Member Council Insights: Brock Strunk

My name is Brock Strunk and I have the honor of serving a two-year term on the Member Council based on votes from members like you. I was active in SME during college so that I could participate in the student competitions by helping the seniors prepare their manufacturing project for the competition. In return, I received some great mentoring from the seniors and professors on how to design, build, and present at a competition level. This experience in college has helped shape my career path in seeking out mentors and giving back as a mentor. This experience provided me with valuable skills, knowledge, and insights that have served as a foundation for my professional development and important soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. I have been a SME member since college and have used SME to help build my network of mentors and have given back in the form of being a mentor to students and young professionals. I often bring young professionals to SME events that help them learn about something new that they would not have the opportunity to see in person. This was exciting to see as a mentor because they really became engaged in learning about the technology and ways to bring what they learned back to the company. This opportunity alone convinced them on the value of the SME membership. 

Early in my career I worked for small aerospace startup companies that fabricated aircraft almost extensively with composite materials. I was encouraged by an SME member to join the SME Composites Technical Community, https://www.sme.org/engage/communities/plastics-composites-coatings-community/. Being involved in this technical community has allowed me to interact with some of the most experienced professionals in the aerospace and composites field. I have gained a multitude of mentors from my participation in SME’s technical communities and other SME committees. I recently reconnected with an SME member that I have considered one of my best mentors for technical and leadership guidance. Our conversation consisted of getting each other up to speed on what exciting projects we were both working on and he offered some insight into suppliers that had some new technology that he thought would help increase my company’s production processes. He has been a mentor for over 20 years now and for him he has enjoyed the experience of providing guidance that has helped his career. Engaging once again, not only expanded my network but also opened doors to collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning. Through discussions, seminars, workshops, sponsored by the SME Membership Engagement team and other activities within the technical community, you too will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, industry trends, and practical challenges facing your manufacturing sector. 

My commitment to giving back as a mentor reflects the positive impact that mentorship has had on me. By sharing your knowledge and experiences with others, you contribute to the growth and development of future generations of professionals. Having a place to share your knowledge is one of the values of SME membership. Volunteering allows members to expand their skill sets, gain leadership experience, and make a positive impact on the SME community. Whether it's serving on committees, organizing events, mentoring students, or sharing expertise through workshops and presentations, there are countless ways for members to get involved and make a difference. 

I encourage all SME members to participate in SME – let us know by filling out the Volunteer Sign-Up Form. https://www.sme.org/aboutsme/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-sign-up-form/