Member Profile:
Kenneth A. Brod

Occupation:

KAB Consulting and WordTech Services
Independent Consultant & Writer

When Ken entered the corporate world a decade-and-a-half ago, he discovered an appalling lack of guidance sources for the tasks. Undeterred, he began gathering the necessary knowledge into documentation. Many “sticky-notes” later followed by multiple trips to the copy center, he had assembled an accumulation of useful information. His documents not only served himself well, but they also served to help others do their jobs better. Encouraged by the company’s acknowledgement of his talents, Ken continued enhancing his skills, and steadily advanced into management.

Over the next ten years with three similar companies, he established a solid reputation for process improvement and cost-reduction. Then, with confidence he took his show on the road as an independent contractor – speaking, training, teaching, and writing.

Ken emphasizes areas other than education as requisites for technical writers: “Whether our educational backgrounds are journalism, law, medicine, philosophy, or or some other academic area, education can help us become better writers and can contribute to our role as professional technical writers.”

His punch list for basic requirements as a good technical writer includes: “Excellent writing and formatting skills” as well as the ability to read well, research, interview, organize details, know the software, work under pressure, and respond well to criticism. “A sense of humor helps too.” he adds. And, “… our education should help us develop [our] skills and abilities … as well as expose us to the ‘practice’ of technical communication.”

For Ken, quality documentation is clear, accurate, and helpful to users. It also surpasses management expectations and results in positive feedback from users – who actually want to use the materials!

The leadership qualities Ken exhibits in the corporate world transfer easily into his community. At his church, as well as with the Boy Scouts of America, he shows people how to accomplish more with less effort through organization and consensus. Whether on the job, or volunteering in the community, Ken values meeting new people and learning new things. It helps offset the opportunity cost of driving an hour-and-a-half uphill both ways to and from work.

Ken enjoys family leisure time as the father of four mischievous and curious young children, and husband to his “beautiful” and “elegant” wife. The children have a rosy-cheeked pet cockatiel named “Kiwi.” Individually, the children participate in soccer, swimming, and Scouts. Together, they enjoy visiting friends and relatives, complete with picnics in the park, or a video movie at Grandma’s house. He combines his family’s activities with his own interests: “I enjoy swimming, reading, travel, and learning about other cultures including archaeology, history, philosophy, religion and science.”

With the anticipation of expanding his consulting company, and on the heels of his deep involvement in family and community, Ken does not entirely forego rest: “When I am not working or doing family activities, I like to rest—God knows I need it.”