In these times, it’s hard to read and keep up with what is going on in our industry. This article is eye-opening to a company like mine. I have to say it was time for change long ago. I agree. We need new people all the time. I have to say that my experience with Denny is that when he became president, I decided to get more involved and sent him my thoughts. I never even got a response.

My company is on its 40th year in business this year and I have been going out of business for 35 of them, probably. This was my father’s business, I took it over from him. He actually worked for Bill McGinley at Method. I learned so much from my father, and Jim Moss, who has worked for me for many years, and still does at 70 years old. Both have been my mentors.

My father passed away at 61, employed people all his life, and didn’t even get to collect social security. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease for five years and I was right by his side, just like I was for the business while growing up. In that time, when he was basically dying, my employees ran the company. I came to work, but my focus was my dad. So I know about people and what good they can do. At that same time, nine other shops in my area were going out of business. This was not good for pricing. I once made a statement that once a company gets above 12 people, it’s 75% up to them and 25% up to upper management. You need people to take charge, step up, and get things done; I can bring in all the work I want, but without the right tools and people, a company will fail.

I also agree with you that we now need to look out 10 years; this China thing is killing all of us. And you’re right about this: We should have been told by IPC, years before, what is happening over there. Try as I might to do the right things, we now get about eight new accounts a month, but we’re losing five to China. This has to stop. Now, I don't blame IPC for everything, because in their defense, you, me, my company must be involved. So I will try and send the new president my thoughts again and hope that I at least get a response.

It's so hard for a small- or medium-size company to attend all that goes on with IPC. With the cost of flying today or even driving, I'm sure it’s hard also for larger companies. I think you need to keep on this until we like what we see at IPC, or I say, get rid of him. And make more changes.

I know China is here to stay, but that is what we need to try and fight, to make me and other s that are left, stronger. I know we can do it.

My son wants to try to make a go of this business now; he is attending college, and would be a third-generation owner. Nothing would make me prouder than to see him succeed, but he has a tougher road to go than I did. My dad made it easier then--he started it for me. I will try to do the same for my son. Now, that is what America is built on.

I think every man should leave more to their kids than they receive. I feel we are in for a new beginning and that many things are happening and changing.

We need that new, young blood, as they say.   

Richard Kincaid
K & F Electronics
www.circuitboards.com