Every day presents an exciting challenge for this NEXGEN member

Emily Bannister

Emily Bannister
Outside Sales & Operation Manager
C C Electro Sales, Inc.

To gain better insight into how young professionals in the electronics industry have survived and thrived, The Representor interviewed Emily Bannister, outside sales and operation manager at C C Electro Sales, Inc.

Bannister shares some of the challenges and excitement of entering the rep world in the midst of a global pandemic.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself, personally and professionally.

I am a third generation manufacturer’s representative. Prior to joining the industry, I worked in public accounting for three years. I went to Ohio University and received degrees in both accounting and dance. I now live in Indianapolis with my husband, Alec, and our dog, Michie. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with family, traveling and staying active.

How long have you worked in the electronics industry?

I came from an accounting background, so originally, I came on board to help with commissions at C C Electro. I started to do inside sales as well as marketing too, and before I knew it, I was also supporting an outside sales territory.

What made you choose this industry as your current career path?

What are some of the main challenges you encountered as you embarked on your career journey?

My primary challenges have centered around my lack of technical knowledge and entering the sales world in the middle of a global pandemic. It has been difficult to create relationships with customers and distributors (long lead times and raw material shortages have not helped either) but we are all experiencing similar issues and can work through them together to help build relationships and hopefully see better days soon.

What are some steps that you have taken to overcome these challenges and to ensure that you can establish and nurture a successful career?

I am lucky to be surrounded by many industry experts within my own rep firm, the manufacturers we represent and local distributor offices. I try to learn as much as I can from every interaction I have with these experts. I like to use the “Why Am I Talking – WAIT” method in meetings. It helps me to really focus on listening and absorbing as much information as possible from the participants of the meeting.

Is there enough new talent entering the electronics industry and what could make this field more attractive to future young professionals?

I think we are slowly starting to see new talent enter the electronics industry. It is an industry that requires a lot of patience and persistence which can be tough to pitch to new talent. What is exciting about the electronics industry, and can help attract new talent, is the ability to work on different products and projects daily with many different large customers. Every day presents a new challenge that is sure to keep even the most seasoned veterans on their toes.

Where do you see your profession and the industry 10 to 20 years from now?

I think the industry will have a lot of fresh faces and new technologies to support it 20 years from now. I also think the hybrid model of working remotely and in the office is here to stay and juggling in-person as well as virtual meetings with customers will continue to be part of our jobs.

Professionally, what keeps you up at night?

Making sure I am continuing to provide value as a manufacturer’s representative to my customers, especially young engineers, principals I represent and distributors.