Celebrating Forty Years
As we celebrate 40 years, we highlight some of the people that make Cirris what it is today – a lead developer and manufacturer of cable harness testers. We recognize our people as our most valuable asset in this endeavor.
Erin’s Story: A Culture of Compassion, Growth, and Fun
Erin Petersen, our dedicated controller who has been with Cirris for 17 years, shares her insights into what makes Cirris a special place to work.
From the very first day Erin joined Cirris, she was struck by the casual and friendly atmosphere. “I remember the very first day I came in, we were having a company luncheon, and people were wearing bike shorts. It was a fun, casual environment,” she recalls. This people-centric culture has remained a hallmark of Cirris, fostering a space where employees feel comfortable and valued.
Over the years, Cirris has evolved from a small startup to a growing company with global reach. Now part of the Komax Group, Cirris has access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, enabling continuous innovation. “We are excited because we’re doing new things and we’re innovating,” says Erin. This growth mindset is reflected in our ability to serve high-profile aerospace clients, contributing to groundbreaking projects around the world.
One of the most significant aspects of Cirris’s culture is the compassion and support among employees. Erin emphasizes the importance of understanding and helping each other through challenges. “So many people are having a hard day and you can’t even tell. The best part about Cirris is the compassion people have shown me when I was having a hard time,” she shares. This supportive environment ensures that everyone can perform at their best, knowing they have a team that cares.
Erin Petersen, Controller
Erin fondly remembers bringing her first daughter to the office and being greeted with excitement and congratulations from colleagues across the company. “That’s the Cirris culture right there,” she says. This sense of community and celebration of personal milestones is a testament to the strong bonds formed at Cirris.
At Cirris, the commitment to quality and customer service is paramount. Erin highlights how the company’s products and services help improve the quality of other products and services worldwide. “It’s not just about the equipment that we make, which is excellent, and its high quality. It’s also about the service that comes with it,” she explains. This dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction has been a cornerstone of Cirris’s success.
Erin’s journey at Cirris has been marked by significant personal and professional milestones. Starting as a recent college graduate, she has grown into a seasoned professional, thanks to the opportunities and mentorship she received. “I’ve done a lot of things at Cirris that I couldn’t have done otherwise. But I’ve also learned so much. I’ve grown. I’ve had great mentors and people that have taught me,” she reflects. This growth is a testament to Cirris’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering development.
Erin also highlights the importance of having fun at work. “We have a lot of fun here. Whether it’s company luncheons, team-building activities, or just the day-to-day interactions, there’s always something to look forward to,” she says. This emphasis on fun helps to create a positive and engaging work environment.
As Cirris marks its 40th year, we look forward to continuing our tradition of innovation, compassion, and fun. Erin’s journey with Cirris is a reflection of the company’s values and the positive impact it has on its employees and customers alike. Here’s to many more years of success and growth!
Watch the video
More About Cirris
Ask any Cirris employee what the best part of their job is and you will likely hear the response, “The people I work with.” From our simple beginnings in a small office on State Street in Salt Lake City, Cirris’ philosophy has always been that our people are our greatest asset. We promote quality of life by offering competetive pay, great benefits, fun family-centered events, and supporting local charities. Learn more in the video.
Team Highlight: Test Applications Group
As Cirris celebrates its 40th anniversary, we reflect on some of the people who have been integral to our success. The Test Applications Group (TAG) – a team of specialists dedicated to developing and manufacturing custom interface solutions for electrical cable testing applications. TAG designs custom interfaces that go beyond standard equipment, addressing unique customer needs and ensuring high-quality, reliable products.
The TAG team is a diverse group of experts with unique skills and passions. Tony Piro, a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, explains, “The TAG team designs custom interface systems that go beyond the need of standard equipment that we normally sell.” His recent project involved creating a custom tester for catheters, showcasing his ability to innovate and meet specific customer requirements. “I completely designed the entire system and I’ve been prototyping it and testing and getting input from coworkers to make sure that it’s very well thought out and designed well,” Tony shares.
Wayne Johnson, an Electrical Engineer, highlights the importance of their work: “The Test Applications Group designs custom interfaces that allow our customers to easily connect their equipment to Cirris’ standard product.” Wayne takes pride in hands-on projects, like building and testing a large custom interface system. “The projects I’m most proud of are the ones where I’ve had to get my hands in the middle of it and make it look good,” he says.
Michael Brown, a Custom Precision Assembler, enjoys the variety in his work and the impact it has. Reflecting on a recent project, he says, “I recently worked on a project that was for an aerospace company that was all air pneumatic controlled and it tested an entire cable harness all at one time. I wired up the I/O controls, all the tiles, and all of the chroma boxes. I did everything except for build the frame.” Michael adds, “Most of my test applications really help people in the long run. It ensures that they put out quality products and they don’t have to second guess after it’s shipped.”
Custom designed catheter test station
Riggin Marriott, a Mechanical Designer, values the opportunity to work on diverse projects. He helped design the CT2500 electrophysiology catheter tester, stating, “It’s turned out to be a really good product.” Riggin emphasizes the integrated approach of TAG: “We design both the testers and the test fixtures, providing a seamless, ready-to-go application that our customers can start using immediately.” A personal experience highlighted the impact of their work for him: “I remember being in the hospital recently and seeing all these different companies that we provide testers for and knowing that that equipment is good because we do what we do here is a pretty crazy thing.”
Ryan Austin, the Project Manager for the Customs and TAG team, believes in the power of teamwork and effective communication. “It’s the people that make my job enjoyable. Managing projects is not just about the end result; it’s about working with people, understanding their personalities, and building strong relationships,” Ryan reflects. His role in ensuring smooth project execution and fostering a collaborative work environment is crucial to TAG’s success.
TAG’s innovative solutions have a profound impact across various industries, from medical to aerospace. Wayne Johnson reflects on this broader impact: “I don’t think of Cirris as one that directly makes the world better, but we are a part of many other customers’ projects that are making the world better. And it just makes us feel good to know that we’ve contributed in some way.”
As we celebrate 40 years of Cirris, we honor the people who have made this journey possible. The TAG team’s collective expertise, passion, and commitment to quality continue to drive Cirris forward. For the TAG team, it’s not just about building custom solutions; it’s about making a difference in the lives of their customers and the industries they serve. Here’s to many more years of excellence, driven by the remarkable contributions of the Test Applications Group.
Custom test board for RV application
Cirris Custom Solutions
Cirris has a dedicated team of engineers and assemblers that specialize in developing custom test interface solutions of any size and complexity. Our 40 years of experience in cable testing products has enabled us to become the trusted partner to many businesses and organizations. Trust our team to work with you to create a lasting and reliable solution that meets your needs.
You are invited to explore our project portfolio, a testament to our expertise in developing tailored solutions for a wide range of applications. Our track record of serving industry giants has enabled us to create new standards in innovation and excellence.
Scotty’s Story: A Lifelong Journey with Cirris
For Scotty Perschon, Cirris isn’t just a workplace. As the Head of Production at Cirris, Scotty has dedicated 17 years of his life to the company, witnessing its growth firsthand and experiencing its impact on both his career and personal life.
Cirris, a leader in cable harness manufacturing for testers, has been a constant presence in Scotty’s life. “Cirris has always been something in my life,” Scotty reflects. “My dad worked here before, and I used to come in during the summers, hanging out at the Cirris parties.” This early exposure laid the foundation for Scotty’s future at Cirris, leading to his part-time position while still in high school.
From sorting screws and nuts in storage bins to assembling testers and eventually becoming the Head of Production, Scotty’s career path at Cirris exemplifies growth and dedication. He’s held various positions within the company, from shipping to repair and tech support management, showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence.
What keeps Scotty motivated after all these years? “The people,” he says without hesitation. “The connection with the people here is different from anywhere else I’ve worked.” For Scotty, Cirris isn’t just a workplace—it’s a community, a second family that has been a constant presence throughout his life.
But Cirris isn’t just about work—it’s about impact. Scotty has witnessed firsthand how Cirris products, with their constant technological advancements, have influenced the world around him. “From aerospace companies using our testers on rockets to everyday USB cables charging someone’s phone,” he explains, “the impact of Cirris reaches far and wide.”
In Scotty’s eyes, Cirris’s dedication to customer satisfaction and product quality sets it apart from competitors. “The amount of quality and support we put into our testers and all of our products – it makes you not want to use anything else… The customers are right. They’re the ones that are helping us out to find other issues and other avenues to improve our products,” he affirms, echoing Cirris’s commitment to customer-centricity.
Beyond his career achievements, Scotty’s tenure at Cirris has coincided with significant personal milestones. From graduating high school and college to getting married and starting a family, Cirris has been woven into the fabric of his life. “My kids have Cirris jackets and shirts,” Scotty shares proudly. “It’s kind of cool to see this Cirris product going down the family line, the family tree.”
Through Scotty’s story, it’s evident that Cirris isn’t just a company—it’s a place of belonging, shaping the lives of its employees in profound ways. With its dedication to quality, innovation, and community, Cirris continues to leave a lasting imprint, not only in the realm of cable testing but also in the hearts and lives of those like Scotty who call it home.
Scotty Perschon, Head of Production
About Cirris Testing Products
Cirris testing products are renowned for their quality and reliability in the industry. Built with precision and durability in mind, each tester undergoes rigorous testing and calibration to ensure accuracy. Cirris prioritizes customer satisfaction by providing user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive support services, making integration seamless and efficient. With a focus on excellence, Cirris testing products empower cable manufacturers to enhance their operations and product quality with confidence.
