about
Business Engineer
Using technical skills to innovate business decisions to make companies better.
- Email: philip@pc-jr.com
- University: Colorado School of Mines
- Working Genius: Tenacity & Invention
- Strenght Finders: Relator, Analytical, Learner, Command, Discipline
- Age: 20
- Degree: Business Engineering
- Founded: Exact Fuel
- Career: Access Venture Partners Intern
I am a Business Engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines with a passion for technology, innovation, and strategic thinking. My education blends analytical rigor with business insight, equipping me to evaluate opportunities, understand market dynamics, and support data-driven decision-making. With a strong interest in emerging technologies and entrepreneurial ecosystems, I aim to bring a thoughtful, technical perspective to teams focused on building and scaling impactful solutions.
Facts
Below are a few highlights from my professional experience and involvement to date.
Networking Confrerences Attended
Complete projects
Leadership Positions
Case Competitions
Resume
I am deeply interested in emerging technologies and innovation, particularly in how they can be applied to improve business performance. I thrive on identifying opportunities for optimization and process improvement, and I take pride in delivering solutions that create measurable, lasting value. Beyond efficiency, I am driven by a desire to help bring ideas to life and contribute to building something greater than myself. With a strong work ethic and a proactive mindset, I aim to create meaningful impact wherever I am involved.
Summary
Philip Cattanach Jr.
Aspiring VC/PE analyst with a builder’s mindset—combining analytics, product intuition, and operator experience to source insights, evaluate opportunities, and grow portfolio value.
- Philip Cattanach Jr.
- 651-271-5403
- philip@pc-jr.com
- Interests: Early-stage software, Fintech, Proptech, AI Automation & Optimization
- Target roles: Venture Capitalist, Private Equity
Education
Bachelors in Business Engineering
2023-2027
Colorado School of Mines
- Major: Business Engineering
- Technical Tracks: Business Analytics, AI and Machine Learning
- Relevant focus: Financial modeling, Data analysis, Optimization, Forecasting, Economic analysis
Tenaska Business Challenge
2025
Colorado School of Mines Team
- Built an investment-style thesis around a real-world energy ops problem; framed risks, sensitivities, and potential value drivers.
- Presented recommendations to industry leaders; integrated feedback from Tenaska executives.
- Collaborated and networked with cross-functional teams and industry mentors.
Portfolio Optimization
2025
Colorado School of Mines
- Applied prescriptive analytics to construct constraint-aware, risk-adjusted allocation strategies (Mean-Variance, Max Sharpe Ratio, Risk Parity).
- Used solvers and linear programming to evaluate trade-offs, scenario tests, and capital allocation constraints.
- Delivered a concise research report translating technical outputs into investor-ready insights.
Experience
Logistics Intern
2025
Van Meter Inc.
- Developed and implemented Python-based systems to detect delivery anomalies; surfaced errors in ~5% of deliveries for targeted fixes.
- Built Power BI dashboards to track delivery anomalies for fast identification and prevention.
- Proposed automation roadmap to reduce manual processes.
- Assisted with AI integration to improve safety and productivity.
- Mentored first-year interns; coached on structuring analyses and pitching to the C-suite.
Co-Founder
2024
Exact Fuel
- Built early-stage financial models to analyze unit economics, pricing strategy, and breakeven scenarios under multiple demand curves.
- Conducted bottoms-up market sizing and competitor mapping to inform go-to-market sequencing.
- Translated customer interviews into product requirements; shortened feedback loops to improve retention signals.
- Used Excel and Stripe data to monitor revenue, margins, and cohort patterns; presented insights for roadmap prioritization.
Sales Support Intern
2024
Van Meter Inc.
- Designed a pricing confidence system across 2M+ SKUs to strengthen gross margin discipline and data integrity.
- Analyzed 700+ vendor pricing sheets; identified cost variances and opportunities for mix/price improvements.
- Partnered with product, sales, and IT to modernize pricing data flows; improved speed and auditability of updates.
- Presented the pricing framework to the C-suite, highlighting expected impact on margins and working capital.
skills
The following are some of the key skills I’ve developed through my academic and professional experiences.
Interests
Personal Interests:
- Alpine Ski
- Hunting & Fishing
- Fitness
- Learning
Growing up in Minnesota, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors—especially through time spent hunting and fishing with my dad, creating memories that continue to shape my values today. A ski trip to Park City sparked a lasting love for alpine skiing, and relocating to Colorado only strengthened that connection to the mountains. Whether it is skiing, hiking, or simply being outside, I find energy and clarity in nature. Health and fitness are also central to my routine—I challenge myself daily in the gym and stay curious through podcasts and audiobooks during walks. For me, staying active is about both physical well-being and lifelong learning.
Contact
Location:
Golden, Colorado
Email:
philip@pc-jr.com