Starboard

High-Level Overview

Starboard Technology is a distributor of manufacturing and repair supplies for the hi-tech electronics industry, primarily serving sectors like PCB/electronics, defense, aerospace, and medical devices in Florida and the Southeast U.S.[2][3][5] It offers over 125 product lines, including solder, chemicals, adhesives, tapes, rework equipment, hand tools, and ESD products from brands like JBC, Mantis, Metcal, and Production Basics, with a focus on flexibility for custom needs, quick shipping, and technical support.[2][3][5] The small company (11-50 employees, revenue $1M-$5M) emphasizes customer service, training, and staying current with technology to simplify operations for hi-tech manufacturers and repair facilities.[2][3]

Note: Search results also reference StarBoard Solution, a separate entity manufacturing interactive whiteboards and flat panel displays for collaborative environments like classrooms and conference rooms, with over 20 years in innovative tech solutions.[1] However, the query's "Starboard" aligns more closely with the technology distributor described across multiple sources.[2][3][4][5]

Origin Story

Starboard Technology operates as a small, American Hispanic-owned distributor based in Melbourne, Florida (addresses listed as 410 Stan Dr or 751 North Drive), catering to hi-tech needs without a specified founding year in available data.[2][3] Key figures include CEO Barry Slyper and CFO Carol Craig, leading a technical sales team that handles production and repair supplies.[3] Its evolution centers on building flexibility—offering tool cribs, blanket orders, special projects, product training, and alternatives to existing tools—while stocking major lines and expanding to over 125 products for regional hi-tech clients.[2][5]

Core Differentiators

• Product Breadth and Expertise: Handles 125+ lines of specialized tools (e.g., JBC soldering stations, Metcal rework equipment) for electronics repair/assembly, with technical sales providing training and tech recommendations.[2][5]
• Customer Flexibility: Custom solutions like blanket orders, tool cribs, and special projects, plus quick shipping and ESD-safe packaging for defense/aerospace/medical needs.[2][3][5]
• Regional Focus and Service: Southeast U.S. hub in Melbourne, FL, with strong customer reviews for pricing, selection, and turnaround; small size enables personalized support.[2][5]
• Industry Niche: Targets hi-tech manufacturing/repair (PCB, electronics, defense), differentiating from general suppliers via specialized inventory and staying ahead of tech trends.[3][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Starboard Technology supports the U.S. hi-tech manufacturing ecosystem by supplying essential tools for electronics assembly and repair in high-stakes sectors like defense, aerospace, and medical devices, where precision and reliability are critical.[3][5] It rides trends in electronics miniaturization, rework demands from complex PCBs, and supply chain localization amid global disruptions, enabling smaller regional firms to compete without large inventories.[2] Market forces favoring domestic distributors—such as U.S. reshoring and defense spending—bolster its position, while its flexibility influences efficiency in the startup-to-scaleup pipeline for hardware innovators needing rapid prototyping support.[2][3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Starboard Technology's niche as a responsive supplier positions it for steady growth in resilient sectors like defense and aerospace, potentially expanding product lines with emerging tech like advanced soldering for AI hardware or EV components. Trends in U.S. manufacturing resurgence and ESD advancements will shape its path, with influence growing through partnerships if it scales e-commerce or national reach. As a flexible enabler for hi-tech builders, it remains vital for collaborative innovation, echoing its core strength in delivering "what you need—when you need it."[2]