308: How a Flawed Circuit and a Fired-Up Founder Changed Everything

What do you do when your million-dollar product fails from a microscopic flaw?
You call someone like Mike Konrad—but 30+ years ago, there was no one like him. So he built the solution himself.

In this episode of The Root of All Success, host Jason Duncan sits down with Mike Konrad, founder of Aqueous Technologies and host of Reliability Matters and The Reluctant Entrepreneur podcasts. From launching his business after being dismissed with a single word—“fine”—to pioneering eco-friendly circuit board cleaning systems, Mike has helped shape the global electronics industry for over four decades.

He shares how he turned rejection into innovation, why he doubled down when everyone else walked away, and the mindset shifts that helped him survive lawsuits, cash flow crises, and industry disruption. This one’s for the builders, innovators, and anyone who’s ever wanted to quit but didn’t.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The F-word moment that launched Mike’s company
• Why “No-Clean” flux is one of the biggest myths in electronics
• How he stayed solvent in a solvent-free world
• Why education—not marketing—is the most powerful growth tool
• The surprising environmental impact of his tech
• What most founders get wrong about fear-based decision-making
• How to build a business that makes money and makes a difference
• Why he never stopped cleaning—literally and strategically

👉 Want to learn more?
🎧 Listen to his shows: Reliability Matters and The Reluctant Entrepreneur

Mike Konrad is a leading expert in electronics assembly, specializing in contamination removal and reliability enhancement. As the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, he has pioneered advanced cleaning solutions that improve reliability while meeting environmental standards.

With four decades of experience, Mike serves on the Global Board of Directors and as VP of Communications for SMTA. He is also an author, speaker, and host of The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast and The Reliability Matters Podcast, sharing insights on business, electronics reliability, and entrepreneurship. His contributions to industry standards, innovation, and education continue to shape the field.

Who is Mike Konrad?

Scott Meyers and his affiliated companies focus on the acquisition, development, and syndication of self-storage facilities nationwide.  He currently owns and operates over 2,400,000 square feet and over 14,000 units nationwide.  His educational organization, SelfStorageInvesting.com, provides courses, tools, live events, and mentoring to help others launch their own self-storage businesses, allowing them to enjoy a lifestyle as he has coined, “free from tenants, toilets, and trash!”  His various companies fund and build 4 - 6 houses each year in Mexico by taking his family, staff, and clients on an all-expense-paid short-term mission trip.   

Mike Konrad’s Website Link:  https://www.aqueoustech.com

Mike Konrad’s  Social Media Link:

LinkedIn @MTKonrad

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