For Simone McClaugherty, the journey to Texas wasn’t just a career move—it was the realisation of a lifelong dream. As a degreed German engineer, Simone’s love for the U.S., and Texas in particular, began during a high school summer visit to her aunt and uncle in Austin. That trip planted a seed that would one day lead her to a life she couldn’t have imagined.
Simone’s career began with a private college programme in Germany that offered a paid internship. Upon graduation, she was hired by MTU Maintenance, a globally recognised company with a location in New Braunfels, Texas. What started as a work trip to California turned into a life-changing chapter when she met her husband, Jay, at a conference in San Diego. Their love story is a tale worth its own article, but we’ll let her tell you in person at the next BearingNet User Meeting.
In 2012, Simone made Texas her permanent home. After holding various roles in the power transmission industry, she and Jay relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, where she was offered her first sales position. Initially hesitant about sales, Simone quickly realised it wasn’t about selling—it was about helping. She fell in love with solving customer challenges, visiting fascinating sites like cotton gins, aggregate plants, chemical facilities, and steel mills. The variety and problem-solving aspect of the job kept her energised and passionate.
Simone’s dedication and expertise didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, she was offered the opportunity to become part owner of a small independent distribution company in Sinton, Texas, near Corpus Christi. Thus, Aim Industries was born in September 2022. Starting from an empty little warehouse, Simone and her team made their first delivery, navigated through trials and errors, and created countless memories along the way.
By 2024, Aim Industries had outgrown its humble beginnings and moved into a larger location, testament to the company’s growth and Simone’s leadership. And in 2025, Simone was thrilled to discover BearingNet, a platform that allowed her to connect with European business partners and reconnect with her roots.
“Today, Simone is living her Texas dream. She’s not only a proud part-owner of Aim Industries but also a passionate advocate for the power transmission industry.”
Her work is driven by her love for helping others and her deep commitment to her customers. But above all, her motivation comes from her family—now with four children and four horses (because, of course, Texas wouldn’t be complete without horses!).
Simone wouldn’t change a thing about her journey. From Germany to Texas, from engineer to entrepreneur, she’s built a life and a legacy she’s proud of, one that combines her passion for the industry with her love for family and community.
Source: Best Bits
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