# EMS@C-Level 2022 Season, episode 6 - Nicole Russo, Microboard

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2022-06-22
- Length: 22m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard

## Summary

Nicole Russo, founder and owner of Microboard, explains her strategy of maintaining a small, curated customer base of fewer than 20 clients to ensure high service levels and cultural alignment. She details how Microboard navigates supply chain disruptions and talent shortages through strong liquidity, debt-free operations, and strategic automation in their Connecticut facility. The conversation highlights their focus on complex military, medical, and industrial sectors, including radar systems and defibrillators, while leveraging a humanitarian mission to attract diverse talent.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=8) Introduction: Nicole Russo and Microboard's 40-year history
- [2:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=139) The 3 Cs strategy: Credit, Culture, and Complexity in customer selection
- [6:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=389) Industry mix: Military radar, medical defibrillators, and security systems
- [8:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=507) Navigating disruption: Supply chain, workforce challenges, and capital structure
- [11:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=667) Talent acquisition: Assembly hiring, remote work debates, and DEI
- [15:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=915) Financial resilience: Automation, liquidity, and supplier relationships
- [18:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-06-22-ems-c-level-2022-season-episode-6-nicole-russo-microboard#t=1135) Future outlook: Medical sector growth and potential acquisitions

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Microboard (company)
- G Capital (company)
- CloudNC (company)
- Koh Young (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Building for Long-Term Success w/ Ron Speicher and David Craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-08-29-building-for-long-term-success-w-ron-speicher-and-david-craft) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Breaking Out of the Manufacturing Echo Chamber](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-09-20-breaking-out-of-the-manufacturing-echo-chamber) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [245: A Grassroots Approach to Shaping the Future of American Industry with Bret Boyd, CEO of Sustainment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-08-245-a-grassroots-approach-to-shaping-the-future-of-american-industry-with-bret-b) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Electromaker Interview: Eben Upton - Raspberry Pi creator!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2022-07-05-electromaker-interview-eben-upton-raspberry-pi-creator) (The Electromaker Show)
- [Vertically Integrated Design Engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-08-05-vertically-integrated-design-engineering) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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