Real Talk With Rob Tavi

In this special episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Yashar Shahabi, the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at IBS Electronics. With 25 years of experience in the electronic components industry, Yashar's path from engineer to executive leader is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and commitment to innovation. Join us as we explore Yashar's early days in the industry, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the vision he brings to IBS Electronics. Discover how his unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight has shaped his approach to leadership and how he plans to drive growth and success for our global sales and procurement operations. In this candid conversation, Yashar shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of the electronic components industry, the role of technology in enhancing business processes, and his excitement about joining the IBS family during this transformative period. Tune in to learn more about the man behind the title and how his journey will influence the future of IBS Electronics.

Join Rob Tavi as he explores the dynamic world of digital marketing with expert Brian Sullivan. Dive into a riveting discussion about the transformative role of AI in creative processes, the power of micro-influencers in building authentic communities, and the evolution of direct-to-consumer marketing. Discover the secrets to staying ahead in the digital game, from leveraging AI for more effective strategies to understanding the real impact of social media influence. Don't miss these invaluable insights into the future of digital innovation!

Overview: In this insightful episode, Rob Tavi welcomes Don Akery, the CEO of Waldom Electronics, a company renowned for its electronic components redistribution system and services like excess inventory management and network optimization. Founded in 1947, Waldom Electronics is a private company headquartered in Rockford, IL, with a significant presence in the electronics supply chain sector​​. Key Topics Discussed: Leadership and Thought Leadership: Don Akery shares his insights on leadership and thought leadership within the electronics distribution industry that is embracing technology to empower innovation. With his extensive experience in the sector, including previous roles at TTI Americas, Arrow Electronics, and other firms, Akery brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table​​. Green Stock Initiative by Waldom: The discussion highlights Waldom's innovative approach to managing excess stock, termed 'Green Stock.' This initiative is an environmentally friendly alternative to disposing of excess electronic components, which otherwise might end up in landfills. By redistributing these components, Waldom not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers cost-effective solutions to the industry. Waldom's Role in the Supply Chain: The episode delves into Waldom's unique position as a "distributor's distributor," emphasizing their role in streamlining the supply chain. Waldom is committed to solving problems for suppliers, distributors, and indirectly for end users by focusing on efficiency and offering solutions like slow-moving and excess inventory management. Impact on the Industry: The conversation also covers Waldom's influence on the electronic and electrical component industry. Their efforts to make the supply chain more efficient and solve problems between suppliers, authorized channels, and end customers are highlighted, demonstrating Waldom's commitment to adding value to the industry. Conclusion: This episode offers an intriguing look into how a leading player in the electronics distribution industry, like Waldom Electronics, innovates and leads in green initiatives and supply chain management. Don Akery's insights provide valuable perspectives on leadership and the impact of strategic distribution in the electronics industry.

Due to recent global events such as geopolitics and the covid-19 pandemic, uncontrollable factors like supply chain disruptions have changed the semiconductor industry making it difficult for companies to maintain stable supply chains and advance their business strategies. In this episode of the Real Talk with Rob Tavi, Edgewater Research's Senior Research Analyst Dennis Reed talks about some of the key trends in the semiconductor market that drives its growth today. He also shares why he thinks now is an ideal time to invest in the industry and the future risks. Tune in and join the conversation as we dig into the semiconductor's path to becoming a trillion-dollar business Edgewater Research was founded in March 2018 as an independent equity investment research provider and market intelligence company. The company seeks inspiration from rising to the challenges of a dynamic and competitive industry, continually striving to be an essential and trusted provider to the clients it serves. Founded by seven partners with deep channel research experience, Edgewater Research's mission is to provide independent equity investment research and market intelligence that helps investors make better decisions.

The global electronics industry's supply chain is increasingly complex and requires manufacturers and distributors to have an increased awareness of their supply chain performance. In this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi, Macrofab's Chief Product Officer Chris Church discusses how modern manufacturing technology can help support supply chain performance and what this means for you as an entrepreneur or business owner looking for ways to optimize your operations while maintaining high quality and performance standards. Based in Houston Texas, MacroFab is not just a contract manufacturer, but fundamentally a technology company with a focus on electronics innovation. Macrofab seeks to redefine the contract manufacturing industry by developing a software-driven approach to make it faster and easier than ever to bring new electronic products to market. The company's mission is simple: make it easy for electronics makers and developers everywhere to find great suppliers and manufacture their products quickly and efficiently.

Tune into this episode of Real Talk with Rob Ravi Featuring Nemanja Jokanovic as we dive into the democratization of data, which is one of the most significant modern changes leveling the playing field in the electronics and manufacturing industries. The power dynamics are shifting and industry leaders are no longer the only ones with access to valuable data. In the past, data was collected and controlled by a small handful of companies, however, advances in technology have made it possible for smaller companies as well as individual consumers to collect and analyze data. This democratization of data is disrupting traditional business models and is opening up new opportunities for innovation. Anyone with a connection to the internet can tap into the pool of global insights to improve business or personal supply chain strategies. As more companies embrace this shift, we can expect to see even more transformation in the electronics and manufacturing industries in the years to come. Nemanja Jokanovic is a veteran in the field of data in electronics. He has worked in the industry for over a decade and his company, Octopart, is leading the world in electronic components data.

Meaghan Ziemba is a trailblazer in the manufacturing industry to say the least. She spent the first half of her career working on various marketing projects in the manufacturing industry, and has focused the second half of her career on reaching an audience that may have not otherwise been exposed to an industry that is in desperate need of bright young minds. Meaghan has her own copywriting company named Z-Ink Solutions and she also hosts a podcast called Mavens of Manufacturing. She primarily aspires to embolden the next generation of women to explore careers in a predominately male occupied space. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi Ft. Meaghan Ziemba as we dive into the world of copywriting in the manufacturing industry, digital marketing trends, generational gaps, and inspiring a generation of young women to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing!

John Neuhart is the president of DVC Dry Vapor Cleaner. Although the technology for dry vapor cleaning has been around for 25 years, it is a very small and niche practice. Dry vapor is used to remove flux on circuit boards and uses extremely high temperature vapor in order to clean rather than a solvent like alcohol. Tune into this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft John Neuhart as we dive into the interesting process of cleaning metals using dry vapor in the electronics and manufacturing industry all shot live from the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show!

Jacob Sanchez is one of the only content creators for the electronics industry who is from Gen Z. At the youthful age of 23 years old Jacob is blazing the trail for Gen Z in manufacturing. Jacob is a freelance content creator who covers a multitude of events and up and coming technologies. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk as Rob and Jacob bridge the gap from Generation X to Generation Z all shot live from the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show. They dive into a variety of topics including differences in generational content consumption, technologies both new and old, and how to be a thought leader in a space that is occupied by people who are much older than you!

Tune into this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi featuring Yashar Shahabi where we dive into the democratization of data in electronics, electronic design applications (EDA), and the advantages of companies built in the digital age versus legacy companies. Yashar Shahabi is the Senior Vice President of E-Commerce, Technology, and Product at Sourceability. He oversees all the global sales for Sourceability and he is also an official member of the Forbes Technology Council. Sourceability and IBS Electronics are both ranked as top 50 electronics distributors in the world. Enjoy this podcast as two industry thought leaders share their ideas about data, artificial intelligence, design applications, and so much more!

Tune into this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi featuring Gary Smith all shot live from the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show! Gary has a total of over 30 years of experience in the industry. He is the founder of G.L. Smith and Associates Electronics Manufacturers Representative Firm. His company is a prominent member of the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) of Southern California who sponsored the Real Talk Podcast at DMEMS. He sat down with Rob to talk about the changing nature of the industry during this digital revolution, giving back to the electronics community, learning to collaborate with one another, the exponentially growing industry, and inspiring the next generation.

Tune in to this insightful episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi featuring Christina Cavano where we learn about the diversification of endeavor business media and the world of b2b marketing, all shot live from the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show! Christina Cavano is the managing director at Endeavor business media whose mission is to deliver the highest-quality content in multi-channel formats that today's readers demand. Endeavor Media a media conglomerate that includes many brands like Electronic Design, Machine Design, Microwave & RF, Power & Motion, SourceToday, SourceESB, 3DX, and IDEA to name a few. They create e-newletters, monthly magazines, and host live in-person events (as well as webinars) and have focused on learning to engage an work-from-home audience over the last two years.

Tune into this fun-filled episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft Mark Leary as we dive into the world of publication and print in the electronics industry, all shot live from the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show. Mark Leary is the Managing Director at MMG Publishing. MMG Publishing is a specialist publisher of b2b publications, on-line information and events. MMG currently publishes Electronics Sourcing with editions covering the UK, European and North American geographical regions. It also publishes Electronics Assembly magazine and runs the ES LIVE one day event.

Tune in to discover what the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show is all about and why you should attend in this episode of Real Talk featuring Doug Bodenstab. Doug is the show manager for the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show in San Diego, California. The Del Mar Show is the most fun and exciting show that the electronics show has ever seen. From an after-show reception including a live band to the free buffet and drinks, this show has it all. In Doug's tell-all episode he lays out exactly what an attendee can expect to experience at the show! Visit IBS Connections Café ☕ located in the Bing Crosby Hall at the 2022 Del Mar Electronic & Manufacturing Show May 4-5, 2022 at the Del Mar Fair Grounds in San Diego, California! IBS Connections Café is sponsored by two of our key principals Geehy Semiconductor and Hi-Tech Resistors (HTR) to provide DMEMS guests: - DMEMS Keynote Address, presented by Rob Tavi - Component division - Design center - Resistor & Microcontroller product presentations - Educational marketing & recruitment breakfast session (sponsored by Southern California ERA) - Real Talk with Rob Tavi, Electronics Industry #Podcast LIVE! - Career Corner - FREE bites + buffets - FREE beverages + beer - Networking - Spin the wheel and your chance to win Apple AirPods

As a young sales engineer at Luscombe Engineering of San Francisco, Shane Triantos has the vantage point of someone who grew up in a digital era. He works in an industry that has been slow to adopt digitization of sales and marketing but since he grew up with social media, Shane knows the potential that some of these digital tools have. He also understands the importance of bridging gaps between generational groups and knowing how to communicate with each generation. Tune into this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. Shane Triantos  as we dive into the perspective of an up and coming young salesman who is new to the ERA Conference.ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas! 

Being the new owner of the Aurora Group and the Technical Group in the Southeast, Aparna Sproelich understands the importance of adopting new practices into her manufacturers representative firm. Aparna has a background and degree in mechanical engineering and brings a new perspective to Electronics as a woman in a male dominated industry. Tune into this episode of Real Talk ft. Aparna Sproelich as we dive into the exciting new things happening in electronics! ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

As the President and CEO of the Electronics Components Industry Association (ECIA), David Loftus understands the resiliency of the electronics industry and brings years of wisdom and experience to the table. In this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi recorded live from the 2022 ERA Conference, David breaks down the historical trends of the industry and communicates the significance of companies scaling back business during lull periods. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. David Loftus as we ask the question- should electronics suppliers brace for slow periods? ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

As a special advisor to CalcuQuote, Steve Vecchiarelli, has a combined 48 years of experience in the electronics industry including 14 years as the VP-Supply Chain Solutions at Digi-Key. In this podcast short filmed live at the Electronics Representative Associations (ERA) 2022 ERA Conference we explore the increasing awareness around how digitalization is transforming the electronics industry and the future democratization of supply chain data. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. Steve Vecchiarelli, as we ask the question -- How is digitalization transforming the electronics industry? ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

As a third generation Manufacturers Representative in the electronics industry, Tim Kilfoil shares his belief in not sticking to outdated styles of business and adapting to the changing climate. In this podcast shot live from the 2022 ERA Conference, Tim discusses the new generation of engineers who may not be in the office 5 days a week as the entire industry used to be and how industry leaders need to learn new techniques of marketing in order to stay top-of-mind for this new generation. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. Tim Kilfoil, as we take a deeper dive into the evolving world of marketing in the electronics industry. ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

As an electronic component sales engineer in the midwest, VP of Operations for CC Electro Sales and the SVP of Education for the Executive Committee at ERA, Ellen Coan's experience has led her to believe in the importance of sharing best practices and educating people about the Electronics Industry. In this podcast shot live from the 2022 ERA Conference, Ellen teaches us about the scholarship opportunities being created by ERA for college students who otherwise may not ever be exposed the business model of electronics reps, manufacturers, and distributors. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. Ellen Coan, as we take a closer look at the educational message of the Electronics Representatives Association and discuss how important it is to be handing off the tools of the trade to the next generation and setting them up for success down the road. ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

LIVE from the 2022 ERA Conference, A New Day, A New Way -- Walter Tobin, CEO of the Electronics Representatives Organization (ERA) talks about the experiences of members attending the in-person conference for the first time in 2 years! With more than 200 first time attendees, he emphasizes the importance of leading by example, the growth of the organization throughout the pandemic, and the need for embracing new technology in the post-pandemic world. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. Walter Tobin, as we examine the changing world through the eyes of electronics representatives, manufacturers, and distributors at this years dynamic and interactive educational conference full of useful tools, takeaways, and inspiring messages. ERA is one of the only educational organizations in the entire electronics industry. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

As the 2022 ERA Conference Breakout Session moderator for "Promoting and Expanding the Manufacturers' Sales Rep Model in Today's Business Environment," Mr. Griammarco focuses on the employment situation with 10.6 million jobs open in the US. After boiling it down to about 350,000 sales jobs he discovered the answer is the Rep Model, with over 400,000 Rep Organizations in the US who are ready to hit the streets now. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi, LIVE from the 2022 ERA Conference ft. Cesare Griammarco, a 40-year Sales Rep Veteran in the electronics industry as we dive into the importance of the rep model in the post-pandemic world. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

Tune in to the second of the ERA Conference Podcast shorts where we'll dive into the experience of someone who came on board and saw through one of the ERA's largest growth phases in its history! Ama Omari Derringer, a Membership Services Coordinator at the Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) brings a new perspective to the electronics industry. Ama helps people who are current members or prospective members of the ERA, and aims to strengthen the relationships of representatives, manufacturers, and distributors. If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info! Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

Understanding the importance of embracing the electronics industry's digital sales environment, Rob Brunson, a sales representative from Wallace Electronics sits down at the 2022 ERA Conference with Rob Tavi. Brunson experienced onboarding and attending the 2020 Conference just before the world shut down -- now fast forward to 2022 as we explore a New Day, a New Way. Tune in to the first of the ERA Conference Podcast shorts where we'll explore fantastic breakout sessions -- tracking business as it moves offshore, modern talent recruiting strategies, investing in employees, supply chain disruptions, and the importance of nurturing relationships with digital tools while still focusing on in-person meetings and events. Stay tuned for future podcast shorts featuring highlights from the 2022 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas!

As the pandemic hit, businesses have faced substantial challenges, completely disrupting their operations. How can you rise from these challenges that limit human connection and adapt to succeed in modern times? Join in the conversation and dive in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi featuring Chris Winn, President of SSI, as we explore the semiconductor and substrate industry as well as the virtual trials brought by the pandemic. For over 30 years SSI has proudly represented the industries' leading manufacturers of consumable products and equipment for the packaging, testing, and reliability areas of the Semiconductor, Aerospace, and Hybrid Industries. Dedicated and driven to provide unmatched levels of service, SSI has been focused on bringing solutions to customers as well as developing long lasting and successful business relationships. For more information about Sales and Service Inc. please visit: https://salesandserviceinc.com

We have so many great stories untold, we all have them! With each great story comes the experience and insights to make educated decisions contributing to the evolution of our business operations, tools and technologies adopted. Business infrastructure and digital transformation investments are more crucial now than ever as companies explore strengthening their marketing and omni-channel strategy approach to relate to each customer uniquely and improve their experience, but what obstacles contribute to implementation failures and when is the right time to pull the plug? Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi Ft. Lectrix CEO, Graham Kilshaw and join the conversation as we dig into the reimagining of the electronics B2B industry! Lectrix (formerly ITEM Media) has 40+ years of experience evolving from a publisher of EMI/EMC and Thermal Management media brands to a strategy firm, full-service marketing agency, and online event host dedicated entirely to the B2B electronics industry. They know first-hand how to help ambitious companies achieve success. Want to see the proof, or have a custom request? Check out Lectrix website to learn more! https://lectrixgroup.com/

With an aptitude for engineering and a drive to succeed, women in manufacturing are engineering a brighter future. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi Ft. Angela Thurman, Principal Managing Director at Thurman Co. LLC and discover her journey to become an electrical engineer working with companies like NASA and Collins Aerospace leading to the launch of her own company that aims to add the personal touch to Project, Contract, and Supplier Management based in Houston, Texas. Angela holds a BS, in Electrical Engineering working as an analytical, process-oriented program and contract manager as well as a Mensa Society Member. Her background includes experience working in the aerospace, defense, telecom, and power sectors. Anglea is a proven leader dedicated to creating an environment where teamwork, organization, efficiency, and client satisfaction are core values. For more information about Thurman Co, or to connect with Angela, visit: https://thurmanco.com/

Our world has seen a series of unprecedented events leading to global shortages and supply chain constraints. With so many outside forces contributing to unstable component lead times and logistics challenges, what market research and trends are providing unique insights to the industry's future? Take a deep dive with us and join the conversation as we explore the challenges and strategies of the top global foundries, impacts of global events and shortages, retail investment trends, the rise in crypto currencies, stock market and predictions on what's to come. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi as we welcome Jay Deahna, Moderator for BWG Strategy, who is facilitating meaningful connections by hosting virtual forums and providing research that brings to light real-world trends and unique insights. BWG Strategy started in 2013. Out of a two person office, BWG launched virtual Research Forum Sessions in New York City. Since then, BWG launched virtual events and the size of their network exploded. In 2016 BWG began publishing research and analysis (Insight Reports) that shined a spotlight on key trends. In 2017, BWG launched BWG Connect to match mutually interesting B2B customers and select partners. All along, BWG has held to their philosophy that everyone comes to contribute to a candid group conversation. And, no sales pitches! BWG has become the trusted resource to track real world trends in technology, media, telecom, ecommerce, consumer, retail, payments and adjacent sectors.

As the semiconductor industry experiences a large-scale surge in demand, manufacturers are investing in technologies and capacity increases. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi, featuring Andrew Dixon, North and South American Sales and Marketing Manager for Diotec Semiconductor for first hand insight into how they are mitigating the impact of disruptions, maintaining customer satisfaction and continuing to deliver innovative semiconductor components. Semiconductor Diodes and Rectifiers have always been essential components of electronic devices. Rectifiers in power supplies, diodes for signal processing or protective elements in various circuits: Modern electronics cannot work without these parts. For more than 40 years, Diotec has remained active in this highly competitive market. Know how, innovations and customer service are the basis of Diotec's success. The heart of a semiconductor device is the silicon Chip. While many suppliers just buy the chips and assemble them into a package, Diotec has got the complete know how of semiconductor production. From wafer and chip production through assembly to testing and packaging: The necessary equipment is mostly produced by Diotec itself, optimized for each production step. For information regarding Diotec Semiconductors please visit: http://www.ibselectronics.com/active/diotec-semiconductor/

As a value-added solution based extension of electronics manufacturer's engineering, manufacturer's representatives are bringing the latest component innovations used in tomorrow's electronics. As the manufacturing world evolves, so do the customer needs for representatives supporting them. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi Ft. Gary Smith, President of G.L. Smith Associates, Inc. as we explore the change that is inevitable and how if we embrace it we can evolve from it, but if we reject it we can be left behind. G.L. Smith Associates, Inc. was first established in 1991 by Gary Lee Smith. With main offices located in Yorba Linda, California. The company specializes in Passive, Electro-Mechanical Components and Assemblies, EMI/RFI Shielding, Interconnect, Magnetics and Materials. G.L. Smith Associates, Inc. is a manufacturers' representative corporation dedicated to representing electronic components and materials to the OEM, Distribution and CEM marketplace. They serve the West Coast with superior service and technical expertise along with a complete understanding of our marketplace. They are dedicated to maintaining the highest integrity in all that we do and to provide quality beyond expectation in every transaction. For more information visit: https://glsmith.com/

The increasing demand globally for electronics is rapidly evolving manufacturing and supply chain, but our digital world has had a tendency to dehumanize relationships. As a leader, finding ways for your team rehumanize these relationships creates deeper conversation leading to greater opportunity! Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi featuring Giles (Gil) Aouizerat as we take a deep dive into the dynamic environment and current affairs driving change, challenges and growth within the electronics industry! As CEO of PCX, Inc. Gilles has provided the vision and leadership to survive and thrive through 4 recessions while growing the organization to over 100 million dollars in sales in that time period in the distribution of electronic components and semiconductors. Gilles has also led the organization and provided the tools and resources to create the Star Quality Program (http://www.pcxco.com/star-quality-program.html); a 67-step inspection process that has re-defined quality control in the independent electronic distribution market for electronic components and semiconductors. Under his leadership PCX Inc. has also achieved several key certifications including ESD ANSI S20.20, ISO 9001-2008, AS9120-2007, HUBZone certification, and DSCC certification. He also serves on the IDEA board (www.idofea.org) as a member of the executive board, a leading independent electronic distribution non-profit trade organization in the electronic components and semiconductor space.

Modern technology is enabling brilliant minds to invent innovative software powering the world of tomorrow. Sourcing components by line items with the highest level of accuracy and efficiently is a challenge many electronics manufacturers face. Due to the increasing complexities within the global electronics industry supply chain, how can manufacturers and distributors mitigate disruption while maximizing procurement efficiency? Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. CalcuQuote President, Chintan Sutaria to discover how they are reinventing the electronics supply chain! CalcuQuote is part of the Elisa group of companies, investing in the next generation of Industry 4.0 solutions to manufacturers across the globe. CalcuQuote works with over 200 EMS companies and distributors to solve complex problems with industry leading solutions. Whether you are struggling with quoting large BOMs, accurately estimating labor and overhead, finding parts, executing purchase orders or tracking performance of your supply chain processes, CalcuQuote can help. Additionally, Customers of electronics components are going online. CalcuQuote can help you digitize your customers' experience, increase adoption of your existing API solutions and implement digital processes within your own sourcing organizations. Learn more at: https://www.calcuquote.com/

Counterfeit electronics cost the industry billions each year and the pressure on the supply chain for electronic components is higher than ever! Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi, Ft. Mark Rinehart, Managing Director and Founder of White Horse Laboratories, as we explore the supply chain conditions driving the rapid increase in counterfeiting and the leading mitigation solutions to ensure the integrity of authentic components and stability of the electronics manufactured. The products and components manufactured and assembled by electronics companies are at the core of the exciting, fast-moving, and increasingly complex technologies that touch every aspect of today's modern life. However, the rising demand for reliable, high-performance electronics has built massive pressure on the supply chain: - Complex and non-transparent global supplier network - Need for short and effective product life cycles and increasing regulations - Component obsolescence - Demand outstrips manufacturing capacity and limited supply is allocated - Extended lead-times and higher prices - Threat of counterfeit and fraudulently represented product White Horse Laboratories is the electronics quality assurance partner, from components to finished goods. White Horse Laboratories objective is to prevent and resolve quality issues, through laboratory testing to factory auditing and inspection, rather than simply detect and report them. For more information about White Horse Laboratories, visit: https://whitehorselabs.com/

Both the electronics industry and global supply chain have undergone dramatic transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and with the advent of digital technologies, most customers now have access to worldwide pricing instantaneously in front of them on any computer! With a rapid increase within the realm of IoT bringing API and automation to manufacturer's supply chains, it's critical to analyze how the customer including manufacturer buyers or engineers have changed too. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk as we welcome back Walter Tobin, CEO of (ERA) Electronics Representatives Association, who aims to strengthen the relationships among manufacturers, field sales representatives and distributors in the electronics industry. Since 1935, ERA's assertive leadership role in promoting and protecting the function has led to the identification of manufacturers' representatives as equal partners in the field sales and marketing process. ERA gives a voice not only to representatives but to the manufacturers and distributors who partner with them. ERA listens and responds to members and to the forces that impact the success of their companies. It is the mission of ERA to advance and support the professional field sales function in the global electronics industry by providing programs, services and activities that educate, inform and advocate for manufacturers' representatives, the principals they represent and the distributors who are representatives' partners in the marketplace. Thinking of Joining ERA? If you are thinking about joining the hundreds of representatives, manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry who benefit from their ERA membership, visit www.era.org for more info!

Technology is evolving with increasing demand for capacitors as we enter a new era, but as creatures of habit how can we mitigate the resistance to change and ensure manufacturing production can keep up? While some engineering challenges may be solved by compute today, manufacturing and supply chain challenges require change management leadership to build a solid foundation to scale manufacturing. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk featuring Chris Heilman, President/COO of ASC Capacitor and the Thought Leader empowering perseverance while improving the lives of our customers, employees, and community. Join the conversation as we explore strategies for change management leading electronics manufacturing growth! American Shizuki Corporation (www.ascapacitor.com) has been the leading manufacturer of custom film and foil capacitors for over 70 years. Application engineering and designing capacitors to your specific requirements is their strength. American Shizuki Corporation is a division of Shizuki Electric Company of Japan. (www.shizuki.co.jp) Originally named Goodall Electric Company, the company was founded in the 1940s by Robert Goodall, an Ogallala, Nebraska inventor. A pioneering figure in electronics, Goodall supplied capacitors for proximity fuses for the United States Navy. His company also produced fishing reels, soldering machines and watch cleaning machines. The Goodall capacitor division was purchased in the 1960s by TRW Electronics. Well known for capacitor development, TRW was involved in many aspects of capacitor electronics, ranging from televisions to space exploration. TRW's focus was primarily DC capacitors as well as resistors and diodes. Shizuki Electric purchased the capacitor division in Ogallala in 1987. Shizuki brought AC technology to Ogallala and began making motor run capacitors in addition to the DC capacitors that had been developed over time by Goodall and TRW. ASC now produces DC products rated from 50V to 30,000V and AC products from 120V to 2500V. End applications change as technology progresses, but polypropylene film capacitors are still a preferred technology, and have become much larger in size than those produced in the company's earlier days. Today, ASC capacitors are used in numerous applications worldwide, including wind and solar power conversion, variable speed motor drives, electronics, military and power conditioning. IBS Electronics is an Authorized Distributor of ASC Capacitors.

The Semiconductor Industry has been hit hard by global shortages, creating increased risks of counterfeit parts and fraudulent transactions due to the desperation of electronics manufacturers trying to survive and deliver in today's dynamic technology driven market. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk as we welcome back Richard Smith, VP of Business Development at ERAI, an Electronics Industry leader in counterfeit mitigation. Hosting the world's largest database of suspect counterfeit and nonconforming electronic parts, ERAI provides a variety of search tools and databases to aid global procurement in reducing the risk of counterfeit parts entering their supply chain. Founded in 1995, ERAI, Inc. is a global information services organization that monitors, investigates, and reports issues affecting the global electronics supply chain. As the industry's leading source of risk assessment tools, ERAI provides exclusive services and in-depth information that enable its members to perform industry-specific risk mitigation on suspect counterfeit, high-risk, and non-conforming parts and identify problematic suppliers and customers including aerospace, defense, medical, nuclear and commercial OEMs, CMs, OCMs, distributors, government agencies, industry associations and other organizations serving the industry. Among ERAI's host of risk assessment tools is the world's largest database of suspect counterfeit and nonconforming electronic parts. This tool, alone, has fully changed the way in which sectors of the supply chain research, track, identify, purchase and sell material. It allows members to better mitigate risks in their procurement process, especially when dealing with end-of-life or obsolete parts. ERAI's website and full line of tools and services have been assisting buyers and sellers from all sectors of the supply chain in preventing loss by minimizing risk in the material purchasing and selling processes. The main objective of the organization's insights and knowledge is to help prevent issues before they occur – and ERAI's offerings do just that.

Tune in to this episode of Real Talk ft. Sam Gupta and discover an ERP Thought Leader driving digital transformation! Advancing integrations with your organizations technologies are becoming an essential component of Enterprise Resource Planning. As technology evolves, system integrations are experiencing a revolution simplifying the communication between all of your organizations systems for maximum data output resulting in effective insights for growth while improving the customer experience. Sam Gupta has been a ERP thought leader in the digital transformation space for nearly two decades, with the primary focus on financial systems and ERP. He has been part of large transformation initiatives for fortune-500 corporations but now spends his time consulting with SMEs as a Principal Consultant at ElevatIQ. Sam's deep expertise in manufacturing value chain combined with cross-industry expertise enable him to have higher success rate with digital transformation initiatives in the manufacturing, distribution, and retail industries. Sam has been involved with startup ecosystem in the last 10 years and have experience in building and growing businesses from scratch. Sam regularly speaks at industry conferences and contributes his experiences through many popular blogs and publications. He also hosts a podcast called WBSRocks focused on business growth through digital transformation and ERP where he interviews top influencers and executives from ERP, Supply Chain, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, and Accounting.

With a mindset that together we are stronger, we can work together to build a better industry for future generations in our new world where we are more connected than ever. Tune in to Real Talk with Rob Tavi ft. Jackie Mattox, the Founder and President of Women in Electronics, as we reunite to discuss the leadership driving growth through curiosity and creativity! Women in Electronics (WE) strives to expand the talent in the Electronics Industry. They accomplish their mission through four main goals: Empowering women with networking opportunities at virtual chapter meetings and events; Development professionally and personally through monthly leadership trainings; Advocate for each other by participating in the flagship Mentorship Program; and Celebrate accomplishments as we all thrive in our professional journeys. www.womeninelectronics.com

As technology reaches more people around the world and in the most profound ways, the heat is on among the most influential cloud vendors in the race to the top! Tune in to this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi and discover Cloud Wars with its Founder and Principal Bob Evans, the leader behind Cloud Wars, which is analyzing the most influential cloud vendors! Bob Evans has been in the enterprise-tech business for more than 20 years as an editor-in-chief and chief content officer, and more recently as Chief Communications Officer at Oracle from 2012-2016. He's written thousands of articles and columns about business innovation, strategy, leadership, disruptive technology, digital transformation and cloud computing. In late 2016, he resigned from Oracle to launch the Cloud Wars franchise. It began with the Cloud Wars Top 10 ranking and weekly articles, and has since expanded into a twice-monthly newsletter, a regular podcast, and more—coming soon! Visit: https://cloudwars.co/

With an idea to solve the challenge of mass quoting and an awareness that change within well established organizations can be difficult, Founder and CEO, Jens Gamperl, with the support of Yashar Shahabi, Sr. Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Transformation and their team, launched the industries most successful electronic component sourcing marketplace with API integrations into customers systems for the optimal distribution customer experience. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk ft. Sourceability and discover the leaders behind the technology advancing modern electronic component sourcing tools supporting the worlds greatest electronics manufacturing companies. Sourceability's mission is to support the needs of the electronics industry's supply chain with a comprehensive suite of forward thinking digital products and services by providing access to reliable technical and technology intelligence, and enabling engineering sourcing for product design requirements. Sourceability’s goal is to transform themselves from a distribution company to a technology company; and be the innovators of our industry. They are bold, dare to be different, and to bring about progressive changes to our industry. They have the tenacity to strive to give our best even when faced with obstacles and challenges making today’s ideals tomorrow’s realities.

Dig in to this episode of Real Talk Ft. MMG / Electronics Sourcing Publisher Mark Leary for an industry outlook! Discover the modernization of the electronics industry publications and the efforts taken to tailor to readers needs, publish relevant content and meet market distribution demand as the only printed electronics purchasing magazine distributed in North America. Electronics Sourcing is the essential publication to help purchasing professionals find out how, what and where to buy the latest electronic components. MMG Publishing is an independent publisher of magazines and marketing products specializing within the European and North American Electronics industry. The philosophy behind MMG is to publish market leading publications that provide the most up to date, targeted and reader requested circulations available for all of its titles. MMG prides itself on the highest possible editorial quality for its publications and on-line products. The editorial profile on each brand is constantly adjusted to each titles industry’s changing needs from an editorial team who are based in the UK and North America. We aim to be the perfect company to work with or for and only by having the highest quality individuals can you produce the highest quality marketing products combining the very best in circulation, editorial, design and client services.

On this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi Ft. Richard Trujillo, Sr. Product Developer at Horizon Hobby, we take a step back in time to reunite with an old friend and coach from Rob Tavi's childhood days of competitive RC Car Racing. With an increasing demand among the competitive and consumer market, tune in as we explore the transformation and innovations within the world of radio control products, market conditions effecting the supply chain and the engineering improving both precision and performance! Since opening their doors in 1985, Horizon Hobby, LLC has become the undisputed leader in radio control products and accessories. With hundreds of employees around the globe, they are an international company with locations in the United States, China, Germany, and the UK. Horizon Hobby's employees drive the RC community. They take their mission of helping people have fun with hobbies seriously. From their world-class innovative products and customer experience, their commitment to the customer is at the heart of everything they do. At Horizon Hobby, they are driven to succeed!

Tune in to this episode of Real Talk Ft. Steve Cholas, VP of Business Development for Big Zeta as we dig in to the concepts generating customers through humanizing various engagement touch points along a B2B user's journey! Steve is a true legend of wisdom, sharing insights on current electronics industry market conditions and the evolution of modern digital technology helping companies transform their digital presence. From selling media space in 1983, to the digitalization of the first industry Media Company live on the web in 1994, discover how Steve’s Journey resulted in the development of Big Zeta, making digital strategies a reality by leveraging Big Zeta's B2B electronics strategic services and SaaS products like the Electronic Part Search! Big Zeta is a provider of custom and standard B2B technical products designed by engineers, for engineers. With over 100 combined years of B2B experience, Big Zeta's team helps make your digital goals a reality through strategy, execution, and transformation. With products for optimized keyword and parametric search grown from empirical data and constant-feedback cycles, Big Zeta provides holistic, customer-facing platforms that drive acquisition, engagement, and conversion. In addition to search, Big Zeta offers website design and redesign that prioritize functionality and aesthetics, giving you a competitive edge in your industry. Whether you need a website refresh or a brand new platform for your business, Big Zeta's design and development teams will work with you to build a custom solution that exceeds your expectations.

Join us on this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi Ft. Riad Nizam, President of Master Electronics - Family Business Edition! Discover the evolution and history of Master Electronics from a small Rep firm started in 1967 by his father Ike Nizam to a major conglomerate family business today in Electronics Components Distribution. Tune in for insight into today's distribution, supply chain ecosystem and how Master is mitigating supply chain challenges in the current market conditions! Master Electronics is a leading global authorized distributor of electronic components. For more than half a century, the family-owned company has remained focused on strong relationships, responsive service and added value. This is how Master Electronics has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of customers in partnership with hundreds of world-class suppliers. Inspired by their founder’s vision for building a business around personal bonds and integrity, they embrace visionary thinking and prioritize the end goal over short-term wins. Master's people are empowered to make real-time decisions and place the needs of their customers above all. Master Electronics thrives on collaborating with their customers and suppliers to design creative solutions to their purchasing, supply chain and business challenges. Master's experience, speed and flexibility let them adapt and innovate which allows companies to bring their vision to life.

Dive into this episode of Real Talk Ft. Rick Reigel, a dynamic, creative, hands-on, results-oriented leader with years of increasing accountability as the Vice President of Sales at GaN Systems Inc., the leader in Gallium Nitride (GaN) based power management devices, specializing in power conversion. Discover the groundbreaking technology known as Gallium nitride (GaN) and how it can be engineered in to all sorts of power electronics to increase efficiency while also sustaining a higher load. Gallium nitride (GaN) is a very hard, mechanically stable wide bandgap semiconductor. With higher breakdown strength, faster switching speed, higher thermal conductivity and lower on-resistance, power devices based on GaN significantly outperform silicon-based devices. GaN Systems’ approach to a new generation of GaN power transistors is leading an industry-changing shift in both the short-term and ‘near future’ relationship between technology’s power systems and energy–creating significant product and system-wide changes. For corporate leaders, GaN not only changes their company’s immediate relationship with power; it can alter the competitive trajectory of the entire business through the creation of whole new classes of products, systems, and sustainability initiatives.

On this episode of Real Talk, we dig in to the revolutionary innovations in the electronics industry with LinkedIn content curator Robert Quinn! Discover the life of a curious field engineer's journey to become an influencer linking electronics-industry news from around the world to people on LinkedIn in real time. From the beginning of wafter production all the way back in the 1980's, to cutting edge technology controlling atoms for next generation processing and geo-political events contributing to onshoring and offshoring, tune in and join the conversation! Most companies in the semiconductor industry fail at having a strong online and social media presence. Due to the recent changes in how companies perform their marketing and networking many businesses find it difficult to get in front of key decision-makers to market and sell their products to. Developing B2B relationships has changed dramatically in the last year, sales strategies that used to work are no longer effective. The data shows that it takes an average of 8 contacts with a qualified lead just to get an initial meeting. At Quinn Media Management, they have a proven and successful process of developing targeted 1st level connections through social media outreach and PPC online marketing campaigns that allow their clients to build sales relationships with their preferred prospects.

Tune in to Real Talk with Rob Tavi and Rochester Electronics Part 3/3 ft. Ken Greenwood as we dive into the world of counterfeit components and the ant-counterfeiting efforts in place to mitigate the risk of counterfeits entering electronics manufacturers supply chain. Discover how counterfeit components enter the market through not only open market sourcing, but also recycled or returned into authorized distributor supply chains and the organized efforts the industry takes to help reduce the impact. With an increased difficulty in detecting counterfeits, ISO/AS Quality Standards and Testing has enabled Authorized Distributors such as Rochester and IBS Electronics to more effectively support manufactures anti-counterfeiting efforts. Ken Greenwood is the Technical Sales Manager EMEA for Rochester Electronics. He has over 30 years of experience in the Electronics Industry working in Strategic Sourcing roles at Nortel World-wide and Matra Comms France before moving into Sales and Field Applications Management roles in the Connectors and RF/Microwave markets. In his current role, Ken provides a vital interface between Rochester’s Supply partners and the market: tracking and highlighting lead-times and supply issues; and matching market needs with Rochester’s instant stock, or our long-term manufacturing abilities. Rochester Electronics is the world’s largest continuous source of semiconductors–100% Authorized by over 70 leading semiconductor manufacturers. As an original manufacturer stocking distributor, Rochester has over 15 billion devices in stock encompassing more than 200,000-part numbers, providing the world’s most extensive range of end-of-life (EOL) semiconductors and broadest range of active semiconductors. As a licensed semiconductor manufacturer, Rochester has manufactured over 20,000 device types. With over 12 billion die in stock, Rochester has the capability to manufacture over 70,000 device types. Rochester offers a full range of manufacturing services including Design, Wafer Processing, Assembly, Test, Reliability, and IP Archiving providing single solutions through to full turnkey manufacturing, enabling faster time-to-market. For more episodes, visit www.RobTavi.com

Tune in to Real Talk with Rob Tavi and Rochester Electronics Part 2/3 ft. Ken Greenwood as we explore obsolescence management and how authorized distribution channels can help mitigate the impact on manufacturers supply chain! Discover why component production slowly fades to make way for new technology and eventually obsoleted making it difficult for electronics manufactures to meet their demand without a proactive obsolesce management strategy in place. While some industries such as consumer electronics may upgrade their designs to align with new technology, other industries such as aerospace have requirements for components to support production in some cases for 20+ years. Ken Greenwood is the Technical Sales Manager EMEA for Rochester Electronics. He has over 30 years of experience in the Electronics Industry working in Strategic Sourcing roles at Nortel World-wide and Matra Comms France before moving into Sales and Field Applications Management roles in the Connectors and RF/Microwave markets. In his current role, Ken provides a vital interface between Rochester’s Supply partners and the market: tracking and highlighting lead-times and supply issues; and matching market needs with Rochester’s instant stock, or our long-term manufacturing abilities. Rochester Electronics is the world’s largest continuous source of semiconductors–100% Authorized by over 70 leading semiconductor manufacturers. As an original manufacturer stocking distributor, Rochester has over 15 billion devices in stock encompassing more than 200,000-part numbers, providing the world’s most extensive range of end-of-life (EOL) semiconductors and broadest range of active semiconductors. As a licensed semiconductor manufacturer, Rochester has manufactured over 20,000 device types. With over 12 billion die in stock, Rochester has the capability to manufacture over 70,000 device types. Rochester offers a full range of manufacturing services including Design, Wafer Processing, Assembly, Test, Reliability, and IP Archiving providing single solutions through to full turnkey manufacturing, enabling faster time-to-market.

On this episode of Real Talk with Rob Tavi, we kick off an exciting three part series ft. Rochester Electronics digging in to the semiconductor shortages, supply chain challenges, obsolescence management and anti-counterfeiting over the next 3 days! Tune in to discover insight from industry leader and General Manager/EMEA for Rochester Electronics, Stephen Morris in this episode covering current supply chain challenges and how authorized distributors play a key role in reviving the market. Stephen Morris heads the EMEA region at Rochester Electronics. Responsible for all elements of international sales, operations, human resources, and marketing in the region, he has been instrumental in driving and growing the EMEA business successfully in the last 5 years. Stephen is passionate about creating a culture of service excellence and believes that great people are critical to business success. With over 20 years in the semiconductor industry, Stephen has experience within global manufacturing organizations, pan-European distribution, and OEM technology-based start-ups. Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics from the University of Strathclyde. Rochester Electronics is the world’s largest continuous source of semiconductors–100% Authorized by over 70 leading semiconductor manufacturers. As an original manufacturer stocking distributor, Rochester has over 15 billion devices in stock encompassing more than 200,000-part numbers, providing the world’s most extensive range of end-of-life (EOL) semiconductors and broadest range of active semiconductors. As a licensed semiconductor manufacturer, Rochester has manufactured over 20,000 device types. With over 12 billion die in stock, Rochester has the capability to manufacture over 70,000 device types. Rochester offers a full range of manufacturing services including Design, Wafer Processing, Assembly, Test, Reliability, and IP Archiving providing single solutions through to full turnkey manufacturing, enabling faster time-to-market.

Super computing and artificial intelligence are reshaping the scientific evolution of our modern world. Tune in to this episode of Real Talk Ft. Keith Strier, Vice President of Worldwide AI Initiatives at NVIDIA, as we explore the compute divide and Keith's role as a society leader driving the growth which aims to make AI technology available globally, aiding in the democratizing of AI. While GPU computing is not yet attainable to our global society, discover how Keith is leading the growth that is aiding entities in both public and private sectors to adopt computational infrastructure that supports accelerated computing to drive their AI agenda. NVIDIA set out 26 years ago to transform computer graphics and is powering the next era of computing. Fueled by the massive growth of the gaming market and its insatiable demand for better 3D graphics, NVIDIA evolved the GPU into a computer brain at the intersection of virtual reality, high performance computing, and artificial intelligence. NVIDIA GPU computing has become the essential tool of the da Vincis and Einsteins of our time. For them, they’ve built the equivalent of a time machine.

Tune in to Real Talk Ft. David Loftus, the CEO & President of ECIA, (The Electronic Components Industry Association) as we explore the ongoing semiconductor shortage. With over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor field from Asia to the Americas, David breaks down the a massive semiconductor shortage crippling the Automotive & Electronics Manufacturing Industry. Join the conversation for insight to the supply chain cycle from how we got here to what it takes to recover! ECIA provides resources and opportunities for members to improve their business performance while enhancing the industry’s overall capacity for growth and profitability. From driving critical conversations and process optimization to product authentication and industry advocacy, ECIA is your trusted source for support, insight and action. Bringing together the talent and experience of a broad array of industry leaders and professionals representing all facets of the electronics components supply chain, ECIA is uniquely positioned to enable individual connection as well as industry-wide collaboration. As the supply chain becomes increasingly more complex, ECIA serves as a vital nexus for refinement and progress.