E81: Navigating the Defense Industry with John Dewey, CEO of Dewey Electronics

John Dewey, President of Dewey Electronics, joins the Founder Secrets podcast to share his journey from artist and consultant to defense contractor and CEO. He delves into the unique challenges of the defense industry, managing a public-to-private business transition, and finding a niche in manufacturing specialize military equipment. In this episode, John explores how his family business evolved into a leading provider of rugged, mission-critical power products for military applications. He shares insights into government contracting, the lengthy sales cycles, and how he built a resilient business by focusing on reliability and engineering excellence. Key Highlights: • Transitioning Roles: John shares his path from artist to defense contractor, stepping into a family business after an unexpected passing and committing to a two-year turnaround that became a two-decade career. • Niche Specialization: By focusing on durable power solutions and complex engineering, Dewey Electronics found a unique market position within the defense industry, producing generators and parts for military use. • Public-to-Private Shift: John discusses the decision to take Dewey Electronics “dark,” allowing the company to move away from costly public reporting while maintaining transparency with private investors. • Long Sales Cycles: Government contracts require extensive time and resources. John explains how cultivating relationships and planning long-term helped sustain and grow the business. • Quality and Accountability: With a heavy emphasis on reliability, Dewey Electronics invests in rigorous quality control, ensuring that each product meets the high standards required for defense applications. • Growth through Experience: Hiring seasoned engineers and employees with extensive industry experience has helped the company stay competitive and agile in a challenging field. Join us as John Dewey shares his perspective on building a specialized business in the defense industry, navigating the demands of government contracts, and transforming a family-owned company into a long-lasting success.