Eric Miller is a co-owner of Tempe-based PADT, Inc., which provides tools and services to companies that design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and has lived in Arizona since 1986. He started his career focusing on applying Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to simulate turbine engine components. Over the years, he became recognized as an expert user of Ansys software tools, geometry modeling, the application of additive manufacturing, and in the development of custom software to automate the product simulation and design process.
As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric also pursued his interests in IT, graphic design, 3D Printing, database programming, and small business management. As both PADT and the use of advanced engineering tools grew, Eric became exposed to dozens of different industries and developed his broad understanding of the application of technology for product development and manufacturing.
After over three decades in the industry, Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, 3D printing, and on startups, and the high-tech sector. His outside commitments include being Chairman of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors, Entrepreneur in Residence for the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the screening committee of Arizona Technology Investors. Eric also participates in several advisory committees at ASU. He regularly contributes to the Phoenix Business Journal with over 200 posts on technology, small business, and the Arizona tech scene. He also currently hosts the All Things ANSYS podcast and does occasional freelance content writing for technology companies.
In his spare time, Eric enjoys traveling, writing, history, cooking, and learning about new things.