A life in electronics: Listening, leading and digging wells for others

Walter Tobin, outgoing ERA CEO, shares his reflections of an outstanding career

“We have all drunk from wells that we did not dig. Our responsibility in life is to dig wells for those who come behind us.” — Jesuit Theology Teacher, Boston College, 1965

This was said to me by a Jesuit instructor in my freshman year at Boston College. At first, I did not get the message. What does that even mean? Are we actually going to go out and dig wells? As the theology course took shape over the next few weeks, the lesson became clearer: It called for individuals to act with humility and serve others with integrity – to give back and pay it forward, treating all with respect and compassion — to “dig wells” for those that followed.

Growing up in Boston, I learned early that hard work and kindness could open more doors than any title or credentials. My parents modeled those values, and my time at Boston College, the U.S. Army and every stop along my electronics journey reinforced them. From my first management position at Arrow Electronics to leading ERA through its most dynamic years, I’ve tried to live by one mantra: help others do better, and success will follow for everyone. My leadership training as a Captain in the U.S. Army drilled into me the discipline to lead with purpose and to serve with humility.

Defining moments

I’m honored to share some of my career milestones with you.

Becoming general manager at Arrow Electronics marked a turning point in both my career and appreciation for life and family. Surviving the Arrow fire in December 1980 was a crucible. I was given the huge responsibility of helping to rebuild Arrow and it taught me the true meaning of perseverance and teamwork — and how precious life really is.

Later, being named senior vice president at Pioneer Standard Electronics expanded my vision and helped me learn operation and supply chain and other non-sales disciplines. It was a time for growth in many areas.

My 10 years at Future Electronics showed me the differentiated value that a privately-owned company can offer its employees and customers. Flexibility and creativity were the calls to action each day. I learned a lot.

Finally, the privilege and honor of leading ERA as CEO for the past 10 years gave me the platform to help rebrand its message and benefits, grow membership and set new standards for what an association can accomplish. It has been a wonderful capstone on my career.

Proud achievements and industry impact

Balancing career and family. This has not been easy for sure. The many business trips and time away from family were a real issue. I have been blessed with the strong support and partnership of my wife, Janice, and three daughters, Brigid, Katie and Erin — and now the reward of eight grandchildren — a joy!

Mentoring and supporting others. I have had the privilege of learning from so many mentors. They taught me so many lessons, both in business and in life. There are too many to mention here and I would not want to leave anyone out but my parents, wife Janice, and my daughters have all kept me grounded and inside life’s rubber fences. I have been blessed by being surrounded by so many talented individuals. They have made me both a better manager and a better person. Helping others grow and learn can lead to so much joy, even if/when they may take another position with another company. “Roots and wings” can come with a cost, but are certainly worth it!

Leading through change. During my career, I have seen tremendous consolidation and merger activity. In many cases, I was on the acquiring side of the acquisition. However, in two instances, I was on the acquired side (less fun) and lost my job and had to relocate to provide for my family. This change was a stress for sure but helped me learn to not only survive but thrive – the old “make lemonade out of lemons” saying. It was tough at the time but perhaps made me a better manager and person – to show compassion for those who are negatively affected by the churnage in our industry.

Embracing change, surviving setbacks

Life is rarely linear. As I stated earlier, I lost my job twice through acquisition and relocation, a challenge that was tough on my family. Through it all, my wife and kids were my anchors. Their support made every crossroad manageable. As my old Army commanding officer once said, when I went to him and asked for more resources, “Captain: just tighten your belt and continue to march!” My belt is nearly out of holes, but the march continues.

Lessons and advice for tomorrow’s leaders

1. Listen first. You learn most when your mouth is closed and your ears are open. That’s the lesson I have carried from my parents, my many bosses and mentors, (some may have been TOR-mentors!) to the boardrooms and conference halls of the global electronics industry – one that has echoed through every phase of my career. The words “silent” and “listen” have the same letters for a reason—a lesson as relevant today as ever. In a business built on relationships and trust, you cannot learn while you are talking.

2. Keep a WAIT note on your monitor: “Why Am I Talking?”

3. Embrace technology. Take every course you can, get as technical as you can and don’t fear the future—whether it’s ChatGPT or new go-to-market strategies.

4. Be honest and customer-focused. Long-term success always outweighs short-term wins. Focus on winning and keeping the customer, not just booking the next order. Your customer will both guide you and reward you. They are your true North Star.

5. Dust yourself off. Failure is a given, but it’s how you respond that defines you. Treat all with dignity and respect, regardless of their title. We all fail sometimes, but remember to tighten that belt and continue to march!

Closing reflections: What’s next and final advice

Our industry continues to evolve and change – embrace this! Keep skating where the puck is going! There is no better or more exciting industry than the electronics industry. Congratulations on being a part of it! Help others — this will be your legacy. Give back. We have all been the beneficiary of great lives made possible by our education and hard work. Some may not be as fortunate; help them to grow. Help them dig their own well, and then ask them to do that for others. Be honest, humble, open and forthright; these qualities will pay huge dividends in both business and in life.