'Our People, Your Stories' with Maciej Jakucki

For Maciej Jakucki, helping customers solve complex problems and save lives through meticulous medical device testing has been a 15-year journey fueled by curiosity, trust, and perseverance.

As Division Director in Life Sciences overseeing laboratories across multiple states, Maciej draws on his deep technical expertise and passion for guiding teams to bring value to Element's medical device and pharmaceutical customers. "My role is very diverse, involving everything from long-term business strategy to hands-on day-to-day problem solving with our engineers and scientists," he explained.

One of Maciej's proudest accomplishments is building strong, trusting relationships with customers over many years. He shared a compelling story about working closely with one medical device startup customer to identify a subtle but critical quality issue through rigorous failure analysis testing on their new surgical tool product. The insight prevented a potentially dangerous product from reaching patients. As Maciej recalls:

"Their CEO told me our team had saved their company, and likely saved lives. Knowing the meticulous testing and hard work we do routinely leads to those kinds of life-changing results for our customers is tremendously motivating".

Another point of pride is being involved with substantially expanding Element's Life Sciences division over the past decade, from just a handful of employees to now several hundred across the country. Maciej credits his curiosity and perseverance as key drivers that led to this rapid growth - traits instilled by his parents. As refugees from Poland who came to America with just two suitcases and barely any money (as seen in a newspaper article featuring Maciej at 5 years old in a Spanish refugee center), they overcame seemingly impossible odds by working incredibly hard manual labor jobs to slowly build a new life while also learning a new language. As Maciej explains:

"They taught me firsthand to never give up, even when the obstacles before you appear monumental. If they could achieve that through sheer determination, I learned there is nothing I can't figure out."

He strives to pass on that determination to his teams - encouraging them to take chances and learn by doing. His leadership style emphasizes listening, guiding collaboratively, and taking risks despite possible failures so his teams can gain wisdom. As Maciej puts it, "My parents shaped my worldview that you can persevere through any challenge if you tackle it together." For him, their inspiring journey instilled the deep perseverance that motivates him daily at Element to solve complex problems and empower positive change, echoing our vital mission of #MakingTomorrowSaferThanToday.

In his spare time, Maciej finds joy in nature and hobbies that connect him to the natural world. "We have 10 chickens that we take care of – all different varieties that provide us fresh eggs daily," he explained. "It's satisfying to reduce household waste, provide natural fertilizer, and lower our environmental impact. My daughters, Jenna, Kaya and Kasey, love helping to care for the chickens too." Maciej also shares details on his love of landscaping and bonsai trees. "I have around 40 bonsai trees in various stages of development which blends technical skill with artistic vision and lots of patience. I also have about 180 cultivars of rare Japanese maples and conifers (many in bonsai form) around our property which I snip and fuss over." When not tending to his home landscape, Maciej enjoys traveling and skiing with his wife, Amy.

Thank you, Maciej, for sharing your inspiring story and dedication to Element's life-saving work!