Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1541367
NOVEMBER 2025 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 59 parents, and of marrying my high school sweet- heart (after a 16-year break), and raising an amaz- ing family. Personally and professionally, I am proud of making my own mark on the industry and start- ing my own consulting business. Outside of your work, how do you like to spend your time, and what helps you create a healthy work-life balance? I played competitive softball at a high level for over 40 years with my dad, brother, and a close group of friends. My wife and I rode Harleys for 13 years and embraced the biker life (minus the outlaw 1%). I am also playing drums again after a 35-year break from playing with bands. And, I write and have become a published author with six books, over 200 articles, and white papers. Steve, what do you enjoy most about your current work? What has been the most impactful? I love helping companies improve their business processes and operational performance. My proud- est moment was while working at my last PCB shop, where I created a quality system from scratch. As a result, we became the first PCB shop in the state of Illinois to achieve this milestone, and I helped establish a company culture that prioritized quality. Yes, this is a rewarding business, always interest- ing and fun. It's also challenging and tough. What words of wisdom do you have about surviving and thriving in this industry? Never stop learning; be a technology sponge. When I quit physically building PCBs, I thought I knew all there was to know and was a certified "expert." Now, I am constantly amazed at the tech- nology being built by my clients day in and day out. It feels like I have gone from being an expert to a novice all over again. There is always so much to be learned. I really love that about this industry. What do you foresee for business and industry in the coming years? I can't tell you the number of times in my career I have heard someone say that PCBs are on the way out and will be quickly replaced by the "next big thing." Here we are today, and PCBs are stronger than ever. I see the future as unlimited. Just look at the last decade with Industry 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0, IoT, and now AI. PCBs are going nowhere and every- where, and amazing technology is being acceler- ated on a daily basis. Hang on for the ride! PCB007 ▼ Steve and his wife, Nancy, celebrated their 20th anniversary with a trip to Alaska.