Teammate Spotlight: Tim Shope – Driving Innovation in the Pulp & Paper Industry
Meet Tim Shope, Controls & Automation Industry Leader at Hargrove Controls & Automation. Tim is passionate about leveraging technology to drive process improvements and economic benefits in the pulp & paper industry.
The Road to Hargrove: Tim’s Career Path
Prior to joining the Hargrove Team, Tim’s career path has proven remarkable. His professional journey began with six years of service in the U.S. Navy, where he learned discipline, strategic foresight, and the foundations of effective leadership. After serving, Tim began building an impressive career in industrial automation focused on digital transformation. He has worked within global powerhouses such as Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and Endress + Hauser, where he held the role of vice president of digital transformation.
A pivotal moment in Tim’s career was transitioning from controls and automation at Rockwell Automation to a strategic role at an instrumentation company. “At Rockwell, I was focused on controls and automation. However, when I moved to an instrumentation company, it gave me a whole new perspective,” Tim explains. “I started to see the industry through the lens of a DCS vendor—looking at how to solve operational challenges, like using fewer raw materials or reducing energy consumption. It wasn’t just about controls anymore; it was about creating value. I often found myself questioning “how do we safely and securely leverage the enablement in our personal environment into an industrial environment?”” This shift in perspective shaped his solution-oriented approach, focusing on creating value for customers rather than just delivering technology.
Tim’s connection to the pulp & paper industry runs deep. “It’s an industry that’s been near and dear to my heart ever since I got out of the Navy. It’s been very good to me and my family. It’s where I grew up and cut my teeth,” he shares. Tim is passionate about implementing technology-driven process improvements, specifically in the pulp & paper sector. The goal is to enhance operations and control strategies, securing incremental value enhancement. This commitment to economic advancement stems from his solid background in digital transformation and a proven track record of delivering digital solutions that resonate with the pulp & paper market needs.
Leading Change: Tim’s Progressive Vision
Tim’s strategic mindset is evident in everything he does. Tim shared, “Ideation is a big strength—making sure ideas lead to real results. I’ve seen a lot of things. I’ve seen things work and also not work.”
This insight into his personality explains his unique approach to digital transformation. An early adopter of technology, Tim has always been ahead of the curve. For Tim, technology is just a tool; the real power lies in how it’s used to solve complex business challenges. It’s not just about adopting new technologies—it’s about fundamentally transforming the way industries operate.
Tim envisions a future where Hargrove leads as a service provider and is determined to position Hargrove as the strategic partner clients rely on for innovative solutions. With his deep understanding of the industry, cloud computing, and managed services, he’s ready to guide his Team through the next evolution of industrial automation.
Life on Foot: Tim’s Adventures and Passions
Given the breadth of his career experience and his time in the service, it’s no surprise that Tim has lived in many places. “I’ve been a professional nomad for over 35 years,” he says, having called Metro Atlanta, Eastern Carolina, Asheville, Birmingham, and Indianapolis home. Today, he’s settled in Raleigh, but his career has taken him around the world, including frequent trips to Switzerland. “Living and working in so many places has given me unique perspectives,” he shares, reflecting on what he’s gained from experiencing different cultures.
Some of his favorite places include Zurich, with its rich blend of cultures and scenic lake views, and London, where the landmarks left him humbled by their sheer longevity and history. He also looks back fondly on Mallorca from his Navy days, recalling it as a place of adventure and discovery.
Wherever Tim finds himself—whether for work or play—you’ll likely spot him lacing up his running shoes before the day starts. As an avid runner, he loves exploring new cities on foot, believing that “you see a city so much differently on your feet than you do in a car.” From the shores of Zurich Lake to the streets of downtown Mobile, running offers him a unique perspective of the world. He’s also a passionate golfer, though he jokes that his game isn’t what it used to be. For Tim, staying active, exploring new cultures, and challenging himself are constants in his life.
The Road Ahead
Although the industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, that’s not a problem for Tim Shope, who has always been drawn to the challenges that come with change. Throughout his career, he has tackled complex problems, embracing new technologies and finding ways to turn disruption into opportunity. His experience in industrial automation, digital transformation, and cloud-based solutions has shaped his ability to see the big picture while staying grounded in real-world applications.
Through it all, Tim remains driven by the same mindset that has defined his career: ride the wave, or it will ride you.
