Networking and Strengthening Your Local FRC Community
Presenter: Andrew Hartnett, Pearadox FRC 5414
Improving your team and local FRC community hinges on building a strong local network of mentors. Activities like mentor workshops, geographically-based Slack groups, shop visits, and inviting other teams to your shop can enhance everyone’s skills.
This workshop will include presentations and discussions on why networking matters, successful strategies, common pitfalls, and the best timing for building a network.
It’s aimed for both those offering or seeking support. Many teams fit both roles, as even top teams benefit from their support network. Data shows a strong correlation between team survival and mentors who build a support network.
About Andrew
Andrew Hartnett has been in FRC since 2005, having taken off 2008 – 2010 and founded and is lead mentor for FRC5414, Pearadox. Pearadox has won a district champs culture changing award 2020-2023, and has been an event finalist numerous times since 2019. This success didn’t come from Pearadox’s inception however, as they steadily improved every year after struggling on the field from their rookie year. Networking was a key part in Pearadox’s growth and success as an FRC organization.
Additionally, Andrew has co-hosted FRC Mentor workshops with WFA Allen Gregory and fellow WFFA Scott Rippetoe for the past few years. In 2022 Allen, Scott, and Andrew were asked to bring the mentor workshop “on the road” and hosted workshops in San Antonio and Dallas in addition to the annual Houston mentor workshop and are currently working to encourage local mentors in those areas to continue those this year. Andrew also helps to manage the Texas Mentors slack.