Evan Maniquis, Vice President of Sales for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Fusion Worldwide, has been a driving force in the company’s global expansion and success. Joining Fusion in 2007 as a Procurement Specialist, Evan’s talent was quickly recognized, earning him the Buyer of the Year Award in his first year. His journey has been marked by steady progress, including promotions to Strategic Excess Manager in 2011 and Account Executive in 2016, where he won an impressive ten President’s Club Awards. By 2022, Evan became the Director of Sales.
Now, as Vice President of Sales for EMEA, he’s looking forward to extending Fusion’s reach at Electronica 2024, one of the industry's most significant trade shows.
Adapting to a Dynamic Market
Evan’s role requires versatility, as he manages a vast territory that spans cultures, languages, and business practices. This adaptability has been key to Evan’s success at Fusion, where his ability to pivot and transform approaches depending on the audience has earned him significant accolades.
“This industry and particular market forces you to adapt to a wide range of customers. Learning how to pivot and transform your approach depending on your audience is imperative. This mindset has proven to be an invaluable skill to develop and utilize for finding success in this region,” Evan shares.
He also attributes much of his success to emphasizing the importance of collaboration, which is embedded in Fusion’s culture. "A big challenge with an individual commission-based sales role is that one tends to try to do everything on their own... but it takes a seasoned account executive to step back and see the big picture in the form of collaboration," Evan explains. "Think small, and you get small results. Think big, and success comes through combining forces."
Building Bridges and Making an Impact
One of Evan's proudest accomplishments is fostering a culture of mentorship at Fusion. Reflecting on his career journey, Evan says, "I always worked under mentors who taught and inspired me to push myself to be the best, no matter the role. I feel the responsibility to be that same mentor that I had during my early career.”
For Evan, mentorship is crucial in helping the next generation of Fusion employees thrive. “What good is the knowledge I’ve gained over the years if I don’t use it to help lead and develop those around me?”
This spirit of guidance is present in everything Fusion does, as employees aim to bridge the gap between innovative solutions and meeting customer needs.
“Our goal is to show both our current customers and prospects that there is a reason why Fusion is ranked amongst the top Independent Distributors in the electronic component supply chain.”
Looking Forward to Electronica 2024
As Fusion Worldwide prepares for Electronica, Evan is excited to showcase the company’s latest advancements. "We’re launching our new e-commerce platform, which uses AI to streamline processes and enhance customer experience. This platform is a huge step in digitalizing our business," he says. Attendees will have a firsthand look at how Fusion continues to lead the industry, with a special focus on AI projects and cost-saving strategies.
"We’ll have our global commodity managers on-site to talk about system-level commodities and how Fusion can support innovative projects, including AI applications. Plus, our business development managers will be there to discuss cash flow and cost-saving strategies," Evan explains.
But it’s not all business—Fusion’s interactive booth will also feature an AI photo booth and an F1 Race Car simulator, offering visitors fun and engaging experiences.
A Legacy of Growth
Evan’s journey at Fusion has been one of continuous personal and professional growth. He offers this advice to those considering a career at Fusion: “Success at Fusion can be life-changing, but it requires true grit and hard work. No amount of training and experience can teach someone to be hungry. It’s a drive that comes from within."
For Evan, the upcoming Electronica tradeshow will be another milestone in a career defined by ambition, innovation, and collaboration. “We’re here to show the world that Fusion isn’t just keeping up with industry trends—we’re setting them.”
Meet us at Electronica
As Fusion Worldwide takes on Electronica 2024, visitors can look forward to meeting the talented team that makes Fusion a leader in its field. With interactive activities and insightful presentations, the event promises to be a showcase of Fusion's innovation, growth, and global leadership.
Want to learn more? Meet us at Electronica Booth C5 101 from November 12 – 15, 2024: Book a meeting today.