As seen in AZ Big Media:
Profiles in Success: Marti McCurdy, Spirit Electronics
Marti McCurdy, owner and CEO of Spirit Electronics, is a veteran not only of the semiconductor business, but also of the United States Air Force. McCurdy’s focus as CEO is to serve the aerospace and defense industry for high reliability components. She exercises her engineering knowledge of space qualified flows and sophisticated testing to deliver flight class devices. Nearly seven years ago, McCurdy became owner of Spirit Electronics, a distributor and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) provider that has experienced rapid growth in Phoenix. Az Business talked with McCurdy about her role as a game-changer in her industry.
Az Business: Were you always interested in an engineering career?
Marti McCurdy: I think my mind works that way, so yes. I grew up in central Pennsylvania and it is just the nature of the beast there that you don’t hire people to do things: you just do them yourself. My father went to the junkyard and bought 13 Volkswagens that didn’t work and built my brother and me a car. I have a lead foot and I blew it up. Dad helped me get the engine out and we fixed it. Then, unfortunately, I blew it up again. He goes, “Well, you know how to take it out now. Come back when you need help.” So, it was just one of these things growing up there: You’re just expected to fix everything yourself.
AB: What attracted you to Spirit Electronics?
MM: I’ve been in the back-end test side of the semiconductor business in the military and aerospace sector most of my career. I also am a veteran, so I did similar things in the military. I felt like getting into the mix of aerospace or defense product distribution was a natural progression.
AB: Have you enjoyed it so far?
MM: Yes. I think there are challenges with the amount of tech that’s booming in Arizona right now. Luckily, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Chris Camacho at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council are great to work with because we really struggle to get enough employees. We’ve doubled in size almost every year for six years, but it’s a struggle to get people and we’re trying to hire from within Arizona. It’s just the way the world is at the moment. So, that’s been a challenge.
AB: What business advice do you have for others looking to find success?
MM: I think you have to be determined and bullheaded, as I am. But I can also tell you that I’m very protective of my team. I love all of them and I couldn’t be here without them. Building a great team was probably the biggest lift next to the engineering piece, so building the best team you can build is key.
