“It’s extremely difficult to manage people… but also the most rewarding when you make an impact on them.”
The Tech Etch management spotlight series continues with a compelling profile of Bonita Leaf, Process Engineering Manager at our Litchfield facility. In this feature, Bonita shares her reflections on leadership, process improvement, and the evolving challenges of engineering in a manufacturing environment. Her story is one of quiet dedication, thoughtful innovation, and a deep commitment to the people who make Tech Etch successful.
Meet Benita Leaf: A Leader Focused on Process and People
Bonita has been instrumental in monitoring and improving production processes. Her role focuses on increasing efficiency and improving the daily experience of operators working on the floor. “My job at Tech Etch is to monitor the process improvements to the process,” she explains. “The most difficult part is managing people — but also the most rewarding when you can reach them and give them confidence.” This balance between technical precision and human connection is central to her leadership philosophy.
Driving Process Improvements with Operator Needs in Mind
One of the most consistent themes in her perspective is her commitment to making work better for the operators. She discusses how impactful even small changes can be when they are informed by a clear understanding of the people behind the process. “When you really understand what the operators need and how they have to do things, you can make incredible changes that make their life easier.” From improving layouts and equipment to adjusting workflows, her focus is on practical, high-impact updates aligning with how people work.
New equipment has certainly played a role in making processes easier and more efficient, but Bonita points out that the most transformative improvements often come from deep listening and collaboration with team members on the floor. These operator-first enhancements have contributed to smoother operations and a stronger sense of ownership across the facility.
Finding Daily Motivation in a Changing Work Environment
Another driver of her ongoing motivation is the dynamic nature of the work. Bonita thrives in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of modern manufacturing. “The constant changes in products, responsibilities, and new equipment create daily challenges. That variety is motivating because it gives me a chance to solve something different every day.” Whether adapting to new machinery, onboarding new team members, or troubleshooting production issues, she sees each challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Beyond daily problem-solving, Bonita reflects on the significant milestones that have shaped the company’s culture. A pivotal turning point came when George Keeler purchased Tech Etch from Ovex, marking a new chapter in the company’s evolution. Even more impactful, she says, was when Keeler later sold the company to the employees. “That was an incredible change for the better. It really gave people the ability to take pride in their work and know that everything we do here reflects on us personally as well as the company.” This transition to employee ownership fostered a greater sense of responsibility, collaboration, and long-term thinking across all departments.
Value in Action: How Culture Shapes Everyday Work
Equally powerful for Bonita has been the focus on company values. The company’s renewed emphasis on defining and living its values was not just a branding exercise. It became a meaningful exercise in connecting personal and professional purpose. “It makes people think about what is valuable to them — not just in their personal lives, but in their work lives. It is a reminder to all of us: be respectful, be committed, support each other.” This values-driven mindset helps guide decisions, relationships, and the way team members interact with one another.
Bonita’s story demonstrates what leadership looks like when it is grounded in respect, continuous improvement, and a clear focus on people. Her approach shows that the best managers are not just experts in their field, but also mentors, collaborators, and advocates. She leads by example, and the changes she has helped drive—whether they are process-related or cultural—reflect the deep thought and care she brings to her role.
In a time when manufacturing companies are facing increasing pressure to do more with less, Bonita offers a model for sustainable success. By investing in people, streamlining operations with real-world insights, and staying motivated by new challenges, she embodies the qualities that define the Tech Etch management spotlight series. Her leadership is a reminder that real innovation does not always come from the top down—it often begins by listening closely to the people on the ground and responding with empathy, agility, and action.
To hear Bonita’s full story, watch the video on our YouTube channel. Her perspective offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in leadership, engineering, or building stronger teams through thoughtful, value-driven work.