What began as a personal decision to be closer to family has led Max Frantz to a career that continues to challenge and inspire him—while also allowing space for what matters most outside of work.

When Max and his wife made the decision to move from Philadelphia, their goal was simple: be closer to family and raise their children in a place with natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Greenville, South Carolina—tucked against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—offered just that.

Shortly after relocating, Max accepted a role as a Principal Product Development Engineer with JTEKT North America. The job proved to be a perfect fit. On the new product development team, Max works on the front end of innovation—identifying emerging needs and rapidly building proof-of-concept tests to determine what’s worth pursuing.

Eight years later, that work still excites him. Whether he’s brainstorming new solutions or rolling up his sleeves to build out an early prototype, Max continues to thrive in a role that keeps him engaged and thinking forward.

At home, he finds equal joy in his role as a dad. From family hikes at Paris Mountain State Park to weekends spent at kids’ sporting events, Max is all-in—professionally and personally.

Over time, Max began to feel a pull toward expanding his technical expertise. His interest in automated systems and advanced mechanical design kept growing, and he wanted to understand not just how things work—but why.

With encouragement and financial support from JTEKT, he enrolled in Clemson University’s Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering. The location made it even more feasible—many of his classes were held at the Carroll A. Campbell Graduate Education Center, located on the CU-ICAR campus, just steps from his office.

“It was incredibly convenient to take classes here at CU-ICAR in Greenville,” Max said. “I could be working in my office at JTEKT, simply walk across the street to class, and then return to the office.”

Left: Max enjoying his role of dad at home with his kids.
Right: Max takes part in the classic back to school tradition on his first day of his graduate coursework.

That proximity made a busy schedule more manageable—but it wasn’t the only benefit of the setting. Being based at CU-ICAR made balancing work, school, and family more manageable. The campus’s practical amenities—like nearby dining options, a fitness center, walking trails, and easy parking—helped Max stay focused, energized, and on schedule throughout his busy days.

Though the logistics were in his favor, the commitment was still demanding. Juggling a full-time role and parenting two young kids while completing graduate coursework wasn’t easy—but Max took it on with a focus geared toward growth.

“I didn’t really feel relief when I finished,” he reflected. “While I’m glad to have time to explore other things, I really enjoyed the process of continual learning.”

Since completing his degree, Max has continued to build on what he learned—both in his day-to-day work and through side projects that keep his skills sharp. He’s also taken time to share his perspective with Clemson mechanical engineering students who stop by his office looking for advice or insight into the field.

For Max, learning isn’t limited to the workplace or the classroom—it’s a mindset that carries into all aspects of his life. Whether he’s diving into new engineering challenges, taking on graduate studies, or exploring the outdoors with his family, Max thrives on discovering what’s next. That spirit of curiosity fuels his growth, keeps his work engaging, and helps him create meaningful experiences with the people who matter most.