In his own words: Sonny Newman of EE Technologies

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about EE Technologies and your position.

Sonny Newman: EE Technologies is a contract manufacturer of printed circuit boards and electro mechanical assemblies. We are an ISO/TS certified manufacturing company that builds products for the automotive, medical, scientific, education, safety and gaming industries. The company is headquartered in Reno and currently operates two shifts with about 150 employees. We also have a second location in Empalme, Mexico with another 150 employees.

NNBW: How did you get into this business?

Newman: I worked at a manufacturing company in Carson City (Cubix Corporation) for many years that built computer systems from the ground up and was involved in the materials and planning side of the business most of my time there. I also had the opportunity to work in shipping and receiving in high school, the accounting department and sales department in college and reported to the director of operations after that. I was blessed to be able to work in so many different departments and to learn how a manufacturing company operated.

NNBW: What are your company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?

Newman: The strength of the EE Technologies are its committed employees and our loyal customers. Our weakness is not always being able to get projects done fast enough for our customers.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Newman: To be honest.

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working on it?

Newman: My dream job would be involved in the front office of the San Francisco Giants. You said dream job!

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Newman: I enjoy attending baseball games, going to antique shops, traveling with my wife and keeping up with current events.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Newman: Patience and determination. It takes about a year to bring on a major customer, so nothing happens quickly in this industry. I always refer to my team that it's like having a baby. It will take about nine months from the initial discussions, prototypes, qualification and then to production.

NNBW: Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Newman: The most fun I think I have is when new customers come into our shop and they are blown away of what we have in equipment, metrics and how advanced we are with our IT system.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Newman: Always be fair to your customers, employees and suppliers.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Newman: If I would have changed something, I am not sure I would be where I am, so I think I would not change anything.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Newman: No. I always have to have a project or be involved with building something. It may be a business or a real estate project. If I am not creating something I go stir crazy.

The basics:

Name: Sonny Newman, president, EE Technologies

Number of years in this job? 11

Years in this profession? 30

Education: Attended University of Nevada, Reno

Last book read? "Linchpin" by Seth Godin

Favorite flick? "Good Will Hunting"

Spouse, kids or pets? Married with two children, horse, goat, sheep, chickens and four dogs