Neal Weiss, Founder
Mr. Weiss founded Fiber Optic Center, Inc. (FOC) in downtown New Bedford, MA in January, 1992 after 10 years as Business Manager of Boston Electronics Corporation (BEC) in Brookline, MA. BEC is an importer/exporter of laser accessories and other high tech components and materials; FOC is the result of a friendly separation and continuation of the fiber optic-related parts of BEC’s business. Like BEC, FOC does business all over the world, and specializes in cutting edge technologies that are not yet fully developed.
Neal’s position at FOC includes maintaining the company’s unique position and focus in the ever-changing fiber optic and high tech landscape. Specific areas of technical expertise include systems for fiber manufacturing (MCVD gas delivery, draw towers and ancillary equipment), SMA and other connectors for specialty and large core fibers, and sourcing of unusual or hard-to-find components.
An active participant in the SouthCoast (greater New Bedford – “NB”) non-profit scene, Neal is a past board chair of the NB Art Museum, the YWCA-SEMA capital campaign steering committee, and most recently the NB Education Foundation, which raises money for innovation and excellence in the NB public schools. He has also served on the board of the New England Fiberoptic Council, including a term as board chair.
Neal continues to coach little kids wrestling (ages 4 to 13) at NBHS. Neal’s education includes a BA in philosophy with a minor in linguistics from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, as well as graduate level coursework in management, business, data communications, and sports science. His first career was as a teacher of English in the public junior high and high school in Exeter, NH. In 1998, Neal created Whaling City Sound to issue jazz and other music CDs, and which has become known in the jazz radio world, including a 2015 Grammy nomination.
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