New Bedford, MA, USA, December 14, 2015 – Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment and supplies and recognized as one of the most technically savvy fiber optics companies in the world, announces as of January 1, 2016 Ben Waite will become the President and CEO of Fiber Optic Center.
On December 31, 2015, twenty four years after starting Fiber Optic Center, Neal Weiss will be stepping down as President and handing over the reins to Ben Waite, currently the Executive Vice President. Neal founded Fiber Optic Center in January of 1992 as a friendly spinoff of the fiber business of Boston Electronics Corp.(BEC), an importer and exporter of laser components. Starting at BEC in 1981, Neal was entranced by the then-relatively-new technology of fiber optics. BEC quickly became one of the first companies to specialize in fiber optics, offering a complete range of products, from connectors and consumables to draw towers and MCVD gas systems.
Neal’s title going forward will be Founder, and he will work part time as an advisor. Ben notes, “Neal has been the heart and soul of Fiber Optic Center. His long hard work and love for the company has produced a strong team that’s a joy to work in. His influence on us and the company will be felt every day.”
Ben started at Fiber Optic Center in October of 1995 after graduating from Colby College with a degree in Physics, Mathematics, and Science and Technology Studies. During his twenty years at Fiber Optic Center, he’s spent time working with customers to solve their production and sourcing issues. He has led the Sales Department in achieving steady growth year to year, and enjoyed the challenges of navigating and implementing new electronic ways of connecting with customers.
“Having Ben to help me grow and lead the company for over 20 years has been a privilege and a blessing. In that time, suppliers and customers have commented positively on his performance; ‘you got the right guy,’ is a typical quote from them.”
The transition has been in the works for four years. Ben looks forward to strengthening and growing Fiber Optic Center by keeping the company moving in the same direction, focused on customers and continuing the unique strategy that has set FOC apart for twenty four years.