Meet Aaron, a remarkable engineering polymath whose journey from Hawaiian surfer to Arizona-based entrepreneur reveals the power of pursuing diverse passions with intention. Growing up on Oahu's beaches, Aaron's love for riding the waves at the famous Bonsai Pipeline would later inspire his company's name and mission to become ”the pinnacle of engineering.”

What truly sets Aaron apart isn't just his impressive credentials—mechanical engineering degree from BYU, biomedical engineering master's from ASU, and ownership of Pipeline Design and Engineering. It's his extraordinary commitment to using his skills to create positive change. Following a frightening school threat incident at his son's high school, Aaron established a CAD Club that uses engineering as a vehicle to show students what healthy adult behavior looks like while teaching valuable skills. Five terms later, several graduates have gone on to pursue engineering degrees in college with Aaron's recommendation letters supporting their applications.

The conversation reveals a man who maintains remarkable balance amidst multiple commitments. Despite running a business, hosting a long-running engineering podcast, organizing the Product Development Expo, and maintaining a consistent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice (even after suffering a torn ACL), Aaron prioritizes family dinner each night and helping get his children off to school in the mornings. His wife Kayla, described as ”amazing and very capable,” has been instrumental in supporting his diverse pursuits.

Perhaps most inspiring is Aaron's personal philosophy: ”Joy is really at the end of every why.” When asked about his motivations, he explains that helping others has always brought him fulfillment. This guiding principle illuminates everything from his business approach to his community initiatives. Whether discussing Arizona's new surf lagoon, his educational journey, or the ten life tenets he teaches his CAD Club students, Aaron demonstrates how engineering expertise can become a platform for mentorship, community building, and personal growth.

Join us for this fascinating conversation about finding purpose through technical excellence and using professional skills to shape the next generation. Want to learn more about Aaron's innovative approaches to engineering and education? Follow his work with Pipeline Design and Engineering and consider how you might apply similar principles in your own field.