The final installment of this three-part series looking back on my 50 years in the business will focus on my current state; small business owner of a Quality Management consulting business, Author and Certified Leadership expert. Click here to read Part 3
Read Part 2 here https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543307-i007-feb2026/63?
Continuing with the second installment of this three-part series looking back on my 50 years in the business, I’ll focus on my move up the food chain from manufacturing PCBs to managing PCB suppliers and the unique experience gained from working with the best companies in the world.
In case you missed Tuesday’s blog that focused this interview on Steve’s new leadership book Notorious, I’m reblogging it on the TRAC website as much of the conversation was regarding manufacturing obstacles, solutions and the importance of a solid quality management system. Below are the Talk4TV link plus iHeart & Apple Podcast versions:
iHeart Beyond Confidence Podcast
Apple Beyond Confidence Podcast
Here for all your quality needs:
AS9100/ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949
Steve@tracQMS.com
920-841-3478
We may find outselves in the same situation in a few weeks, so it is important that we all understand why this keeps happening and stay tuned. Check out my recent article in PCB007 Magazine by @I-Connect007 to find out more about the truth behind government shutdowns, to read column Click Here
I-Connect007 put out this nice announcement on LinkedIn on my recent two-part column “Electro-Tek: A Williams Family Legacy”, with links to both articles and a short highlight video. See and read it here:
We are well past the normal 5-7 years that a new revision of the ISO 9001 international quality standard gets released. Word on the street is that it may be finished toward the end of 2025 with implementation starting in 2026. CLICK HERE to continue reading my column on a history of ISO revisions and what significant changes we can expect in the upcoming Version 6.
Screenshot
Reach out to the industry’s foremost expert on quality management to start planning on your ISO/AS9100 upgrade to the new requirements
Steve@tracQMS.com
920-841-3478
ISO 45001 provides significant value to organizations looking to reduce workplace incidents and demonstrate OH&S commitment. ISO 45001 can be seamlessly integrated into your current QMS as an IMS (Integrated Management System). No need to change your QMS structure, numbering scheme or functionality, I work with you to painlessly integrate these into the existing management system.
ISO 45001 establishes criteria for an OH&S policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, auditing and review. Key elements include leadership commitment, worker participation, hazard identification and risk assessment, legal and regulatory compliance, emergency contingency planning, incident investigation and continual improvement. Whether you have a union environment or local requirements, keeping your employees safe is not only a moral and ethical responsibility, but just good business. Near misses, lost time due to accidents and loss in morale are costs that directly erode the bottom line.
ISO 45001 Quality Management Certification Badge. Vector illustration.
Whether you currently hold ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100 or IATF 16949, trust the industry expert, TRAC, to guide you through this transition quickly and efficiently.
Benefits
PRESS RELEASE
The Right Approach Consulting
July 10, 2025
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Electronics Achieves AS9100D: 2016 Certification. I am proud to announce that the Milwaukee division of client Milwaukee Electronics has upgraded their QMS from ISO 9001: 2015 and received certification to AS9100D: 2016 from certifying body TUV Rheinland. Corporate Director of Quality Bob Willenbring, the quality team and entire leadership team were highly engaged with the goal of driving organizational improvement during this transition. I would like to extend my thanks to the team for their hard work and dedication throughout this project.
“A huge thank you to Steve Williams and The Right Approach Consulting for his leadership and guidance as we achieved our AS9100 certification in six months! Steve’s expertise and ability to help our team understand the requirements and meet them in a way that fit our organization was instrumental to this achievement!”
Bob Willenbring, Quality Director, Milwaukee Electronics.
About Milwaukee Electronics
A message from CEO Jered Stoehr:
“Milwaukee Electronics was founded in 1954, offering services in circuit board design and PCBA assembly to the mining industry in the Wisconsin, USA, region. My father, P. Michael Stoehr purchased the company in 1985 with the mission of creating a business that would put customers first and be a fulfilling place to work for the employees serving those customers.
As the second generation to take the Chief Executive helm, it is very important to me to carry on my father’s customers-first legacy and to ensure that Milwaukee Electronics maintains the entrepreneurial spirit that has allowed the company to continually expand its range of services, maintain decades long customer relationships and provide careers for many dedicated employees.”
Milwaukee Electronics has three manufacturing facilities, Milwaukee WI, Portland OR and Tecate Mexico, a Tech Center in Pune India, and a Purchasing Office in Singapore providing services including:
For more information go to: https://www.milwaukeeelectronics.com
Implementing ISO 45001 provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance. ISO 14001 can be seamlessly integrated into your current QMS as an IMS (Integrated Management System). No need to change your QMS structure, numbering scheme or functionality, I work with you to painlessly integrate these into the existing management system.
Many of my clients are getting pressure from their customers, industry and/or local city or village regulatory agencies to attain this certification to improve their environmental compliance. ISO 14001 is a separate certification that encompasses various aspects from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments.
Whether you currently hold ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100 or IATF 16949, trust the industry expert, TRAC, to guide you through this transition quickly and efficiently.
Benefits
Hi all,
Yes, I know it’s the beginning of February and Christmas is past us now, but this was published in the December issue of my column The Right Approach of I-Connect’s PCB007 magazine and I need to wait 30 days for all of their publications 
to get out through their media channels and audience. Even through it’s a bit past the holiday season, whether you ride or not, I hope this still brings a well-needed smile to you all. Click below to read:
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: HARLEY-STYLE
About I-Connect007
I-Connect007 is the foremost authority and go-to information source for the electronics industry. Sign up for their Daily Newsletter and a variety of dedicated magazines on PCB Fabrication, Assembly, MilAero, Flex, SMT and EIN (Electronics Industry News). They also have a vast library of eBooks written by industry technical leaders on a variety of relevant topics. Click below for I-Connect007
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