Employee Bios

Providing Quality Component Solutions with a Global Reach

On a Personal note…

 

April Woodward, Head of European Procurement

April began working with New Wave Components in October 2008. April supports the European market as head of European procurement. April began in the electronic component industry as Purchasing Manager of an OEM of ESD control products in Anaheim, CA in 2002. This background offers her diverse perspective and enhances her ability to serve in the independent distribution channel of the industry.

April gives back to the communities she is part of depending on their needs and the time she has available. She presently lives in England where she enjoys visiting difference places in Europe, camping, cycling and cooking.

Brian Sparby, Operations Manager

Brian joined New Wave Components in January 2005. He has remained a core team member since that time and is known for his attention to detail, ability to apply accurate and timely information and personable interactions. Brian brings extensive experience in the areas of buying, inside sales, quality control, inspection, shipping, receiving and expediting. Brian’s knowledge, expertise and history with the company have positioned him as a key advisor for NWC.

In addition to his strong work ethic, Brian is committed to a variety of activities within the community. Brian has been dedicated to helping create strong individuals through afterschool programming and activities and has served as a middle school mentor/football coach with the city of Eden Prairie since 2006. Brian is also a contributing Member of Ducks Unlimited. In his spare time, Brian enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, live music and playing softball.

Brian has lived in the Metropolitan area of Minneapolis since graduating from Luther College in 2003 with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Management.

To contact Brian e-mail bsparby@newwavecomponents.com.

Co Tang, Senior VP of Business Development

ctang@newwavecomponents.com

Co joined the New Wave Components team in 2009 with over 10 years of professional sales experience in electronic components distribution. Co believes in hard work and has demonstrated consistent results through intentional and deliberate work efforts. As a result, customers have noted Co’s exceptional follow through and that he is a pleasure to work with on a daily basis.

Co attended California State University, Long Beach, CA for both his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and his Master of Arts Communications Studies with an emphasis on Leadership/Management. Co notes his graduate studies as one of the most challenging but defining experiences of his life. Living on little sleep but driven by his achievements and goals, Co’s hard work paid off, and he believes it was worth it all to walk across the stage and shake the hands of the school’s President.

Co has committed himself to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His Team in Training helped to raise over $1 million dollars in the fall of 2007. He completed the 26.2 mile marathon in Long Beach California in 5 hours. This is an endeavor that is very close to Co’s heart and always on his mind. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), founded in 1949, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research.

Equipped with sharp decision making skills and a gift for effective time management, Co grounds himself as he jogs along the beach on the weekends and plays basketball whenever possible. In the words of his former general manager, Co believes that, “Consistent behavior leads to consistent results. We work hard in sales daily, so we may play hard in the real world with our loved ones.” You can learn more about Co’s dedication and drive by contacting him at ctang@newwavecomponents.com.

Jim Harvieux, Senior Account Executive

jharvieux@newwavecomponents.com

Jim joined New Wave Components in 2008, bringing with him over twenty-five years of purchasing experience gained during his work at Celestica and Logic EMS. Customers note his strong work ethic, commitment to customers and production of consistent, quality results on a daily basis.

Jim’s experience has equipped him with a vast knowledge of work within the contract manufacturing world, giving him an important grasp on how the independent market works. Jim is able to harness this information to help increase inventory turns and reduce lead times in today’s changing marketplace.

As a passionate supporter of the American Red Cross and the American Heart Foundation, Jim regularly donates blood and encourages his friends and family to become involved. Jim also gives his time assisting with local food shelf drives and visits with at-risk elderly individuals with the Minnesota Metro Meals on Wheels program.

A 1985 graduate of Bemidji Sate University, Jim received his CPIM certification in 1996. Jim shares his life in central MN with his wife of three years. A fan of professional and college level sports, Jim enjoys watching all levels of football, major league baseball and college basketball. You can learn more about Jim by viewing his linkedin profile at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/harvieux-jim/12/967/761 or contacting him via e-mail jharvieux@newwavecomponents.com.

Josh Dirlam, President and CEO

jdirlam@newwavecomponents.com

Josh Dirlam began his career at age 11 when he and two elementary classmates, Michael Proman and Jason Keene, began a baseball card trading company called MJJ. By age 12, Josh had started a local lawn care service, and a year later was working as the head DMO (Dish Machine Operator) at a country club in Eden Prairie, MN. These early entrepreneurial and leadership experiences set the stage for Josh’s subsequent career decisions.

Between high-school and college, Josh accepted a sales position working with the lawn care department at Sears. Taking in both positive and negative examples of interactions, this position helped Josh solidify a deep commitment to treating customers and co-workers with honor and respect. Josh’s moral compass and approach to doing business has remained customer focused, honest and ethical.

Josh received his Bachelors of Arts in Marketing Communications from St. John’s University in 2003. After graduation, he began working in the field of electronic components as an Account Executive for a year-and-a-half with California based NexGen. In 2005, Josh returned to Minnesota to be near his family and friends, especially his grandmothers Betty and Hazel.

Above all, Josh values meaningful relationships and being a good friend. This is reflected in his joyful spirit and desire to help others. Josh has combine his life compassion and career success to support charities and foundations that have meaning to him and those he loves including Big Brothers Big Sisters, The American Heart Association, Partners for Violence Prevention and Special Olympics. He also gives his time with organizations such as Rotary International, where he served as the Eden Prairie Chapter President from 2009-2010, Meals on Wheels, where he delivers meals and visits with homebound elderly and YoungLife, where he uses enthusiasm and joy to support youth’s faith journey and development.

As the NWC CEO, Josh applies his desire to support and connect with people in his relationships with customers and employees.

Kathy Olberg, Office Manager

Kathy has worked with New Wave Components since 2006 and brings applied training and experience working with CEO’s, CFO’s, Presidents and owners of companies including MacBiride Golf Gifts, Allen Company and Imagineering Machine. Kathy’s ability to manage multiple work tasks has helped define her work experience, which includes operating as an office manager, bookkeeper and customer relations manager. She also has past experience working as a buyer and sales staff, making Kathy an invaluable asset to the NWC team. Kathy’s ability to meet challenges with dedication and detail help the company continue to meet customer needs on a daily basis.

Kathy walks in the Susan G. Coman Race for the Cure and gives her heart and time to her family. Based out of the Eden Prairie office, Kathy has lived in Minnesota her entire life. She holds an Associates Degree from Normandale Community College.

   

Todd Wenninger, Head of Quality Control

Todd was hired to the New Wave Components team in March of 2010 after spending 18 years working with NCR, MSL, and Celestica in the supply chain. Todd has experience in shipping and receiving, production scheduling and as a materials coordinator. During his time in these positions, Todd received Employee of the Month and several GEM (Going the extra Mile ) awards.

In April 2010, NWC sent Todd to Florida for the Components Technology Institute Inc. (CTI) Counterfeit Electronic Components Avoidance workshops. This experience enhanced Todd’s knowledge and skill in the rigorous application of counterfeit detection and part inspection techniques. Todd enjoys seeing the various pieces of the company fit together and appreciates the importance NWC places on each position within the company.

With a compassionate heart, Todd is dedicated to a variety of community based activities. He has been an avid supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society where he received a volunteer of the month. Todd participates in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure and regularly walks in honor of his Mother, a survivor of breast cancer. Todd also supports the Animal Humane Society, enjoys spending time in the warm weather bicycling and has started a small garden.