Felipe Arntsen had always been fascinated by the way things worked. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, he spent his childhood taking apart radios, fixing bicycles, and sketching designs for machines that didn’t exist yet. His curiosity wasn’t just a phase—it was a calling.

After earning his engineering degree and spending years in the industrial tooling sector across Brazil, Felipe built a reputation for being both technically brilliant and deeply collaborative. He had a knack for seeing the big picture while never missing the smallest detail. But he wanted more—a challenge that would push him beyond borders.

That challenge came in the form of an opportunity at The L.S. Starrett Company, a name he’d admired for years. When he was offered the role of Band Saw Product Manager in Templeton, Massachusetts, Felipe didn’t hesitate. He packed his bags, said goodbye to the familiar rhythms of Brazil, and stepped into a new chapter in New England.

The transition wasn’t easy. The winters were colder, the coffee was different, and the small-town pace took some getting used to. But Felipe embraced it all. He brought with him a global perspective, a deep understanding of manufacturing, and a relentless drive to innovate.

At Starrett, Felipe quickly made his mark. He dove into product lines, met with machinists on the floor, and listened to customers across industries. Under his leadership, the band saw division began exploring new alloys, optimizing tooth geometries, and expanding into emerging markets. His bilingual fluency helped bridge teams across continents, and his warmth made him a favorite among colleagues.

But Felipe wasn’t just about business. He joined the local soccer league, hosted Brazilian barbecue nights for his neighbors, and even taught a few coworkers how to make pão de queijo. Templeton, once a quiet dot on the map, became a place of connection and possibility.

Felipe often says, “A good cut starts with a good blade—but a great product starts with a great team.” And that’s exactly what he’s building at Starrett: not just better band saws, but a culture of precision, passion, and global collaboration.