BIO

Najat El-Ayi Badriyeh is the founder and CEO of Naprotek, Inc. Naprotek is a unique Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that Najat founded in the 90s and has made thrive for more than two decades. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Naprotek is an industry-leading EMS provider that manufactures leading-edge products generated by creative minds. From quick-turn prototypes to low- to medium-volume PCBAs and box build, the company provides engineering and manufacturing support for the most demanding applications. At Najat’s direction, the company and its staff focus on delivering outstanding customer service to customers in industries such as Military, Medical, Industrial and Networking. Najat ensures that Naprotek has the tools to maintain a 99.8% quality, and 99.3% on-time delivery. Najat’s fingerprints are all over Naprotek…this is a company that aims for perfection, with heart, passion and expertise!

PERSONAL STORY

I became very passionate about electronics at a young age.  At approximately 11 years old,  when the electricity went out in our home and we called the local electrician, I followed him, asked questions, and watched his every move. It completely captivated my interest. The next time this happened I persuaded my mother to let me do the repair since the local electrician was unavailable anyway. I knew how to turn off the breaker, repair the box, and then turn the electricity back on; exactly how the electrician had shown me.  Looking back, I believe this was the early indication in my life that I liked technical challenges, fixing things, and I clearly liked electronics.

"I knew how to turn off the breaker, repair the box, and then turn the electricity back on; exactly how the electrician had shown me."

~ Najat El-Ayi Badriyeh, CEO of Naprotek, Inc.

I was born in Tripoli, Lebanon and immigrated to the US as a young woman.  I joined the electronic industry in the early 80s. It was auspicious timing as it allowed me to witness and participate in the electronic revolution. I was recognized for demonstrating strong leadership and managerial qualities and acquired management positions at Silicon Valley companies like Best Labs, Diasonics, Space Craft International (SCI) and Fine Pitch Technology. My experience in startup companies, and success in developing and improving SMT processes in the early 80s influenced my decision to move forward and create one of the first Woman-Owned Small Businesses that would significantly compete in the electronics manufacturing arena in one of the world’s most attractive areas: The Silicon Valley.‍

Q: You are a very successful CEO - What motivated you to start Naprotek?

Naprotek was founded in 1995, during a time that Woman-Owned Small Businesses weren’t as common as they are today. My dream of Naprotek began when I realized there was a serious gap in the EMS manufacturing technology segment. I saw that engineers in the industry were not getting what they needed at that time, and demand was growing for PCBA prototype manufacturing and medium volume services. I knew that I could create a unique solution. My vision was to create something outstanding; A place where engineers could rest assured that quality and on-time delivery would be better than any place in the industry; A place where the employees would feel at home; and stay and grow with the organization. Thus, Naprotek began. My dream was coming to life, while providing a quality service that match my DNA.

"My vision was to create something outstanding; A place where engineers could rest assured that quality and on-time delivery would be better than any place in the industry."

~ Najat El-Ayi Badriyeh, CEO of Naprotek, Inc.

Q: What recommendations and tips they have to offer other aspiring female founders?

Well, having become the Founder / CEO / President of one of the first Woman-Owned manufacturing companies in Silicon Valley has postured both me and Naprotek as a role model in the eyes of many people. As our success has grown, so has the recognition: we have received electronic industry awards yearly and been recognized for our high level of integrity and diversity.

If there is one thing I can impress upon other female founders, it would be passion!

~ Najat El-Ayi Badriyeh, CEO of Naprotek, Inc.‍

If there is one thing I can impress upon other female founders, it would be passion! Passion for service; passion for what you do with focus on quality of work. Also, the financial aspect is a key to every successful business. A high percentage of businesses fail in the first five years.  It is important to watch your spending and manage your bank account and business decisions to continually reinvest some of the profits back to the organization, to employees and equipment. A growth plan is very essential to survive. It is important that your business remains on the leading edge of technology or whatever industry you invest in, at all times.

Website: www.naprotek.com