Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Revamp Your Components with BGA Reballing
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Balancing Speed and Flexibility Without Sacrificing Control
SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence Part 6: Data Module 1
Justin Worden: Success Through Knowledge
July 30, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Justin Worden of ROCKA Solutions joined the electronics manufacturing industry just five years ago. He used associations like SMTA to quickly ramp up his knowledge, and he’s quick to credit SMTA with helping him quickly learn to speak intelligently about his customers' challenges and the projects they’re working on. Justin recently became president of the SMTA Austin chapter and comments on the value of networking at a grass-roots level.
Nolan Johnson: Justin, how have you been using SMTA as an educational resource?
Justin Worden: Five years ago, I transferred from a finance-oriented industry, so I needed a crash course to help me learn as much technical knowledge as I could. I dove into the SMTA white papers and the website. It essentially became my virtual library, bringing me up to speed on the types of questions my customers were asking.
The sales and marketing strategies between these industries transfer very well, but I needed an understanding of that fine knowledge to have the greatest impact on my sales and marketing efforts. Using the information from SMTA helped me retain as much information as I could.
I'm now the president of the SMTA Austin chapter. Sean McMillan is our VP of membership, and our liaison to the high schools, and technical and community colleges.
Johnson: It's interesting how engineers in the electronics space and doctors in the medical space are similar in that they subconsciously test your level of knowledge, and take you seriously based on how much you know.
Worden: That's a very good point. I pride myself on never pretending to be something I'm not, and where I have found success in this industry is working with people who have a challenge. I’ve helped them find a solution—not by pretending I always know the answer, but by being able to direct customers to resources that can address their challenges. By doing this, I have found it's a lot easier to build a trusting relationship.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the July 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Datest Marches Into SMTA International with Backup Plans, Big Partnerships, and Bigger X-rays
10/06/2025 | DatestDatest, the industry’s favorite second set of eyes (and hands, and solder joints), is heading to SMTA International 2025 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Find us at Booth #2627, where high-reliability, high-complexity builds meet their match.
KYZEN: Pouring Possibilities at SMTAI 2025 Women’s Leadership Program
10/01/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative, environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, is proud to announce that it is sponsoring the Women’s Leadership Program Connection Reception held at SMTA International on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, beginning at 5 p.m. in the DES Convention Center, room 45.
SMTA Next Gen 10 Emerging Leaders Announced
10/01/2025 | SMTAThe SMTA is proud to announce the Next Gen 10 award recipients for 2025. The program recognizes young leaders who demonstrate outstanding success in their careers and contributions to the electronics manufacturing industry.
SMTA 'Members of Distinction' Awards Announced
09/16/2025 | SMTAThe SMTA is proud to honor the 2025 “Members of Distinction” award recipients who have shown exceptional dedication to the association and the electronics manufacturing industry.
Dymax Mexico to Showcase Light-Curing Technologies at SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum 2025
09/05/2025 | DymaxDymax, a global manufacturer of rapid light-curing materials and equipment, will participate in SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17-18, 2025, at the Guadalajara Expo Center in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.