Who is Ryan McMartin?
Father. Athlete. Product Marketer.
Internally, we know him as Ryan—the demo king, the artful and creatively adept presenter. However, while his technological prowess and extensive industry knowledge render him a wonderful Product Marketing Manager, those not yet fortunate enough to have met him may be wondering: Who exactly is Ryan McMartin?
To answer this question, we sat down with the man himself to discuss his career trajectory, daily responsibilities, and what he’s looking forward to in 2025.
Q: Tell us about yourself; give us a fun fact!
I grew up in northern New York, not far from Lake Placid and just a quick drive to Montreal. Fun fact? I’ve actually driven to Montreal just for lunch before—because nothing beats smoked meat at Schwartz’s Deli! I’m a marathon runner with a dream to break 3 hours by 2026 (been close at 3:02 in 2021). I ran the Boston Marathon in 2022, which was unforgettable. When I’m not running, my wife and I are chasing around our two young sons—so I guess you could say I’m always in training mode!
Q: Which came first for you: marketing, tech, or manufacturing?
I took the scenic route. I was a physics major in college and started my professional career in pharmaceutical manufacturing with Pfizer. Next, I moved to San Diego for application engineering at PlanetTogether, where I—as you may have gathered from the name—focused on planning and scheduling software. I finally found my true calling, though, when I started in product marketing here at Parsec. At long last, I was able to merge my love for tech with my passion for storytelling.
Q: It can be difficult for people who aren’t in the software space to picture what“product” people do. What does your day-to-day look like as a product marketing manager?
So, funny story: I recently had to describe my job to my 4-year-old. After some thought, I settled on,“Daddy helps make factories run smoothly by using a computer program called TrakSYS. He shows other people how to use TrakSYS so they can make more toys and snacks with fewer problems.” Is that a simplification? Sure, but you can’t go wrong mentioning toys and snacks!
Q: What is your definition of“success” in your role?
Success is about influence and impact. Whether it’s influencing product direction or helping customers see how TrakSYS can revolutionize their operations, it’s about making a difference.
Q: With that in mind, in what ways have your prior experiences helped you succeed in your work at Parsec?
My background gives me a unique perspective. At Pfizer, I saw the challenges of managing complex manufacturing processes from the inside, and at PlanetTogether, I learned how to optimize those processes with advanced planning and scheduling software. Bringing those experiences to Parsec allows me to communicate the value of MES in a way that resonates with both technical users and business leaders. Not to mention the fact that the caliber of people at Parsec are at the top of their game, so we really all contribute to each other’s successes.
Q: Think back over your three years here. What stands out as your proudest moment?
The Parsec Summit is definitely up there. It’s more than just an event; it’s a gathering of industry leaders who trust TrakSYS to power their productivity. Knowing that we’re not just providing software but also creating a community of innovators and problem-solvers is something I’m deeply proud of. It’s proof that we’re delivering real value to the manufacturing world. Seeing them choose TrakSYS is not just a testament to our product but also to the community we’re building around manufacturing productivity. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact we’re making firsthand.
Q: OK, now let’s look ahead. Anything coming down the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m excited about our AI chat feature, TrakSYS IQ. It’s going to transform how users interact with MES data, making it as easy as having a conversation. We’re really just scratching the surface of what this technology can do—it’s an exciting time to be in tech.
Q: Prediction time: What tool, technology, or trend will change manufacturing most profoundly in 2025?
AI-powered decision-making will become mainstream. It will redefine how factories operate, from predictive maintenance to real-time production adjustments, and we will see huge productivity gains.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You learn the most when you’re uncomfortable. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone, whether in marathons or in my career, has always led to the most growth. Oh, and then there’s that whole hard work pays off thing.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share before we wrap up?
I’m proud of where we’re headed at Parsec and thrilled to be on this journey with an incredible team. The future looks bright!
To stay up to date with Ryan, you can follow him on LinkedIn. For more information about how TrakSYS transforms manufacturing operations, head over to our MES page now.