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22 S T U F F • F a l l 2 0 1 6 Finding the right mentor I was promoted to market development specialist electronic printing in 1991 after servicing FLEXcon's customers. This new role in marketing encompassed the development of FLEXcon's line of variable information printable products, which was a scary re- sponsibility at first. Luckily, I had a great mentor, who was invaluable in my career development and was particularly helpful as I was working to grow a new industry for FLEXcon. Finding a mentor you trust and can learn from is critical to steady career growth. Traveling around the world I began to attend industry con- ferences and champion projects that spring-boarded me to a new level of knowledge and recognition in the industry. M anufacturing is an evolving industry that provides daily obstacles, challeng- es and opportuni- ties to keep you engaged through- out your career. Employees in the industry have the chance to grow as personal interests and manufactur- ing itself develops over time. Learning the ropes I graduated from Bentley Univer- sity in Waltham with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1989 and joined FLEXcon shortly thereafter as a technical service representative. I first applied to work at the company by the recommendations of my uncle, who worked as a material handler at FLEXcon for over 30 years. Before I knew it, I found myself in an entry-level position that required me to work in the labs for nine months to learn FLEXcon technol- ogies and, simultaneously, work in phone support for some of our New England-based customers. During this time, I tried my best to be a human sponge and internalize as much information as I could about FLEXcon and their products. Working well with others Since my first role at the compa- ny, I have held numerous technical, marketing and management posi- tions over 27 years of employment. Along the pathway to success, I learned the importance of being a quick learner, not being afraid to ask for help, networking as much as possible and doing your best to take advantage of every opportuni- ty although it might be scary at first. Offering to help In the midst of my technical service responsibilities, I offered to become a statistical process control instructor after taking an internal course at FLEXcon. Using the knowledge I gained, I began training FLEXcon employ- ees as a certified instructor on the weekend night shift. This brings me to my next lesson: you must be willing to make personal sacrifices at times in your career, while still keeping in mind a healthy work-life balance. The real key is knowing when to cede on one or the other. Over the course of 27 years, John Bennett went from an entry-level position to vice president, all at the same company -- FLEXcon in Spencer. Here is how he did it. By John Bennett Special to the Worcester Business Journal Started from the bottom, now we're here John Bennett Vice president, FLEXcon Work location: Spencer Hometown: Princeton High School: Wachusett Regional High School College: Bentley University Hobbies: Firefighting, piloting helicopters, riding motorcycles