Justin McKennon is a Principal Scientist at Electro Magnetic Applications, Inc.

Justin has previously worked for large defense contractors and served as the Chief Engineer at NTS Lightning Technologies prior to joining EMA.

At EMA, Justin is leading the development and implementation of EMA’s Space Environment and Radiation Effects test facility and 3D simulation tools designed to calculate the effects of space radiation.

Justin is widely regarded for expertise in electromagnetic effects and has helped solve challenging problems related to the effects of lightning (and similar effects) on wind turbines, aircraft, structures, and more. He has been a keynote speaker at a number of industry conferences and is a Designed Engineering Representative for the Federal Aviation Administration in all lightning disciplines.

We spoke with Justin regarding the innovative space his company inhabits and how their emphasis on constant innovation has propelled their growth.

Their concentration on inhabiting a high demand, low supply scientific space is an excellent example of the type of firm, large or small, that can have a dramatic effect on a community and economic development.

EMA is located in the Berkshire County (MA) city of Pittsfield. This former one-industry town plays host to just such innovative firms like EMA who are increasingly finding strength in a focus in high demand/low supply innovation sectors.  The property EMA is located in is focsed itself on innovation, the Berkshire Innovation Center. 

Welcome to the home of SMG’s ‘Are We Here Yet?’ Podcast.  We seek to produce vibrant storytelling from the entrepreneurs, creative-class warriors and dynamic citizens that collectively tell the story of modern-day America.

Add to that special tidbits like our Essays, The JazzRoom, Special Features and more.  We hope you find enlightenment and entertainment in each episode we present.

About our Hosts:

Scott M. Graves is the founder of SMGraves Creative Enterprises.  Most recently he was executive director of the Wachusett Business Incubator where the SMG team experimented with various programming to overcome the meaningless ‘ribbon cutting’ experiences so synonymous with much of our nation’s  well-intentioned economic development.   He is known for a steadfast resolve for intellectual rigor and business strategy.  Nothing makes Scott feel more fulfilled than to help other develop their own unique creativity which leads to fulfillment in work and life.  His team is currently partnering with The Worcshop, the east coasts largest industrial makerspace to develop the Worc-It Business Lab for incubating new business.  

An entrepreneur in his own right, Scott previously operated the former Smash Music. Along with ImageIdentity’s David Lubelczyk their team developed Leadership Candidates Program for immersive support of new enterprise and Business Triage, a direct response to the issues now exacerbated for small businesses since the spread of Covid-19.