What happens when you have an idea for a start-up that’s ten years ahead of its time? Well, it helps to have conviction.
Jeremy McCool, HEVO Founder & CEO, knew auto companies would eventually want wireless charging, but it was at a time when they weren’t even really embracing electric vehicles. “I saw it as an opportunity that was different than anything else that anybody else was putting their energy into,” he says.
During his time in the military rebuilding power grids in the Middle East, Jeremy discovered the effect that power has on everything. Combined with his interest in sustaining a healthy environment, EVs piqued Jeremy’s interest.
In this episode, Jan speaks to Jeremy about the EV wireless charging revolution, and what it takes for a tech start-up to break through the silos of traditional auto companies.
🎙️Tune in for the full podcast episode here ➡️ https://theautomotiveleaderspodcast.com/episode/meet-the-man-behind-the-ev-wireless-charging-revolution-hevo-founder-ceo-jeremy-mccool
Themes discussed on this episode:
-The importance of being able to influence a team as a leader
-How having conviction helps drive an idea forward
-How to get through to traditional auto companies
-The challenges of starting a tech company in an industry where you have no experience
-How efficiency and time management drive creativity
Episode Highlights
Timestamped inflection points from the show
[4:05] Lessons from the military: After 9/11, Jeremy knew he wanted to join the military. He eventually worked his way up to U.S. Army Captain and spent 15 months in Baghdad. He shares what his service taught him about leadership.
[5:27] You’re nothing without your team: Being able to influence others to build something with you is one of the single best traits of a leader, according to Jeremy. He shares why a team is everything.
[9:06] An 8-year-old business owner: Jeremy started his entrepreneurial journey early in life — very early. He was running a full-fledged business at 8 years old, riding a paper route and providing lawn services to neighbors. He elaborates on where he got his entrepreneurial spirit.
[15:46] A conviction for wireless charging: Conviction, according to Jan, is authentic leadership at its core. When you’ve got conviction, you can make your vision happen — no matter your skill set. Where did Jeremy get his conviction for HEVO?
[29:01] Breaking through to the auto companies: When auto companies were still unsure of EVs, Jeremy was trying to sell them on the idea of wireless charging. He talks about what it was like going to Detroit for the first time and explains his tech start-up to auto manufacturers.
[33:36] Advice for auto industry leaders: Jeremy’s biggest tip for auto industry leaders is to coach the tech companies to navigate silos. Traditional automotive companies can be difficult to navigate, so companies like HEVO need guidance to figure out the process.
[39:25] ‘The first of many’: HEVO has a partnership with a major OEM right now, and Jeremy believes this is just the start. More automakers are talking about wireless charging, and he wants his tech company to lead the charge.
[41:42] Why HEVO?: Jeremy shares how his tech company landed on the name HEVO. Brand identity and values played a large part.
[44:03] 21 traits: Of Jan’s 21 traits of authentic leadership, Jeremy says his top two are vision and accountability. Without those, you don’t have a focus.
[49:45]: Remarkable efficiency: Jeremy has a no-meetings-in-the-afternoon rule at HEVO. This allows more time for creativity and efficiency, something he prides himself on, and helps him set his days up for success.
----------------
🌐 Learn more at 👉 https://www.gravitasdetroit.com/
🎙️Tune in to The Automotive Leaders Podcast 👉 https://theautomotiveleaderspodcast.com/
🗞️Sign up for The AUTOMOTIVE LEADERS LETTER 👉 https://www.gravitasdetroit.com/the-automotive-leaders-letter
