I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Before diving into this week’s must-reads, I want to spotlight the incredible batch of interviews our team captured at productronica. They go beyond the quick booth chitchat and dig into the most pressing topics in electronics manufacturing. We spoke with companies and leaders who are shaping what happens next, and the conversations touch on the challenges and innovations that matter most to the industry today.

Marcy LaRont, our executive director, and Pete Starkey, a longtime PCB expert, were on the floor, eager to ask the questions that count. The interviews are technical enough to deliver valuable insight, but conversational enough to be genuinely fun to watch. This collection brings perspective that stays useful long after everyone packed up and went home. Click here to see the entire list of Real Time with… productronica 2025 videos.

Now, in my picks this week, I want to highlight the latest issue of Design007 Magazine, exclusive interviews with Nordson, Summit Interconnect, and Delvitech, and finally, the start of a 10-day series from prolific columnist Dan Beaulieu on prepping your business for success in 2026.

December 2025 Design007 Magazine: Designing Your Work and Your Life
Published December 8

This issue got a little personal! We asked professionals in the PCB design space to discuss not only how they balance their professional pursuits, but also how that spills over into their personal lives—and why it matters to talk about it. Consider it your own therapy session. You’ll definitely relate to the stories from our writers, ranging from Steph Chavez of PCEA, to Fil Arzola of Raytheon, and Zach Peterson, owner of Northwest Engineering Solutions. Their brutally honest assessment of that thin line between work and life is so completely relevant. Check it out.

Nordson Rolls Out New Feature for Auto Sector
Published December 9

To highlight advances in automation in printed circuit board assembly, the December issue of SMT007 Magazine features an interview with representatives from Nordson, who provide an interesting case study about a customer that transitioned from traditional wave to selective soldering. What I liked about this conversation was the company's willingness to not just stick with the status quo because it was easier, but to really examine industry trends, investigate their options, and find a resource that has improved their bottom line.

Summit Interconnect’s Leadership in the ‘Silicon Prairie’
Published December 5

With so much news about PCB shops closing up, it’s encouraging to read about a true leader in the industry. As one of the largest PCB fabricators in the United States, Summit doesn’t shy away from the tough decisions. In fact, they’re implementing comprehensive solutions and embracing the Midwest as a renewed hub for high-tech manufacturing. It’s becoming clear that companies that transition from merely surviving to thriving are developing a wide range of technologies to meet the needs of today’s customers. In this interview, Summit representatives speak specifically about their operations in Chicago. It’s an engaging and honest interview that’s well worth your time.

Real Time with… productronica 2025: Exploring AI Native Systems With Delvitech
Published December 10

If you’re like most of us, we’re always trying to play catch-up to the latest AI innovations. I’m finding there’s always something new to learn about. For electronics, the possibilities have exploded with potential. In this interview, Roberto Gatti, CEO of Delvitech, helps us understand the disruptive vision behind his AI-native inspection platform. The company is pushing the limits of automated optical inspection, and Roberto says what’s coming next could redefine machine vision across more than the electronics industry. So, avail yourself of this knowledge, and you’ll be the favorite guest at your next holiday party.

The 2026 Business Success Playbook
Published December 9

It’s not hard to be familiar with Dan Beaulieu’s take-it-to-the-bank approach to sales, marketing, and improving operations in your business. Dan writes weekly about the challenges and opportunities he has seen with his clients over the past three decades. Now, Dan has teamed up with I-Connect007 to share a 10-step roadmap for helping you get off on the right start in 2026. He challenges businesses to develop an actionable strategy, spend time with customers that will really help you grow, forecast, review operations and quality, build a visible scoreboard, and much more. Every day, you’ll find leadership tips, mentorship, lists, and strategies that help you build a culture of success. It’s a “tough love” approach, he reminds us. We wouldn’t expect anything less, Dan.