Someone You Should Know: Jake Metzger

Jake Metzger
With so many ERA members, it is not easy to get to know every rep, manufacturer and distributor in the business.“Someone You Should Know” is The Representor department that gives readers the chance to learn about fellow ERA members, including how their time is spent both in and out of the office.
Meet Jake Metzger, regional vice president for Hughes-Peters.
The Representor asked Metzger a few questions about his time in the electronics distribution business and his experiences with ERA. Here is what he had to say.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I reside in Houston, Texas, where I was born and raised. I am married to Kelly, my wife of 26 years and we have three grown sons. I attended Texas A&M University and graduated from The University of St. Thomas in Houston with a degree in communications. Currently I am a regional vice president for the central region at Hughes-Peters. I have been with Hughes-Peters for 21 years.
How did you become interested in the electronics industry?
I grew up in it. My father worked for Sterling Electronics and then had a long, successful career at Kent Electronics. His daily actions and work ethic provided for our family. It made me realize this is a business I can make a career in if I applied a similar work ethic. During summer breaks I was able to work in various departments and gain exposure to what each did – sort of like an ongoing internship. After graduating from college, I got an inside sales job with Kent Electronics and have never looked back.
What have you found to be most rewarding about the manufacturers’ rep business?
The people, serving customers and working for great companies. First, it is the people who I have formed relationships with – customers, manufacturers, manufacturers’ sales reps, co-workers and competitors – that are equal parts business and friendship. Many of them are part of ERA! When I think about the products and services our industry provides and who we provide it to – life-saving medical equipment, wireless devices that keep businesses and families connected, food/agriculture equipment, automotive/aerospace, military and defense – all of them have an impact on our lives every day and all of them rely on the electronics industry. It really is amazing when you look at it from that perspective. Thirdly, we all devote a lot of time to work and I am lucky to have worked at great companies like Kent Electronics and now Hughes-Peters. Working side by side with dynamic, talented people in our fast-paced industry is inspiring and challenges me every day.
Briefly describe your organization.
Hughes-Peters is a multi-regional, IP&E distributor that services OEMs and CEMs. With headquarters in Dayton, Ohio, Hughes-Peters has 14 branch office locations serving customers in the South Central, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Southeast, New York and New Jersey markets. Our inventory model is built around our partnered customers to manage their pipeline of components. We have a best-in-class line card and we offer true flexibility in our service to the customer, including our value-added services.
As technologies evolve along with the launch of new products and processes, Hughes-Peters continues to remain on the cutting edge. We are dedicated to creating and offering value that best supports our customers’ needs. Service offerings include inventory management, Kanbans, wireless warehouse, point of use delivery and being a low cost provider of parts and services.
What recent innovations, best practices and/or changes has your organization made?
Hughes-Peters became an ESOP company in December 2021. The ESOP allows all Hughes-Peters employees to share directly in the success they are helping create. It also sets the company’s long-term direction. Hughes-Peters remains committed to building strong relationships with our customers, suppliers and their manufacturer rep networks.
What are some things you enjoy outside of the workplace?
I enjoy time with family, practicing my faith, enjoying friends and fishing. My wife and I like traveling, cooking and playing cards. I volunteer with the Knights of Columbus and serve on the board of directors for the University of St. Thomas Alumni Association.
What is one interesting fact that people may not know about you?
I have an identical twin brother. He is in the electrical distribution industry and our paths cross when visiting common manufacturers’ reps or customers from time to time. It can generate double takes and some good laughs.