When I joined Benchmark in 2010, little did I know that my military background would pave the way for a successful career in the electronics manufacturing industry. With a prior experience in aerospace and years of service in the National Guard and United States Navy, I brought a unique set of skills and values to my role at Benchmark.

Having served in the military, attention to detail, thorough training, and proactive problem-solving became second nature to me. These invaluable skills seamlessly transitioned into my work as a Production Supervisor at Benchmark. I quickly realized that the precision and meticulousness I learned in the military were essential for ensuring a smooth manufacturing process and achieving our organizational goals.

Benchmark has a strong sense of family, unity, and community that permeates the company. This resonated deeply with my military background, where camaraderie and teamwork were crucial for success. We work hard for each other, supporting one another and taking immense pride in our work. This shared sense of purpose creates an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to give their best.

Our Nashua, New Hampshire facility, which offers value-added manufacturing, sets us apart from other contract manufacturers. Here, we not only produce electronic boards but also assemble complete units. Our diverse customer base, spanning medical, robotics, and industrial industries, means our work significantly impacts the world. This resonated deeply with me, as my military experience reinforced my commitment to making a difference. Working at Benchmark has allowed me to contribute to a safer, more connected, and healthier world through the products we manufacture. It gives me a sense of purpose and pride, knowing that my work matters and has a positive impact.

Benchmark understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The company strives to ensure that employees receive the time off they deserve while meeting customer needs and organizational commitments. This commitment to employee well-being fosters a motivated and engaged workforce, enabling us to deliver exceptional results while taking care of ourselves.

One of the things I admire most about Benchmark is the culture of teamwork and mentorship. From day one, I was encouraged to seek guidance and learn from the experienced professionals around me. The willingness of my colleagues to share their expertise and support my growth has been instrumental in my development. This continuous learning and collaboration culture empowers newcomers to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the organization.

My military experience, coupled with Benchmark's supportive culture, has shaped my personal and professional growth in unimaginable ways. The precision, problem-solving, and teamwork skills I acquired during my military service seamlessly translated into my role at Benchmark. The company's commitment to creating a safer, connected, and healthier world and its dedication to employee well-being continue to drive its success as a leading manufacturing organization.

I am grateful to be part of this incredible journey, and I look forward to the many more milestones we will achieve together. If you're transitioning into civilian work, I encourage you to explore a career at Benchmark.

I joined Benchmark in 2020 as the Vice President of Finance. What attracted me to Benchmark was the opportunity to work for a publicly traded global company headquartered in Tempe, AZ, serving diverse customers and end markets. From helping patients to protecting our troops on the battlefield, our work matters. The products we design and manufacture make a difference in the world, so I was drawn to work for a company like Benchmark.

In my role, I oversee the global financial strategy at Benchmark. I work closely with our CEO and CFO, and other senior executives to help establish our strategic and financial goals for the company, and our financial and investing strategies to meet business objectives and financial reporting responsibilities. Being in Finance really gives me a strong pulse on the organization, which I enjoy a lot.

One thing you’ll notice right away when you join Benchmark is our people! We’ve got a great vibe. Our team is terrific and genuinely cares about the company and each other and is always willing to help. 

If you’re considering a career with Benchmark, we are always looking for people that enjoy collaborating, ideating, and innovating. We have made a lot of investments in modern, state-of-the-art tools and technologies that make a huge difference in our efficiencies at work. My advice to any new team member is to take the time to learn about our company, build relationships with the people you work with, and understand where the information or data originates. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stay curious.

I manage the HR functions at three locations, including all California locations, and Guadalajara and Tijuana, Mexico, totaling over 2,000 employees. We mostly work on confidential projects in areas like commercial aerospace, government, and defense. That means the projects we complete here are meaningful because they protect lives. I love the work that I do recruiting and supporting employees to help lead them through various situations that arise. Here, my input is always valued and they take my voice into consideration. At Benchmark, people in leadership positions really care; they reach out not because they have to, but because they want you to know that you really matter.

If you’re considering a career at Benchmark, you have the ability to build a career of your dreams while making a difference. Every time I go through a new employee’s orientation, I cover procedures and processes, and I always tell them, ‘Never just stick to your job description.’ Here, you can always learn more about products, customers, and the business itself. In other places, you have to do your job and stick to it. Here, you can partner with other leaders, go to new sites, and learn as much as you want, because we give you the opportunity to touch areas other than your own.

I feel that my background and experience is really valued from a cultural perspective. Our leadership is putting an emphasis on the right areas of company culture in order to continually improve diversity and inclusion. I never feel like I’m a number here; I’m a valuable part of the company. I wake up in the morning ready to help other Benchmark employees because my time here matters, my work matters, and I can add value to the company. Benchmark is a great company to work for, not only because of its competitive salary and benefits, but because you can feel proud to work here. It’s amazing what we do with technology, and Benchmark is where I want to be.

I’ve been with Benchmark for 13 years as a machine operator in multiple areas. Now that I’ve been here a while, I am a mentor for new hires coming in, and I can help them with getting certifications as well. I really appreciate that upper management is always helpful in accommodating my needs. I’ve never felt neglected or secluded because of who I am or where I’m from.

A few years ago, my brother became very ill, and my family needed me to help out, so I had to take a lot of time off. I thought I was going to have to take extended leave or even leave the company. Management worked it out with me to work part time and keep my benefits while still being able to care for him until I could come back full time. They chose to help me and work with me–they didn’t have to do that. They understand the importance of family, and they’re good human beings. There’s always someone willing to help you if you do a good job and you need something, and it makes the days go by easy. We also have quarterly bonuses that we share based on the goals the company has set. At my location, we’ve never missed any, and it’s always exciting to have an extra incentive that makes a difference. I work with good team players, and everyone is there with the same goal.

The type of work I do doesn’t require me to invent anything, but to focus on details and instructions of what’s given. I can never assume the product I built a week ago is the same now. I have to keep attention to detail and always focus. In manufacturing, something may look like it’s the same thing, but the engineers may make a change that very morning, and I have to be careful with the instructions I’ve been given to implement the changes that happen. We have machines that do the work, and we load the right programs and technology. The electronic devices are class 3, meaning they have to work all the time during their lifetime. I know what I build makes a difference in people’s lives. I’m proud of that, and it makes me feel good that I’m a part of it.

I began my career at Benchmark at a young age, drawn in by its reputation for solid pay, good benefits, and excellent working conditions, and recommended by family friends already with the company. Over 19 years, I progressed from a production floor test operator to a supervisor, overseeing various production areas. My passion for supporting and enhancing the work experience of others was fulfilled through roles that allowed me to mentor and train colleagues, evolving from an operator to a Coach and then to a Team Lead in PCBA build operations.

What has kept me at Benchmark for nearly two decades is the people and the culture, fostering a sense of family and a collaborative environment. Benchmark prioritizes employee well-being, growth, diversity, innovation, and recognizing achievements, which has been key to my personal and professional development. I've been encouraged and given the tools and guidance to succeed, feeling valued and respected. I strive to embody our core values, caring deeply for the people and the organization, valuing everyone's contributions, and ensuring inclusivity.

Working with diverse groups has highlighted the importance of embracing differences, enriching our work experience, and fostering innovation. Since joining the company, I earned my college degree thanks to Benchmark's tuition reimbursement program, which emphasizes that manufacturing offers substantial career opportunities. Benchmark supports growth, providing opportunities within a diverse and innovative organization.

Benchmark aims to help anyone reach their full potential, transforming my skepticism about managerial roles into a fulfilling reality. Encouraging and recognizing hard work, especially those who show potential, gives me purpose. Helping others see their capabilities and guiding them toward their career goals is incredibly fulfilling, embodying the spirit of Benchmark and its profound impact on my life.

I joined Benchmark in the summer of 2022 as an intern, having discovered the opportunity at the Iowa State Career Fair. I transitioned to a full-time position after graduating in January 2023. During my internship, I was hoping for a holistic experience rather than just chasing big names. At Benchmark, I was intrigued by the blend of design and manufacturing, which allowed me to explore my interests in mechanical design engineering while gaining insight into the manufacturing process.

My work spanned real projects involving SolidWorks and on-floor production experience, contributing significantly to the company and earning recognition for my efforts. The internship offered a comprehensive learning experience, enhanced by the diverse industries Benchmark serves, which broadened my career perspective. This exposure and the company's culture of curiosity and continuous learning motivated my return as a full-time employee.

Benchmark's philosophy of mentorship and development, encouraging independent problem-solving and application of engineering skills, has been crucial to my growth. The team's technical and communication skills and collaborative spirit drive our success. Benchmark's core values resonate through its culture, setting high standards for its employees who are passionate about delivering optimal solutions. Leadership exemplifies these values, inspiring us to excel.

Benchmark’s inclusive environment and support system have eased my transition from an intern to a full-time role, emphasizing personal and professional development regardless of initial skill levels. I'm grateful for the opportunities and mentorship reinforcing Benchmark's investment in its employees' success.

What I like most about Benchmark is the people. I've felt welcomed since my first day. Everyone around me has been eager to offer support, share knowledge, and work collaboratively toward seeing the business succeed. This collective drive is admirable and deeply rooted in the fabric of our company culture. Everyone's attitude is remarkably optimistic and genuinely reflects our core values as a company, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
Before coming to Benchmark, my career spanned  over 28 years in various roles and industries. I navigated through different sectors, accumulating a wealth of experience that, although diverse, did not include a background in contract manufacturing. However, Benchmark has always seen the value in bringing together diverse knowledge and experiences, which I sincerely appreciate. Stepping into this new industry, I've continuously worked through the learning curve, embracing every challenge and genuinely enjoying the process.

Benchmark's knowledge base is more extensive than I was accustomed to in my previous roles. It's impressive that many colleagues here at Benchmark boast over 30 years of experience with the company, contributing to a rich tapestry of expertise and insights. The culture at Benchmark is dynamic, a quality I attribute to the nature of the industry. With a constant influx of customers and products, along with fluctuating demands, the landscape is constantly changing. This creates an exciting environment, ensuring that every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth and innovation. Reflecting on my formative years, I recall the five summers during my college and grad school years when I had the invaluable opportunity to intern at three large companies.

These experiences were key to my professional development. They weren't simply summer jobs but my initiation into the corporate world, serving as an experiential bridge between academic theory and real-world practice. This hands-on experience provided insights and learning that I couldn't have gained in any classroom, underscoring the critical role of internship programs in nurturing the next generation of professionals.

Growing up in England and then moving to Tennessee when I was 10, I’ve always been surrounded by the essence of family business and the spirit of entrepreneurship. It was in these environments I learned the foundational elements of work and the significance of contributing to a larger goal. This early exposure eventually guided me toward a path in engineering, where my initial interest in electrical engineering evolved into a passion for mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech University. This shift wasn’t just about changing majors; it was about aligning my academic pursuits with my innate curiosity about aerodynamics and the mechanical aspects of engineering. 
 
Starting my career at the basic level of engineering and supplier quality at General Motors, I quickly learned the importance of not just focusing on the numbers and design but also understanding the business side of things. This blend of technical acumen and business insight propelled me into the world of supply chain. Here, at Benchmark, I’ve found a culture that resonates deeply with my own beliefs—a culture where individuals are not just cogs in a machine but critical components that drive the entire operation. 
 
Working here has been a transformative experience under the leadership of individuals who value and understand the importance of perspective and inclusion. My military background, with 24 years in active duty, has also shaped my approach to communication and leadership. It taught me the importance of clear and efficient communication, a skill that I leverage daily to foster a culture of collaboration and mutual respect within my team. 
 
At Benchmark, leadership permeates from the top down, creating an environment where each member of my team, regardless of their tenure or experience level, is encouraged to contribute, learn, and grow. This collaborative spirit is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about building a knowledge-sharing ecosystem where we all, including myself, continue to evolve. 
 
The emphasis on customer engagement and understanding their needs is what sets Benchmark apart. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a new medical product or working closely with business development executives to align our capabilities with customer expectations, it’s about creating a synergy that drives success. Our approach to product development, from conceptualization to production, underscores our commitment to not just meeting but exceeding customer expectations. 
 
Visiting sites like Guadalajara, where the focus is on medical products, reminds me of the importance of hands-on involvement and the tangible impact of our work. Here, in the thick of operations and innovation, Benchmark’s culture truly comes to life—where our core values of integrity, ingenuity, caring, inclusion and customer commitment are not just practiced but are a way of life. 
 
Managing work-life balance, mentoring the next generation of our workforce through our intern program, and continuously seeking ways to optimize our processes and strategies reflect the balanced, people-first approach that Benchmark embodies. It’s an environment where learning is continuous, leadership is inclusive, and every challenge is viewed as an opportunity for growth. 
 
In essence, my journey and role at Benchmark are a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with a broad business perspective, the value of a supportive and inclusive culture, and the importance of always placing the customer at the center of everything we do. It’s not just about what we achieve as a company; it’s about how we achieve it—together.