The words “streamline” and “timelines” are front and center when it comes to Bob Johnson, an engineer par excellence whose expertise spans lean manufacturing, product innovation, the semiconductor industry and high-level management. While at Acumed, Bob initially served as a Director, then Vice President of Operations and New Product Development, where his efforts led to several prestigious manufacturing awards. He then rose to the role of President, where he led functional teams bridging a variety of product lines and process flows. During Johnson’s tenure, Acumed was profitable each year, had no layoffs, and experienced annual revenue growth. He also prioritized new products, which resulted in the expansion of critical markets via a robust sales distribution network.
Johnson commenced his career in the semiconductor industry, a foundational experience that finely tuned his sense of what will work and what won’t. Now Chief Operating Officer at Allied Technologies International, Bob is known for systematically creating lasting change via a culture of collaboration and personal ownership. He also sits on the ATI Board of Directors where he is responsible for overall company oversight.
Bob Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physics, and a Master’s degree in Management from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Bob’s best advice to early-stage startups?
“If you have a new product, it is vital to get early input from key decision makers. There are so many steps to product development that if you don’t have to iterate at the very end then you will save a great deal of time and money. Don’t build 500—build one and test it.”
“Also, you need to keep your edge in order to get to the top—so avoid me-too products. Remember…you’re coming out against 20 companies doing the same thing and it’s difficult to find an advantage.”
