At Schneider Electric, sustainability and community commitment run deep, and our employees turn that passion into action. We’re excited to share the story of Greg Magdanz, a long-time employee whose journey of perseverance, professional growth, and personal dedication is about to hit an inspiring new mile marker: the Boston Marathon.
A lifelong drive
After nearly three decades with the company, Greg is preparing to run the Boston Marathon – not just as a personal challenge, but to support a cause that’s close to his heart.
When I met Greg over a video call, his enthusiasm was contagious. He had just finished a dry needling session – a therapy often used by endurance athletes to relieve muscle tension. “It’s not as bad as it sounds,” he joked, though I couldn’t help but admire the commitment. Here’s a person willingly sticking needles in his legs in the name of preparation. Clearly, determination is a defining trait.
Greg has always been someone who pushes his limits. Growing up in a small town in North Carolina – so small it didn’t even have a stoplight – he found his sense of belonging through sports. Swimming and water polo weren’t just hobbies, they were a way of life. Competing at the Division 1 level in college, Greg built the resilience and discipline that now fuel his marathon training. His athletic background laid the foundation for his enduring love of endurance events, including triathlons, marathons, and Ironman competitions.
But what struck me most during our conversation wasn’t just his athletic drive – it was his passion for making a difference.
From factory floors to leadership
With over 30 years of experience in the industrial automation industry, Greg started from the ground level in customer services and worked his way up, learning various parts of the business along the way. Greg joined Schneider Electric in 1996, attracted by the company’s innovative culture, strong sense of community, and commitment to sustainability. He was enticed by the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and develop technologies that make a difference in people’s lives.
Greg’s career path has been a journey of growth and curiosity. “My job is like the show ‘How It’s Made,’” he explained with a smile, referencing the television series that explores the intricacies of manufacturing. From food processing lines to packaging systems, Greg has seen it all. His fascination with how things work has propelled him through a range of roles, from customer service and sales to marketing and leadership. Today, he leads the U.S. OEM organization for industrial automation, helping businesses run smarter.
He speaks about Schneider with genuine pride and deep appreciation for the company culture, which emphasizes collaboration, support, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Leading with empathy
It’s no surprise that Greg’s leadership style mirrors his approach to running – steady, intentional, and focused on uplifting others. He understands firsthand the importance of resilience, and he encourages his team to approach challenges with the same determination.
“Leadership isn’t just about making decisions,” he tells me. “It’s about supporting people, giving them the tools they need to succeed, and celebrating their growth.”
By prioritizing open communication and fostering a collaborative environment, Greg has built a team that is not only effective but also deeply connected to the company’s mission of making a positive impact. Whether he’s encouraging a colleague to participate in a wellness program or cheering on a friend tackling their first 5K, Greg leads by example.
Balancing passion and professionalism
Greg’s ability to balance a demanding career with marathon training is no accident. He credits Schneider’s supportive culture, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs for empowering him to pursue his goals. “The flexibility in my work schedule has been crucial. Whether working from home or commuting to the office, I can fit in my training runs and strength workouts without compromising my job responsibilities.”
Greg’s disciplined approach is evident in his exercise routine, which includes running, swimming, and strength training. He begins his day early, often at 5 am, to ensure he gets his training in before the workday starts. He recognizes that a healthy personal life leads to a more productive and less stressful professional life, and he encourages his team to prioritize their well-being as well.
Running with purpose
Greg’s unwavering commitment to community service has been evident from a young age. His passion for the outdoors and environmental conservation led him to join the Boy Scouts, where he found a perfect outlet for giving back. As a teenager, he transformed a neglected junk room into a new community center for his Eagle Scout project. With determination and hard work, he cleaned it out, repainted, and repurposed it into a vibrant new community hub, making a positive impact.
Now, as he prepares to tackle the Boston Marathon, he’s running with another purpose in mind: raising funds for Habitat for Humanity. Having grown up in a family that didn’t own a home until he was around 10 years old, Greg understands the significance of having a place to call your own. That experience instilled a deep appreciation for the security and stability a home provides.
“Running this marathon isn’t just about the race,” he told me. “It’s about making sure more families have that sense of home.”
Running wasn’t always about charity for Greg. Initially, it was a way to stay active and challenge himself. But that changed when he participated in bike rides supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a cause that hit close to home. Witnessing the impact of those fundraisers opened his eyes to how his athletic pursuits could make a tangible difference.
The Boston Marathon: a race for change
Schneider Electric is proud to be the Official Sustainability Partner of the Boston Athletic Association. Our ongoing partnership is helping to transform the Boston Marathon into one of the world’s most sustainable sporting events – one that not only celebrates athletic achievement but also champions community, environmental stewardship, and social impact.
As Greg ties his laces for the Boston Marathon, he carries more than just the physical challenge of the race. With a goal to raise $2,000 for Habitat for Humanity, every stride is dedicated to ensuring more people have a place to call home. Knowing Greg, he’ll surpass his goal with the same determination he brings to everything he does. (Update: Since publishing this blog, he’s now raised over $3,400 for Habitat!)
Schneider has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years, contributing donations, products, and employee volunteer hours. Greg has traveled far and wide, lending his hands to Habitat builds in Tennessee, North Carolina, and California. He’s also volunteered with disaster recovery efforts in New York and New Orleans, witnessing the resilience of communities firsthand. One particularly memorable experience stands out: hammering tiles on a roof in Biloxi, MS after Hurricane Katrina, alongside Jean Pascal-Tricoire, Schneider’s CEO at the time. The camaraderie and shared purpose in that moment underscored the powerful impact of collective effort, leaving a lasting impression on Greg.
With every mile he runs in Boston, he’s helping to build homes, hope, and a stronger sense of community.
A finish line that’s just the beginning
Greg’s journey is a vivid reminder of how personal determination and corporate values can intersect to drive positive change. At Schneider Electric, we say that “Impact Starts With Us“. For Greg, this means recognizing that every individual action contributes to a larger, collective change. Through his leadership and advocacy, Greg embodies our IMPACT values daily: Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, and Teamwork.
“Running the Boston Marathon to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity is an example of putting the ‘Action’ value into practice,” he says. “It’s one thing to care about a cause, it’s another to commit time and effort towards it.”
Teamwork also plays a crucial role in Greg’s journey. “Training for a marathon, especially with the support of a coach and encouragement from my colleagues, demonstrates how collective efforts can enhance individual performance,” he notes.
Support Greg’s mission
Ultimately, Greg’s commitment to these values drives him to leave a positive impact. “Every step taken, both literally in my marathon training and figuratively in my career, is driven by a commitment to making a difference,” he reflects. As he crosses the finish line in Boston, it will be clear that every step counted.
You can help Greg make an even greater impact by contributing to his Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. Every donation brings another family closer to having a safe, sustainable place to call home. (And for our Schneider Electric employees, you can double your impact through our Matching Gift program on the North America Foundation tool!)
A message for the future
For those considering a career at Schneider, Greg’s story is an invitation: embrace a culture that values personal growth, teamwork, and making a difference. His journey from the competitive sports arenas of his youth to the leadership roles he now holds illustrates how pursuing your passion can be the key to driving real-world impact.
On race day, as Greg crosses the finish line, his achievement will be a testament not only to his endurance but also to the power of individual action in sparking collective change.
Join us in making an impact. Visit our careers website.
About the author
Greg Magdanz, Vice President, OEM & Drives Sales
As the Vice President of Sales at Schneider Electric, Greg Magdanz is at the forefront of driving transformative solutions within the US OEM business. He enjoys spending time with his family, swimming, outdoor activities, and wildlife photography.
About the author
Kristen Larsen, Employer Brand Specialist
Kristen (Krissy) Larsen is dedicated to showcasing Schneider Electric’s exceptional employees and the meaningful work they do. Leveraging creative marketing strategies, social media expertise, and close collaboration with talent acquisition, she drives initiatives that elevate brand visibility and attract top talent. Krissy is also deeply committed to Schneider Electric’s community programs, serving on the leadership council for Rhode Island’s charitable partnerships. Outside of work, Krissy channels her creativity into performing with a musical improv comedy troupe. With over 15 years of experience in theater and improvisation, she has a knack for creating stories, songs, and scenes on the spot.
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