Nolan’s Notes: Finding Your Sweet Spot
Standard of Excellence: Delivering Excellence—A Daily Goal
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Tin Whisker Mitigation in Aerospace Applications, Part 3
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:
Suggested Items
RBB’s Jeff Schartiger Appointed to SMTA Ohio Board as Technical Advisor
07/03/2025 | RBBRBB, a trusted leader in electronics manufacturing since 1973, is proud to announce that Jeff Schartiger, Operations Manager at RBB, has been appointed to the SMTA Ohio Chapter Board as a Technical Advisor.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
SMTA: High Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference Program Announced
06/20/2025 | SMTAThe SMTA is pleased to announce the technical program for the High Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference. The event will be held August 12-14, 2025 in Dallas, Texas, at the Westin DFW Airport.
KYZEN to Concentrate on Stand-Out Flux Cleaners at SMTA Upper Midwest
06/10/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Upper Midwest Expo and Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Wednesday, June 25 at the DoubleTree Minneapolis – Park Place. KYZEN cleaning expert and Midwest regional manager Ethan Mueller will be on-site to provide attendees with information about precision aerosol solvent cleaner CYBERSOLV 141-K and stencil cleaner KYZEN E5631J.
The Knowledge Base: Beyond the Badge—Why Membership Matters More Than Ever
05/28/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseMembership in trade associations like the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) offers substantial benefits that can significantly enhance a professional's career in the electronics manufacturing industry. These advantages encompass extensive networking opportunities, access to specialized technical conferences, and complimentary training programs, all contributing to professional growth and industry recognition.