Focus on: Richard Niemi, Deutsch
Richard Niemi has been an integral part of the Deutsch management team for more than 25 years, and has been a vital part of making Deutsch one of the top 20 connector manufacturers in the world. Niemi has spent time in several divisions throughout the company, giving him a well-rounded yet in-depth perspective on industry standard connectors, as well as innovative customer-specified solutions for the industrial, military/aerospace, and transportation markets. His special focus on understanding customer needs has helped Deutsch meet and exceed customer expectations.

Richard Niemi
Deutsch, Oceanside, CA, U.S.
Current position: COO for Deutsch North American for the last five years; currently transitioning to VP/GM for new international business unit
Previous industry positions: I started with Deutsch directly after college. I started in mil/aero operations, then transitioned to industrial operations, and next, spent 10 years in business development and sales/marketing, before returning to operations.  
Industry affiliations or organizations: Several non-industry boards
Accomplishments you’re proud of: Using my personal and professional influence to help people grow. Outside of work, it’s great to see your kids do well and being Grandpa is the best!
First job: Production planning and logistics
Favorite website: Not my favorite, but the one I most frequently use is the Kitco precious metals website…ugh.
The last book I read: Professionally, Crash Proof 2.0 by Peter Schiff; personal read, Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
Why did you choose this industry for your profession? I knew I wanted to be involved in an industry whose core was manufacturing based. The connector industry supplies a unique balance between volume and mix. From material and process engineering to automated assembly, from managing complex routes to market while ensuring that customers receive service and value, the connector industry has all the aspects I envisioned in an industry and profession when I started with Deutsch.
If I knew then what I know now, I would have: Started in sales rather than operations, and then learned French…without telling anyone.
The best advice anyone ever gave me was: Anybody can sell a quarter for ten cents and a half bowl of rice is better than no rice at all.
What trend in the industry is affecting your job and what would you like to do about it? The uncertainty in the [U.S.] defense budget, along with a looming double-dip recession that threatens the industrial/commercial markets, is troubling.
Other comments: It seems that each generation has something that defines it — excess in the ’20s, the depression in the ’30s, WWII in the ’40s, the Cold War, etc. It appears the great definer for us today will be how we deal or don’t deal with the national debt. Fewer government dollars will be available in the next decade and bracing for this truth will be key to success. The next decade should be an interesting ride.