Marcy’s Musings: Additive Processes, Signal Consequences
It’s Only Common Sense: Build Your Business on Reputation, Not Neglect
The Marketing Minute: If Your Marketing Budget Gets Cut in Half, Then What?
From DuPont to the Navy’s top electronics programs, Defense Speak Interpreted columnist Dennis “Denny” Fritz has devoted his career to advancing defense technology and collaboration. In this interview, Denny reflects on decades of leadership, service, and innovation, offering timeless advice on staying technically active and leading with purpose.
Marcy LaRont: Denny, you are an expert in the areas of defense and electronics, but tell us about the man behind the words. Where were you born and raised, and what is one of your favorite childhood memories?
Denny Fritz: I grew up in Brookville, Indiana, and my home is on the property that my mother’s family has owned for 150 years—always passed down to descendants, never sold. I lived here on the family farm until I was 16, and then moved to the small town of Brookville. My childhood set my adult hobbies: fishing and gardening. I have continued those for over 60 years. Now, I do both, living in Indiana in the summer and Florida in the winter.
Where did you attend college, and what did you study?
I was a chemical engineering major at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. I joined DuPont after graduating from college, and during my last rotational assignment, I was moved into Riston® dry film photoresist and printed circuit boards. That is how I landed in this industry. DuPont assigned me to be a tech service rep for Riston. While at DuPont, I attended the University of Delaware in the evenings, earning my MBA with a marketing specialty. I moved on to a marketing and sales management position for MacDermid, and finally as a lead-free solder specialist supporting the Navy Crane circuit board facility and the Department of Defense.
Denny, what are some of your proudest professional accomplishments?
I have received many IPC honors, including the President’s Award, the Dieter Bergman Award, and induction into the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame. For over five years, I served as the North American chair of the JISSO Council, collaborating with Europe and Asia on technology and standards development. With SAIC/Navy Crane, I have helped write/win contract awards, including the establishment of the U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics (USPAE).
My personal pinnacle was being elected to the IPC Hall of Fame in 2013 (See spotlight article). I am the chair of the Hall of Fame Council. Additionally, I am proud to have led the printed circuit sales, marketing, and customer service activities for MacDermid in mid-America during the 1990s. I felt I hired well and mentored future leaders.
To continue reading this article, which originally appeared in the November 2025 edition of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
