Sometimes, the easiest way to bridge the gulf between people with different views is to acknowledge the fundamental differences in the way they think. Look no further than the current political and social discourse in our country—which is more polarizing than ever—as an example.
Clarence Johnson has a bit of advice for those who would endeavor to change someone else’s line of thinking: just don’t try it at all.
That’s an opinion driven by more than 40 years of experience across two business sectors, the last 26 of which have been spent in the office technology dealer space. Johnson, director of service for MTS Office Systems, has crossed many paths during that time. Even in a mentoring capacity, he recommends giving people some space when it comes to their thought patterns.
“New technicians who come in have a way of thinking, and sometimes the urge is to shape and mold them to think like you,” said Johnson, a 2025 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “It’s not always possible, and it’s not always the best thing to do. You’re better off meeting them halfway and getting them to see a different side and think a different way. At the same time, you’re learning a different way of navigating and communicating with people.”
Thinking differently from the rest of his team once enabled Johnson’s service department to solve an issue with a machine, thanks to a bit of serendipity. The client’s unit was powering off without any prompting, and while tech after tech took a crack at it, they could not identify the issue. Johnson, then a newbie, took a turn at troubleshooting. While pushing against the front cover as he performed the examination, the unit powered up. When Johnson removed his hand, it would shut down. Apparently, the safety switch behind the cover door had a spring, which had lost its integrity. In the end, it was a simple fix.
While it happened during Johnson’s early years in the industry, it’s a memory that still resonates with him. “The experience taught me that if I could figure this out, I could take on any challenge,” he added.
Changing Course
At the start of his career, Johnson logged 15 years in the textile industry. When his facility was shuttered, the organization offered a retraining program that included the option of technical school. Two years later, Johnson secured an Associate Degree in industrial electronics from Tri-County Technical College. The school provided the opportunity to interview with companies related to the course of study, and one of the fields was copier technician. It wasn’t long before Johnson landed at MTS.
Helping other team members find their better selves is a key for Johnson. He enjoys mentoring and sharing his knowledge with new employees, enabling them to grow in their roles. Rising to the task presented by challenges speaks to his can-do attitude.
It’s no surprise that Johnson’s greatest mentor is someone who also provided great perspective on the thinking process. Former owner Alex Martin was very deliberate in his decision-making, sometimes to an extreme degree, but Johnson found it appealing.
“One of the things I valued about Alex was he didn’t make any spur-of-the-moment decisions without checking all the possibilities or ramifications of decisions and the consequences,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Johnson is focused on learning new processes, techniques and improved communication to help stay atop his profession. He’s keen on gaining a wider perspective on the other aspects of the business that tie in with his department.
Away from the office, Johnson and his wife, Sheila (a licensed cosmetologist), have been married for 36 years. He’s an avid musician with a recording studio. For more than 50 years, Johnson has played the guitar for his church and also sings in his family choir. He enjoys playing every genre of music, except for heavy metal and rap, and loves players like Prince, George Benson and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
