Munters Tech Tales: Joy Johnston

In the dynamic world of industrial technology, Joy Johnston has built her career through dedication and hard work. As the Customer Service and Sales Administration Manager for the Data Center Technologies business area at Munters, Joy’s career is marked by her passion for technology and commitment to her team.

From childhood curiosity to professional advancement

Joy’s fascination with technology began in her childhood. “My dad worked in the computer room in the army, where the computer was the size of the room,” she recalls. This early exposure sparked a deep interest in technology. Unlike many households at the time, Joy’s family had one of the first personal computers at home, which her father encouraged her to explore.

During high school, Joy’s interest in technology grew stronger. She opted for programming and coding classes over traditional subjects, a choice that at the time was unusual and set her apart from her peers.

Before joining Munters, Joy worked as a teacher, teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects with a focus on NASA-related topics in middle and high schools. “I taught a NASA class for middle school students, where we had a flight simulator to engage students with aeronautics. This experience was helpful in showing kids the exciting possibilities within science and technology,” she says.

She also taught robotics using Lego sets, where students programmed robots to complete various tasks. This hands-on approach not only made learning fun but also sparked an interest in STEM careers among her students.

From project coordinator to leader

At Munters, Joy started out as a project coordinator five years ago. Since then, she has taken on various roles.

Today, Joy manages the customer service and sales administration function for the Data Center Technologies business area, with her primary focus on the Americas region. “All credit and collections, order entry, project coordinators, and front desk reception report to me,” Joy explains. Her responsibilities include supporting both customer and sales teams, emphasizing a collaborative approach to service.

Over the years, Joy has built a dedicated team that has tripled in size since 2022 This growth mirrors the rapid expansion of the data center business area and Joy’s ability to adapt and lead effectively.

Not just waiting for the next step to arise

Throughout her career, Joy has faced various challenges, from transitioning between roles to managing a growing team. One challenge, albeit a positive one, was that she quickly outgrew positions earlier in her career. “You learn everything inside and out, innovate, and then there’s no next step waiting,” she says. To overcome this, Joy actively sought additional responsibilities and took the time to learn all about the technologies her company was selling. This approach kept her engaged and prepared her for future opportunities.

Another recent challenge has been managing the rapid growth of data center orders at Munters. “We went from handling $70 million a year to receiving $100 million orders,” Joy explains. Her strategy for these challenges involves taking things one day at a time and focusing on improving processes to meet customer needs.

The importance of mentorship

Mentorship has played a significant role in Joy’s career. Influenced by various role models, she emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, a philosophy where the primary goal of the leader is to serve others, prioritize the needs of their team, encourage their growth, and work to build a sense of community. This philosophy was instilled in her by her parents. “They live a life of servant leadership, and they ingrained that into who I am,” Joy reflects.

In her professional life, Joy was fortunate to have a mentor early on who recognized her potential and provided opportunities for growth. He helped her understand the importance of high-functioning teams and excellent customer service. This mentorship has inspired Joy to offer the same support to her team, aiming for an environment where each member feels valued and empowered.

Joy’s leadership extends to initiatives like the “Girl Up” group at Munters, which focuses on supporting women to reach leadership positions. “We offer mentorships, book clubs on leadership, and health initiatives to support the needs of our female employees,” Joy explains. This initiative is part of Munters strategic goals to promote gender diversity in leadership roles.

Endless opportunities

Looking ahead, Joy is committed to driving innovation and sustainability within the tech industry. “We aim to make processes more streamlined internally and more efficient for our customers externally,” she says. Her vision includes leveraging digital tools to enhance customer service and ensure that Munters operations align with its sustainability goals.

For Joy, the industrial tech industry offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation. She believes that staying connected with her team and maintaining transparency are key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success. “Openness builds trust and reinforces the team’s commitment to shared goals,” she concludes.

About Joy Johnston

Education:
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Liberty University.

My family:
I live in Virginia with my husband Greg, celebrating 34 years of marriage. We have two children, and two grandchildren.

Outside of work:
I enjoy spending time with my family, particularly my grandchildren. You can often find me feeding the cows on our family farm or fishing off the pier at our beach cottage.

Advice you wish you got when you started your career:
The path you take in your career may not be the one you planned. Embrace every detour as a learning opportunity that will equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed.

Share something we do not know about you
I play the French horn and was once paid to record a fight song for the American football team the Minnesota Vikings. So, technically, I am a professional musician.

Learn more about our data center business.