Shows
Leadership in ManufacturingHow Do You Know You’re a Good Leader? Real Answers from Real LeadersIn this special episode, host Sannah Vinding revisits a powerful conversation from Episode 100 — where six respected voices in the manufacturing and distribution space answer one deceptively simple question: How do you know if you’re a good leader?Guests featured in this episode include:Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsTobi Cornell: President - Kruvand Associates, Manufacturer's Rep, Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Maryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsShane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Sale...
2025-07-2935 min
Supply Chain ConnectMaster Distribution Model Serves as Leading Indicator for State of Electronic Component Distribution IndustryCEO of Waldom Electronics, Don Akery, joins the show to discuss the state of the electronic component distribution industry, as the company’s master distribution model grants particular insight and access into the current state of the industry as well as where it may be headed. Akery covers the impact of tariffs, technological integration into operations and more in this perceptive conversation.
Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!
2025-06-2326 min
Leadership in ManufacturingE104. Why Electronics Lead the Future! Join host Sannah Vinding and special guests:Tobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesDive deep into the dynamic world of electronics and discover what makes it so exciting and integral to our daily lives.In this episode, you will uncover:The Thrill of Innovation: Explore how the electronics industry places professionals at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies and developments, from AI advancements to the rise of...
2024-12-0314 min
Leadership in ManufacturingE103, Why Is Feedback So Important In Leadership?In Episode 103, join host Sannah Vinding and guests Walter Tobin, CEO of the ERA, Don Akery, CEO of Waldom Electronics, and Shane Zutz, VP of HR at DigiKey, as they delve into the nuances of leadership feedback in the manufacturing and distribution industry. Listen in to uncover valuable insights on leading through feedback, both direct and indirect, and fostering an open communication environment.In this episode, you will learn:Recognizing Indirect Feedback: Learn techniques to sense feedback in everyday interactions and how to respond effectively even when it's not vocalized.Developing Open Communication: Dive into strategies...
2024-11-1911 min
Leadership in ManufacturingE102: How to Evaluate and Enhance Your Leadership Skills Join host Sannah Vinding and a panel of industry experts as they delve into the core values that shape effective leadership.Guests:Tobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsShane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesMaryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsYou will learn:The Importance of Personal Connections: Understand why human connections and relationships are crucial for effective leadership and...
2024-11-0525 min
Leadership in ManufacturingE101: What Values Guide You As A LeaderJoin host Sannah Vinding and a panel of industry experts as they delve into the core values that shape effective leadership in the electronics component industry. This special episode features :Shane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic SalesTobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsMaryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsWalter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)sharing their unique perspectives on what drives their leadership styles.In this...
2024-10-2226 min
Leadership in ManufacturingE100, How Do You Know if You Are a Good Leader?🎧 Discover the essential qualities that define a great leader in manufacturing in this insightful interview!Join host Sannah Vinding and an incredible lineup of guests, including;Don Akery: Chief Executive Officer at Waldom ElectronicsTobi Cornell: President at Kruvand Associates, Inc.Walter Tobin: CEO/EVP at Electronics Representatives Association (ERA)Maryellen Stack; Director of Marketing Communications at Sager ElectronicsShane Zutz: Vice President of Human Resources at DigiKeyRob Brunson: Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Wallace Electronic Salesas they dive into the heart of the electronics sector and discuss what fuels their passion for the industry. On...
2024-10-0834 min
Leadership in ManufacturingE94, Advice for Industry Leaders: Reflecting on Career Lessons and Growth StrategiesIn this exciting episode of the Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast, host Sannah Vinding interviews four remarkable guests: Don Akery, Chief Executive Officer of Waldom Electronics; Holly Good, Senior Distribution Manager - North America at Knowles Precision Devices; Eric Slatten, President and CEO of ECS Inc International; and Michael Knight, President and CEO of Endries International Inc.
This episode is a special recap filled with valuable career lessons and advice, compiling the most insightful moments from previous conversations into an enlightening and cohesive episode. Each guest reflects on the pivotal career advice they would give their younger selves, offering wisdom and...
2024-07-1615 minSupply Chain ConnectSustainability in the Electronics Distribution Industry | Don Akery - Waldom ElectronicsWhat is being done on the sustainability front in the electronics distribution industry? In this episode, Don Akery, CEO of Waldom Electronics, shares the sustainability initiatives that his company is driving forward with. From planting trees for every order placed to installing enough solar panels on its American facilities to reach a point of not having to purchase any electricity, Waldom is striving for a greener future.
Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!
2024-06-1718 min
Bad Movies Rule!Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Secret of the Ooze has been blasted by critics, and while it was beloved by children back in the 90s, what do those kids think now? Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello take on the Shredder (or spoiler alert: they don't) and try to save New York one more time, while also learning where they came from! Let's imagine a Ninja Turtle movie where they never use their weapons, but are sticklers for observing the traditional pre-fight donut. Bad Movies Rule is a movie podcast about the movies you love even if no one...
2024-01-052h 06
Leadership in ManufacturingE80, Embracing Technology and Innovation in Electronic Component DistributionIn this episode of the Mind the Innovation Leadership podcast, our host Sannah Vinding speaks with Don Akery, the CEO of Waldom Electronics, about the challenges and opportunities in the electronic component distribution industry. They discuss the impact of current industry trends on Waldom, including excess inventory and slowed demand. Don shares insights on the leadership and communication strategies he implements at Waldom. He also reveals his passion for the industry and offers valuable advice for individuals looking to excel in the manufacturing field. Don also talks about the innovative use of avatars in communication and the importance of building...
2024-01-0227 min
Bad Movies Rule!Predator (1987) - Good Movies Rule! #1This is a special preview of the first episode of our Patreon-exclusive show, Good Movies Rule that originally aired on June 1st, 2023. Enjoy this free episode, and please consider joining Patreon for a new episode every month! We've already covered Jurassic Park, Jaws, Spaceballs, Ferris Bueller, The Nice Guys, Reservoir Dogs, and They Live! Join at the link below. You can support Bad Movies Rule on Patreon here.You can join our community on Facebook and TikTok.Leave us a voicemail for us to play on mailbag episodes: 262-757-8567
2024-01-011h 52
Bad Movies Rule!Delta Force 2: The Columbian Connection (1990)Clint, Mel, James, and Bob are back with Chuck Norris as he face-kicks his way through South America taking on the cartel. Billy Drago plays the perfect early 90s slimeball cocaine mogul as he sends his endless supply of henchmen to take on Chuck before he seizes his mountains of coke. The movie is a complete departure from Delta Force 1 which tried to say something important, it failed, but at least it tried. What do you think of Delta Force 2? Let us know in the comment section below. Bad Movies Rule is a movie podcast about the...
2023-12-291h 58
Bad Movies Rule!Mailbag #37 - Batman Called InIt's the day after Christmas, but here we got a chance to open some gifts sent into the studio, as well as take more of your emails and voicemails. Suggestions are in like Moonfire and Hank & Mike, as well as someone who sounds like they are reviewing Santa With Muscles at gunpoint. Batman listened to our Terminator Salvation episode, and he's not happy about it. Bad Movies Rule is a movie podcast about the movies you love even if no one else does.You can support Bad Movies Rule on Patreon here.You...
2023-12-2658 min
Bad Movies Rule!Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001)Stephanie, Joe, and the Mayor are back in Perfection alongside Burt Gummer as he continues to have the worst luck ever. No matter how many killer dirtworms (aka Graboids) he takes out, they seem to follow him all over the world. This time, back in his hometown, will he be able to stop them for good? Given that there are 7 Tremor's movies, I'm guessing no. At least we can have fun roasting all of this ridiculousness along the way. Bad Movies Rule is a movie podcast about the movies you love even if no one else does.
2023-12-221h 45
Real Talk With Rob TaviGreen Distribution & Electronics Industry Innovation | RealTalk Rob Tavi Ft Don Akery, CEO, Waldom ElectronicsOverview:
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 othe...
2023-12-2037 min
Bad Movies Rule!Reindeer Games (2000)What if Ben Affleck amid "misses" Forces of Nature and Bounce, made a heist movie that had plot twists on top of its plot twists, featuring an unhinged Gary Sinise and a young (crazy) Charlize Theron? A recipe for success you might think, but Reindeer Games got blasted by critics, and audiences and it bombed financially. Where did it go wrong? It had a great writer and an all-time director John Frankenheimer. Is it time to re-assess Reindeer Games or does it deserve its spot in the garbage heap of 90's cinema? Bad Movies Rule is a...
2023-12-152h 10
Bad Movies Rule!Mailbag #36 - A Child Shall Lead UsWe hit the phone lines and the emails again, for the third straight week as we try and catch up to all of our messages! Listeners freaking out that Bob has kids, another one defends Ernest and Clint thinks he's a plant, and a long-time listener finally hits us up on the mailbag!!Bad Movies Rule is a movie podcast about the movies you love even if no one else does.You can support Bad Movies Rule on Patreon here.You can join our community on Facebook and TikTok.Leave us...
2023-12-1150 min
Bad Movies Rule!Santa With Muscles (1996)Imagine the pitch meeting - "It's Santa Claus, right, but this one has muscles!" PRINT THE MONEY! Now, the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces of Hulk Hogan's Santa With Muscles (1996). Previous Hulk Hogan movies had him playing different versions of himself, and here he attempts to act and play a different character. It goes about as well as you'd expect. Many questions will be answered - how did Mila Kunis bury this performance? How can a lawn ornament bench press 300 pounds? Why is Ed Leslie playing an Asian? We'll pull it all apart, and...
2023-12-081h 47
Bad Movies Rule!Mailbag #35 - Phone a Friend!Bad Movies Rule is a movie podcast about the movies you love even if no one else does.You can support Bad Movies Rule on Patreon here.You can join our community on Facebook and TikTok.Leave us a voicemail for us to play on mailbag episodes: 262-757-8567You can email the show any movie-related questions for our mailbag episodes here. Thank you to all of these awesome Patreon backers! - Corey Bauch, Craig Soto II, Graham Douglas, Jack Deen, James Pulley, James Stanley, Jason Smith, Joshua T...
2023-12-0553 min
Bad Movies Rule!The One (2001)Not too many movies out there featuring Jet Li in dreadlocks, but this is where we find ourselves. Even though The One (2001) is rated very low by critics, some swear this is an awesome movie. The movie made us laugh, we're just not sure it was supposed to. It also features one of the best Jet Li fights we've ever seen. We go scene by scene and answer the important questions - how did Jet Li get with Carla Gugino? Why is the only thing different in each parallel universe his hairdo? Why does Jason Statham have hair, and wh...
2023-12-011h 49Supply Chain ConnectExecutive Perspectives: Don Akery - Waldom ElectronicsDon Akery, CEO of Waldom Electronics, joins us in this Executive Perspectives episode to break down the master distributor model and what it means for electronic component distributors and their end customers, as well as the substantial environmental benefits Waldom’s excess inventory model provides.
Visit us online at SupplyChainConnect.com!
2023-07-1724 min
Women in Electronics RadioDon Akery Leader in Highlight PodcastIn this episode of the "Leader in Highlight" podcast series, Jackie Mattox, the Founder and CEO of Women in Electronics, speaks with Don Akery, Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics.Support the show
2023-05-1535 min
WE Lead | Voices of InnovationDon Akery Leader in Highlight PodcastIn this episode of the "Leader in Highlight" podcast series, Jackie Mattox, the Founder and CEO of Women in Electronics, speaks with Don Akery, Chief Executive Officer at Waldom Electronics.Support the show
2023-05-1535 min
EMSNOWEMSNOW Up Close: Don Akery, CEO Waldom ElectronicsEric learns about Waldom Electronics’ unique business model from its new CEO Don Akery. Waldom Electronics calls itself the ‘distributors’ distributor,’ which means they add value to the authorized channel by taking in excess inventory from suppliers and authorized distributors; inspecting, restocking, and making that inventory available to distributors to enable them to sell parts that may be in short supply. It’s a fascinating discussion of a set of valuable ‘behind the scenes’ inventory services that benefit the EMS industry by making fully vetted components available through the authorized distribution channel.
2023-02-0746 minWomen in Electronics RadioDon Akery Leader in Highlight InterviewHear from Don Akery, Chief Executive Officer of Waldom Electronics, as he chats with WE Founder and CEO, Jackie Mattox in 2023’s first episode of the WE “Leader in Highlight” Podcast Series. Don describes his position as CEO at Waldom Electronics, sharing that leading from the top has always been a career aspiration. He explains the unique value proposition Waldom Electronics has to offer the industry and what he hopes to accomplish as a leader. "Making tough decisions comes with the territory", and Don touches on his process and the discipline it takes to make those tough calls in a timely...
2023-01-2735 min
WE Lead | Voices of InnovationDon Akery Leader in Highlight InterviewHear from Don Akery, Chief Executive Officer of Waldom Electronics, as he chats with WE Founder and CEO, Jackie Mattox in 2023’s first episode of the WE “Leader in Highlight” Podcast Series. Don describes his position as CEO at Waldom Electronics, sharing that leading from the top has always been a career aspiration. He explains the unique value proposition Waldom Electronics has to offer the industry and what he hopes to accomplish as a leader. "Making tough decisions comes with the territory", and Don touches on his process and the discipline it takes to make those tough calls in a time...
2023-01-2735 min
The Automotive Leaders PodcastMeet Lynn Kier, VP Corporate Communications at Diebold NixdorfLearn more about creating your own internal company podcast There’s never been a greater need for honesty and transparency — for people to tell it like it is.Enter Lynn Kier, VP Communications at Diebold Nixdorf, who talks about the importance of embracing your authentic self to further your personal mission.Lynn began her career in 1997 as a financial analyst. After five years, she realised that simply putting her head down and working hard wasn’t the answer. She moved into the automotive industry and later worked her way up to the top of her...
2022-01-1357 min
MADEBONUS - The EMS (Eric Miscoll Show) - Supply Chain Challenges with Lynn Torrel of FLEX and Don Akery of TTi2019's big disruption was the trade war between China and the US, in 2020 it was COVID-19, and now in 2021 the biggest challenge facing the manufacturing industry is supply chain shortages. What will it be in 2022? Perhaps more of the same, perhaps all of the above? In this episode of The EMS (Eric Miscoll Show), Philip and Eric talk to FLEX Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer Lynn Torrel and TTIi Americas' President Don Akery. If they don't know what's going on, who does? The panel explores the scale and impact of the current shortages, the...
2021-11-2951 minEMSNOWThe EMS (Eric Miscoll Show) - Supply Chain Challenges with Lynn Torrel of FLEX and Don Akery of TTi2019's big disruption was the trade war between China and the US, in 2020 it was COVID-19, and now in 2021 the biggest challenge facing the manufacturing industry is supply chain shortages. What will it be in 2022? Perhaps more of the same, perhaps all of the above? In this episode of The EMS (Eric Miscoll Show), Philip and Eric talk to FLEX Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer Lynn Torrel and TTIi Americas' President Don Akery. If they don't know what's going on, who does? The panel explores the scale and impact of the current shortages, the effect on...
2021-11-2951 min
The Automotive Leaders PodcastSeason 1 Behind the scenes and episode highlightsSign up for The Automotive Leaders Letter In its debut season, the "Automotive Leaders Podcast," hosted by Jan Griffiths, takes you on a journey to explore the essence of authentic leadership. With a diverse array of guests, Jan leads you through conversations highlighting the significance of staying true to oneself in a corporate world where authenticity often takes a backseat. You'll encounter inspiring stories and profound perspectives from various leaders throughout the season. They collectively emphasize the importance of upholding one's values and consistently delivering one's personal best despite the competitive games and ego-driven behaviors that often...
2020-09-1040 min
WE Lead | Voices of InnovationDon Akery "Leader in Highlight" Part 3In this 3rd part session of our interview series, Don Akery continues the conversation with WE Founder and President, Jackie Mattox, regarding innovation and encourages us to learn the technical aspects of the industry (despite technical background), be disciplined in reaching our goals, and maintain a healthy competitive spirit in reaching the various levels in our career journeys. Support the show
2020-06-0914 min
Women in Electronics RadioDon Akery "Leader in Highlight" Part 3In this 3rd part session of our interview series, Don Akery continues the conversation with WE Founder and President, Jackie Mattox, regarding innovation and encourages us to learn the technical aspects of the industry (despite technical background), be disciplined in reaching our goals, and maintain a healthy competitive spirit in reaching the various levels in our career journeys. Support the show (http://www.womeninelectronics.com)
2020-06-0914 minWE Lead | Voices of InnovationDon Akery "Leader in Highlight" Part 2In part two of a Women in Electronics Radio three-part series, WE President & Founder Jackie Mattox continues her conversation with Don Akery, President, TTI Americas. Don discusses groundbreaking innovations taking place within the electronics industry and highlights new-to-market products incorporating these cutting-edge technologies. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of building trust when leading a team, especially in difficult situations such as a global pandemic, and details how to strategize for continued market growth with tactical acquisitions and an aligned value proposition.Support the show
2020-06-0909 minWomen in Electronics RadioDon Akery "Leader in Highlight" Part 2In part two of a Women in Electronics Radio three-part series, WE President & Founder Jackie Mattox continues her conversation with Don Akery, President, TTI Americas. Don discusses groundbreaking innovations taking place within the electronics industry and highlights new-to-market products incorporating these cutting-edge technologies. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of building trust when leading a team, especially in difficult situations such as a global pandemic, and details how to strategize for continued market growth with tactical acquisitions and an aligned value proposition.Support the show (http://www.womeninelectronics.com)
2020-06-0909 minWE Lead | Voices of InnovationDon Akery "Leader in Highlight" Part 1Jackie Mattox, Founder and President of WE, engages in the first of a three part series with Don Akery. In this session, Don’s talks about his career journey to become President of TTI Americas and Sr. VP for TTI Corporate Family of Companies (TTI, Sager, and Mouser). Don discusses the keys to his success being hard work, a strong work ethic modeled by his father, and critical mentorship. He also expresses the importance of corporate values, the mutually beneficial relationship with their holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, and the importance of progressive strategies moving forward to attract more youth into...
2020-06-0818 minWomen in Electronics RadioDon Akery "Leader in Highlight" Part 1Jackie Mattox, Founder and President of WE, engages in the first of a three part series with Don Akery. In this session, Don’s talks about his career journey to become President of TTI Americas and Sr. VP for TTI Corporate Family of Companies (TTI, Sager, and Mouser). Don discusses the keys to his success being hard work, a strong work ethic modeled by his father, and critical mentorship. He also expresses the importance of corporate values, the mutually beneficial relationship with their holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, and the importance of progressive strategies moving forward to attract more youth into the...
2020-06-0818 min
ERA TalksEDS Reflections — From the CouchThe month of May in our industry usually brings EDS plans for back-to-back meetings, dinner outings, and a very hectic schedule. But with the EDS Summit canceled this year, ERA members are taking the time to reflect on EDS from home … or from their couches. In this ERA Talks episode, “EDS Reflections — From the Couch,” Stephanie Tierney, Membership Director for ERA, interviews two industry leaders about what they will miss, what they look forward to next year, and how they envision the EDS show in the future. Tune in to hear Don Akery, President at TTI Amer...
2020-05-0516 min
The Automotive Leaders PodcastMeet Don Akery, President of TTI AmericasMeet Don Akery, a man who walks the talk when it comes to authentic leadership, a man who knows what it takes to take care of all of his stakeholders, customers, suppliers, owners, and most importantly, employees. We will explore today exactly how he does that and stays true to himself.When people come to work at TTI they tend to stay. The values statement at TTI talks about providing a home and it hasn’t changed in 40 years, the culture has evolved with the times and retained its core values.A real southern boy fro...
2020-01-2046 min