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34 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2019 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE by Patty Goldman I-CONNECT007 According to IPC's website, the IPC Ray- mond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contribu- tions, and distinguished service to IPC and in the advancement of industry including the cre- ation of a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC on a long-term basis. This is the highest level of recognition that IPC can give to an individual and is based on exceptional merit. Leo Lambert, VP and technical director at EPTAC Corporation, is IPC's 2019 Hall of Fame inductee. I caught up with Leo in his office to learn more about his time at IPC and in our industry. Patty Goldman: Leo, congratulations on receiv- ing what is the most prestigious award and highest honor bestowed on volunteers at IPC. Please start by telling us a bit about your back- ground and how you got into the electronics industry. Leo Lambert: I guess the best place to start is with my first IPC meeting, which was a long time ago back in '76. My boss went to an IPC meeting, and said he was never going back; he said, "You go." I have been going ever since. The other piece of it was getting involved with the various specifications and committees. At that time, I worked for Digital Equipment for 20 years, and then got caught in a com- pany reconfiguration and was laid off. I came to work for EPTAC, which is a training con- sulting company, and continued attending the meetings, participating in the committees. The next thing I knew, I became the chair for vari- Leo Lambert, IPC's 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee