Welcome to the second installment of our blog series, "The Soldering Spotlight: Inspiring Stories of Craftsmanship." In this interview, we are privileged to sit down with Alden Lewis, Director of Business Development, a seasoned professional with nearly four decades of experience in the electronics industry. Alden's journey has been marked by his unwavering dedication to sales and his profound understanding of the technology and requirements of manufacturing companies. As a valuable member of the EPTAC team, Alden has been instrumental in providing timely support and tailored training solutions to customers worldwide. Join us as we delve into Alden's career trajectory, his personal approach to work, and the invaluable insights he has gained throughout his remarkable journey.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you became part of the EPTAC team?

I am Alden Lewis, and I have been part of the electronics industry for nearly 40 years, mainly in sales. My focus has been selling equipment and materials used in surface mount assembly. I have managed sales teams for various products like infrared and convection reflow ovens, stencil printers, rework stations, cleaners, desoldering stations, and pick and place machines. I also have experience selling used equipment, including through-hole insertion machines, sequencers, wave soldering machines, and surface mount equipment. Finally, before joining EPTAC, I was selling squeegees used for stencil printers. Selling such a wide range of equipment has given me an understanding of the technology and the needs of manufacturing companies. I've had the opportunity to engage with customers from different cultures and face the unique challenges of markets in Europe, Israel, Mexico, South America, and Asia. Having spent so many years in this industry, conversing with customers about their requirements comes naturally to me. This wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable in understanding and meeting our customers' needs.

Having spent so many years in this industry, conversing with customers about their requirements comes naturally to me.

How would you describe your personal approach to work and your role within EPTAC?

My approach to work at EPTAC is a result of my discipline and years of experience. I believe that our customers are our most valuable asset. As a result, I prioritize delivering timely and accurate responses to their inquiries and questions. Whenever necessary, I seek input from the experts at EPTAC to ensure we provide the right information or offer training that aligns with the unique needs of our customers. This is especially important when dealing with tailored training classes that apply to the customer’s products and requirements. I take great care in completing my tasks promptly to ensure that all inquiries are addressed and our customers feel well taken care of. By providing a timely response, we demonstrate EPTAC's commitment to our customers' satisfaction.

I believe that our customers are our most valuable asset.

What challenges have you faced in your role, and how did you overcome them?

Although I have extensive experience in the electronics industry, I initially had a lot to learn when it came to IPC training. I sought guidance from Brenda Clunie, who helped me understand the operational aspects and the procedures for establishing training partnerships that allow EPTAC to conduct its classes. Brenda dedicated significant time to walk me through various programs we use for our daily activities, as well as instructing me on utilizing the LMS, training terminology, and the overall operations of EPTAC.

Leo Lambert played an important role for helping me understand IPC operations. He shared insights into how IPC creates and revises standards, emphasizing the purpose behind each standard. Leo's extensive knowledge of industry applications was instrumental in determining the appropriate training needed to meet our customers' specific requirements.

Another individual who has significantly contributed to my growth is Helena Pasquito. Helena has been a valuable mentor, imparting her expertise on the nuances of different IPC courses and their respective contents. By accompanying Helena in IPC committee meetings, I gained firsthand exposure to the establishment and revision of standards, further enhancing my understanding of the process.

Tami Corbett has been an important figure in my professional development. Whenever I needed to comprehend IPC policies and EPTAC practices pertaining to training requirements and customer offerings, Tami has been my go-to person. Much of my education regarding various courses and crafting responses to customers stemmed from Tami's guidance, both through direct interactions and indirectly through attentive listening.

Even today, I continue to rely on the expertise and support of these individuals as I fulfill my duties at EPTAC.

Although I have extensive experience in the electronics industry, I initially had a lot to learn when it came to IPC training.

What do you believe sets you apart from others in your role, and how has that contributed to your success?

With nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, managing sales personnel, sales representatives, and distributors, as well as working closely with customers across various nations and regions, I have developed a skill set that sets me apart at EPTAC. I bring a salesperson's approach to every situation, always adopting a "can-do" mindset. I believe that, in most cases, EPTAC can fulfill our customers' requirements, and it is my responsibility to understand those needs and determine the best course of action to meet them. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of fostering a positive and appreciative atmosphere within the team, as we work together to address customer needs while simultaneously achieving EPTAC's goals. I tend to be positive and believe that this approach leads to success..

I bring a salesperson's approach to every situation, always adopting a "can-do" mindset. 

How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively to ensure success in your role?

When it comes to task prioritization, I follow a systematic approach, ensuring efficient time management. Here's how I organize my tasks:

a) First and foremost, I address time-sensitive matters. Whether it involves booking hotel space, answering urgent questions, or promptly responding to inquiries, I prioritize these tasks based on their level of urgency.

b) Once the urgent requests and requirements are taken care of, I shift my focus to the oldest inquiries. It is essential to avoid keeping customers waiting for too long, as it communicates to a customer that they are important to EPTAC.

c) Next, I accomplish tasks that do not have specific time constraints. This could involve responding to individuals expressing interest in additional classes on their course evaluation forms, correcting our database discrepancies, or providing directions to hotels, among others.

d) Finally, to stay updated with industry trends, news, and developments, I read online industry newsletters. This helps me remain aware and well-informed.

When it comes to task prioritization, I follow a systematic approach, ensuring efficient time management.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to achieve success in a similar role or field?

For those aspiring to achieve success in a similar role, here is the advice that was passed on to me long ago:

a) Listen to the customer. By listening, we gain understanding of what the customer wants to achieve, what their product is, the issues they face and what is important to them. This enables us to understand what is necessary to meet the customer’s needs.

b) Approach projects and tasks with a "how can we do this" mindset, rather than assuming it cannot be done. One's attitude will determine the direction taken to achieve success.

c) Do what you say you will do. Be dependable and reliable. Respect will be gained by employing this simple act.

d) Finally, follow up with customers. One does not know what a customer has decided unless one follows up with them. Follow-up communicates our interest in the customer, and it and will help to determine if any action is required to achieve the outcome desired.

1. Listen to the customer.
2. Use "how can we do this" mindset.
3. Do what you say you will do.
4. Follow up with customers.

What attracted you to work at EPTAC?

My introduction to EPTAC came about through Laura Pilkington, a former colleague from another company. Laura had a good understanding of my work style and introduced me to her husband, Mark Pilkington. We had the opportunity to get to know each other better while traveling together to attend a trade show in Las Vegas. Through Mark, I discovered EPTAC's commitment to conducting business with honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards. This resonated with me deeply. It became evident that EPTAC treated their customers in a professional manner and held training courses to the highest standard of integrity, in accordance with the IPC requirements, thus upholding the utmost respect for IPC certifications. Over time, I have come to witness firsthand that the employees of EPTAC and the management of Burak embody these core values, which I recognized early on as the essence of EPTAC's identity.

It became evident that EPTAC treated their customers in a professional manner and held training courses to the highest standard of integrity, in accordance with the IPC requirements, thus upholding the utmost respect for IPC certifications.

How would you describe your overall experience working with EPTAC, and what aspects of the company's approach to both clients and also the team do you appreciate the most? 

My experience with EPTAC has changed since I joined the company. Initially, my role involved attending local SMTA trade shows, where I would present EPTAC to interested parties and establish training partnerships in licensed locations. Unfortunately, due to Covid, those plans had to be put on hold. Instead, I started working from home and conducting Zoom meetings with instructors and management to develop training programs for standards that didn't usually have associated classes. We adapted and worked together to create these training programs. I also began working with the sales team, handling a substantial increase in inquiries encompassing various aspects of training. Because of my sales background and familiarity with the electronics assembly industry, it is natural for me to discuss tailored training solutions with customers. This energizes me and satisfies my desire to contribute to the company's growth. I have always been attracted to organizations that strive for growth, and I have witnessed EPTAC's growth despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

I have always been attracted to organizations that strive for growth, and I have witnessed EPTAC's growth despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

Can you share a memorable teaching moment or success story from your time at EPTAC?

I have the pleasure of working with a sales team member who joined EPTAC without prior industry experience. We have established a professional relationship built on mutual respect, enabling me to share my extensive knowledge and experience gained at EPTAC. Together, we work on projects, particularly tailored training or onsite training classes. We frequently engage in virtual meetings, collaborating to provide clients with the customized solutions they need to meet their specific requirements.

In your opinion, what sets EPTAC apart from other courses and training providers, and how has your experience at EPTAC influenced your personal growth and development?

EPTAC sets itself apart from the competition in multiple ways. First and foremost, our commitment to the integrity of the certification training process is unparalleled. Our aim at EPTAC is not just to "get people passed" but to ensure individuals grasp the material thoroughly, enabling them to succeed in their exams. We uphold a high level of program validity, and our instructors embody the same professionalism and dedication to training customers to the highest standards.

The atmosphere at EPTAC is characterized by a combination of hard work and teamwork, all driven by the common goal of delivering the best possible results for both customers and the company.

Another aspect I truly admire at EPTAC is the "Can Do" attitude. We work hard to make things happen to improve the performance of the company and improve the training experience of our customers.

Our aim at EPTAC is not just to "get people passed" but to ensure individuals grasp the material thoroughly, enabling them to succeed in their exams.

About EPTAC

EPTAC is an internationally recognized leader in solder training and IPC certification, providing professionals with the skills to accelerate their careers and businesses and the talent to succeed. For over 35 years, EPTAC has been helping corporations increase quality standards, improve productivity, and maximize profits. With 24 locations in North America, EPTAC continues to expand its offerings and exceptional instructional staff to provide easy access to knowledge and skill-based programs when and where the industry demands it. Access our scheduled programs through our website or schedule your own corporate on-site training. For more information, call 800.643.7822 or contact us.