IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543955
110 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2026 operating at a world-class level, just as many could benefit from my unique experience, education, and coaching skills to improve their business pro- cesses. I felt this provided an underserved market opportunity, so after a long discussion with my amazing wife Nancy, who was fully supportive and willing to take the risk, we decided it was time to reinvent myself. Time For My Dream Job Whenever I'm prompted to answer one of those security questions that asks, "What's your dream job?" I invariably answer, "consultant." I think I have always wanted to use my unique experience and perspective to help others. A consulting business made sense on so many levels, but starting a small business is hard, and I made many early mistakes. This journey inspired me to title one of my PCB007 columns, Branding: A Small Business Perspective, with the hope it would help others venturing out on their own. On the first day of my new company, I thought, "I have a company, I have services, but I have no customers. What now? Would other professionals be willing to pay to utilize my skill set?" I leaned on friend and fellow entrepreneur, Dan Beaulieu, who provided early instrumental guidance in the "art of consulting." Dan and I continue to work together for a variety of clients, and 13 years later, I still learn from him every day. At Plexus, I was famously known for having little appreciation for salespeople. I preferred working directly with the owners and presidents of com- panies—the decision-makers. But I've made and maintained friendships with many of those sales- people (despite my attitude), and I frequently run into them through my clients and at trade shows. I always make a point to apologize for undervaluing their roles and, as someone now selling my own services, I have a much greater appreciation for how difficult their jobs are. The early years of my business were lean, as I lived paycheck to paycheck while building a customer base and reputation as a consultant. Fortunately, Nancy had a long-term career at the corporate offices for Kohl's, along with excellent insurance, which helped us get by. My goal was to become the industry-recognized go-to consultant for all things related to quality management. I specialized in quality certifications: ISO 9001 (commercial), AS9100 (aerospace), ISO 13485 (medical), IATF 16949 (automotive), and MIL- PRF-31032 (specific to PCB manufacturers). As the needs of my client base grew, I added ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (oc- T H E R I G H T A P P ROAC H