Meet Rohit Patke | Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rohit Patke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rohit, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes is, “If you can’t do great things, do small things greatly.” – Napoleon Hill. There is something incredibly powerful about this quote—it keeps me grounded and gives me a reality check. Not everyone gets to change the world in a big way, not everyone can be the best player in the league, and not everyone gets to be the president. But this quote is a powerful reminder that no matter where we are, what we do, or what our role is in the grand scheme of things, we can still do the small things we do with greatness—and that’s what truly matters.
And I think, Shoutout LA is a celebration of this!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I work as an Energy Engineer at a startup in New York. My job is to manage client’s devices, and help them save energy, ensure they have a good experience, and resolve any issues. I absolutely love doing this! My story of getting here starts back in India, when I was volunteering for a school-donation drive in a remote village. That school did not have a reliable electricity connection from the grid. My curiosity of how to get this school access to reliable electricity led me to studying renewable energy.
After getting my first job of consulting on solar panel installation projects, I quickly realized that installing more capacity isn’t going to solve all the problems, effectively managing energy consumption can have similar or more impact than increasing solar energy generation for the same buildings. That is when I looked into pursuing my Master of Science in Energy Management. And the best place to do it was New York because of its incredibly forward energy management policies and local laws.
However, getting here was far from easy. I had to navigate through multiple hurdles—taking exams, applying to universities, securing a student loan, and obtaining a visa. Each step had the potential for failure, but with determination and a bit of luck, I managed to pursue the path I’d envisioned for myself.
I still remember landing alone at JFK Airport on January 12, 2019, and realizing I had to figure out everything—from finding my way to the apartment to building a new life from scratch in a foreign country. It was daunting, but I learned to tackle challenges one step at a time. Each success built on the last, and eventually, I found myself in a career I’m incredibly proud of.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned through this journey, it’s the importance of perseverance. Obstacles may seem overwhelming, but the key is to keep moving forward, no matter how uncertain the road ahead feels.
What I’d want the world to know about me is that my work isn’t just about solving technical problems—it’s about creating a meaningful impact, both environmentally and socially. And that drive to make a difference keeps me excited about what lies ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Downtown Manhattan Adventure
We’d start at the Freedom Tower in downtown Manhattan, taking in the breathtaking views and paying a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. From there, we’d explore iconic landmarks like Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, and Battery Park. We’d then take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying views of New Jersey, before reaching Brookfield Place for some shopping and snacks. To end the day, we’d hop on the A or C train to DUMBO and watch the sunset with the Manhattan skyline as our backdrop.

Day 2: Chelsea to Hudson Yards
The day would begin at Starbucks Reserve Roastery on 9th Avenue and 15th Street, followed by a visit to Chelsea Market for a taste of NYC’s food scene. We’d then explore Little Island, a unique floating park, and walk along the High Line to Hudson Yards. There, we’d marvel at The Vessel and end the day with a sunset visit to The Edge, enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Day 3: Midtown Marvels
We’d start at the Flatiron Building and visit the Harry Potter Store nearby. Then, we’d stroll up Fifth Avenue, window shopping and admiring the architecture, with stops at the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, and Bryant Park. Afterward, we’d explore Grand Central Station before ending the day under the bright lights of Times Square.

Day 4: A Day in Central Park
This day would be all about Central Park—my favorite escape in the city. We’d explore its iconic spots, including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields, while enjoying a leisurely day surrounded by nature.

Day 5: Uptown to Downtown Highlights
The day would kick off at Rockefeller Center, followed by a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral across Fifth Avenue. We’d then try to catch a taping of The Late Show before heading downtown to Washington Square Park to soak up its vibrant energy. For dinner, we’d head to MacDougal Street for its fantastic food options.

Day 6: SOHO and Chinatown
On the final day, we’d take it easy with a stroll through the trendy streets of SOHO, browsing unique boutiques and gift shops. Then, we’d explore Chinatown, enjoying authentic cuisine and picking up souvenirs to remember the trip.

My favorite Indian places for dinner in New York are : Jazba, Baar Baar, Taco Mahal, Bungalow, The Kati Roll Company, Kebab aur Sharab, Tamarind Tribeca, Sema, and Paisley

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey has been a complex web of events—some happening by chance and others carefully crafted. Along the way, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to encounter people who have shaped who I am today.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. They trusted me to succeed in a new country, supported me every step of the way as I pursued my degree, and believed in me even when challenges arose. Their unwavering support has been the foundation of my journey in the U.S., and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

I also want to recognize all the incredible people I’ve met along the way who continue to stand by me, offering encouragement and guidance. Their presence has made this journey not just easier but more meaningful.

Lastly, I want to give a special mention to my student council team from 2016-17. The teamwork, dedication, and mutual support within that group of volunteers remain unmatched in my experience. The lessons I learned from that time continue to inspire how I approach collaboration and leadership today.

To all these people, I’m deeply grateful. Their impact on my story is immeasurable.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohitpatke/