Edwin Javier Ojeda ?05

Edwin Javier Ojeda

Class Year

’05

Current home

Madison, Wis.

Major(s)

International Political Economy

Current Position

Senior Vice President, Industrial Business

Edwin Javier Ojeda works as the Senior Vice President at Crescent Electric Supply Company in East Dubuque, Ill. He is responsible for the industrial sales growth across all 140 branches and eleven districts company-wide, leading the creation and deployment of the sales process and support team, and helping to maximize the disciplined sales focus and skillsets of the field-based employees.

Graduating in 2005 with an international political economy major and Spanish and economics minors, Mr. Ojeda was involved in sports and his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. He was the award winner of the Smeds Executive Internship Program and acquired an internship at the Brady Corporation.

Mr. Ojeda would like to thank his professors Art Cyr, Yuri Maltsev, and Gary Williams for their support during his college career and after his graduation.

“I came to Carthage as a pretty average student. But I left Carthage as a person who understood that being a great student is about wanting to be great.”

Edwin Javier Ojeda, ’05

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

“I have truly enjoyed the IoT, industrial, and electrical market places, and the people that make up these industries. They are a hardworking set of individuals that move America forward every single day. In addition, I enjoyed having longevity in my career with some very high-level risks sprinkled in. Throughout my career, I’ve met incredible people and mentors who have helped me as I grow as a leader.”

How did Carthage prepare you?

“I came to Carthage as a pretty average student. But I left Carthage as a person who understood that being a great student is about wanting to be great. Carthage challenged me to want to be great. It challenged me to even want to continue my college journey when things were difficult. It taught me that all the little journeys I was on would one day lead me to my big journey.”

How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?

“My position as a Senior Vice President is to think outside the box and not be hesitant to iterate when ideas don’t fully develop. In addition, my role demands that I interact with people from all walks of life. This takes an open mind and the ability to listen more than speak. Every day is a potential new adventure, and being able to take everything head-on is an important aspect of leadership.”

Why did you choose Carthage?

“Carthage was a sports outlet for me. Once I got to visit the campus, I chose Carthage because of the amazing sports facilities.”

What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?

“I received an internship at Brady Corporation after my professor advised me to go to an internship fair at Marquette. This was my first time getting exposure to the business world. Likewise, being part of the Smeds Executive Internship Program allowed me to network and meet people I would not have otherwise met.”

What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?

“Professor Art Cyr, Professor Yuri Maltsev, and Professor Gary Williams all played big roles in my success while on campus. They pushed me to think differently and made college very enjoyable. Even after graduation, they would offer me advice and direction when I needed it.”

Were you an award recipient? If so, tell us about the awards you received and what they meant to you.

“I was a SMED Scholarship Award winner.”

What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?

“It taught me that I am responsible for everyone I come across. ‘Together’ is the key word. It takes many who believe to move mountains.”


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