Charles J.

Tell us about your career journey. What led you to Stanley Black & Decker?  

I joined SBD because I love being a part of the product development process. Seeing how something works mechanically — how an idea gets transformed into a physical product — has interested me since childhood.   

As an engineer, can you share more about the innovation that takes place here with us?  

I’ve seen a continuous drive to improve our products and enhance the user’s experience. We often focus on enhancing application performance, increasing runtimes and expanding our tool portfolio.   

I’ve helped in both the development of brand-new tools and transitioning established products to cordless. In both areas, we factor in overall performance and incorporate user feedback into the designs. This can, for example, result in added safety features or increased motor performance.  

You’re a participant in the Stanley Black & Decker Leadership Program. What drew you to the program?  

I was looking for a leadership program that would let me be part of a product development team and be hands-on in the research and creation of new products. The rotational aspect of the SLP let me experience different tool systems, management styles and differing sets of product design challenges that gave me a diverse portfolio of experiences to draw from in my career.  

I was educated strictly as a mechanical engineer but thanks to this program, I have now spent time as part of the electrical systems team. This has opened doors for me that I never imagined for myself.   

Tell us more about the workplace culture and environment you found at Stanley Black & Decker?  

I’ve had the privilege of being part of teams where managers and team members alike are helpful and supportive. They’ve ensured that I stay involved in the “goings-on” of the team and have included me in big projects and meetings. They’ve also provided the opportunity to learn skills like soldering, angle grinding, welding and 3D printing. This has given me a broader picture of what I want to do in the future.   

Can you share more about your participation on the SLP’s Mentoring and Onboarding Committee (MOC) and Engagement Committee?  

As a member of the MOC, I was involved in the onboarding of nearly all North American SLPs starting in 2022. I’ve been one of the first people they’ve met — one of the first faces they’ve seen — when starting the program.   

In the Engagement Committee, I helped manage and plan happy hours, both in person and virtual, with the goal of promoting networking between SLPs outside of work.   

I also attended in-person sessions of the SLP bi-annual training week events. I appreciated the chance to meet my fellow SLPs, who work in tracks like finance, human resources and ops. It’s enabled me to make better connections and resulted in friendships outside of work.   

You won the SLP Purpose Award. What does it mean to be recognized by your peers?   

I was surprised by the recognition. As part of the MOC and Engagement Committee, I’ve always tried to be friendly and helpful to my fellow SLPs. I appreciate the trust and approval they’ve had of me during my tenure as an SLP.