your Superpower?
I have a successful history of identifying seemingly complicated needs in the performance automotive industry and developing/manufacturing high quality solutions that are affordable. These skill sets have been valuable assets to my business as I apply manufactured solutions to wire harness production processes.
Why is your role important to others – like to customers or end users?
The performance automotive industry includes many products that only exist because innovators and entrepreneurs have been willing to do the hard work and take the financial risks that bring affordable solutions to enthusiasts. I’ve been willing to do the hard work and take the financial risks.
What do you think the future holds for your career or others you inspire?
I’m blessed to have incredible family and friends who have helped support me in my business endeavors. I hope to be in a better position one day soon to be able to invest more in the development of my employees and younger generation.
