Trained mathematicians, who could oversee or determine processes of industrial research, were relatively rare in the 1920s. Iris Runge (1888-1966) - trained in mathematics, physics, and chemistry - was the eldest daughter of the famous mathematician Carl Runge (1856-1927) and she worked as a mathematical consultant in research laboratories at electrical companies in Berlin from 1923 to 1945. Although she began working as a "physicist" at the international company OSRAM, her first research director rapidly recognized her mathematical potential. During her 22 years in industrial research, Iris Runge changed her positions from laboratories for incandescent light bulbs to laboratories for radio tubes (valves), and also from OSRAM to TELEFUNKEN. This lecture will discuss the patronage relationships that she experienced in her different positions and it will also outline the general role of mathematicians and mathematics in industrial laboratories.