Hardware Podcasts

The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Mike Konrad's Journey Through Entrepreneurship, Networking and SMTA

EMS@C-LEVEL · 14 Mar 2025 · 27m

What this episode covers

Mike Konrad, author of 'The Reluctant Entrepreneur' and host of 'The Reliability Matters' podcast, discusses his 32-year journey in the electronics assembly industry, explaining how his initial product-centric ego led to founding his own company after being rejected by his employer. He contrasts his bootstrapped origins with today's venture-capital-driven startup culture, arguing that modern founders often prioritize exit strategies over product passion and emotional customer connection, citing brands like Nike and Patagonia as examples of effective marketing. Konrad also highlights the value of the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) for fostering genuine, bottom-up networking and collaboration within the industry, and shares his current focus on podcasting and advisory roles.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Nike, Patagonia
Products
The Reluctant Entrepreneur, Reliability Matters
Also
SMTA, IPC, Apex

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