IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1544398
APRIL 2026 I I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE 109 lead-free directives. If a similar directive comes in now about carbon emissions, we might have a bet- ter chance at success. We aren't there yet. At pres- ent, the Scope 1, 2, and 3 directives are just about data collection, whereby manufacturers are just being asked to report their emissions. Of course, we know that's a precursor to legislat- ed limits at some future point. Exactly, it's a matter of time, but I believe it's coming. Working with OEMs, many now include sustainabil- ity or green statements in their mission statements or annual reports. They are really committing to it. They've got a dedicated team of people working on sustain- ability initiatives. They're the folks we want to work with, where we can see there's a commitment. They are the ones willing to experiment, and they're being forgiving. When it doesn't work, they're giving us feed- back because they want to see it be successful. That is how we've been able to im- prove the material. We are in a nice position. We've got about 40 live proj- ects, partnering with good OEMs, and some of them very large and well-known. One of those could change the tra- jectory of Jiva very quickly if they engage at scale. It sounds like your whole team has a lot to be proud of and to look forward to. Your work is important and must be incredibly gratifying. So, what's next? Well, it's time to ask for more money. Our investors have been very happy and patient. We've raised around $5 million to date, and I am quite proud of what we've achieved with a relatively modest in- vestment. I've been counseled on what to ask for now; in this next fundraise we are trying to raise ex- actly what we need and what will sustain us until we have good commercial traction. We have a lot of work to do and many OEMs in support of it. You mentioned giving a presentation on being a disruptor. In my opinion, we need many more of them. Give me a glimpse of that journey. I have always enjoyed stepping up when it was said that something couldn't be done. I have always liked doing the stuff other people can't do. You look for those niches that make you tough and resilient. I say yes to everything. I'm not so motivated by money as I am by getting things done and making a difference. When I initially started working with Jack and Jiva, I didn't want the job as CEO. I was very happy being COO and working on the product. The com- pany needed my hands-on experience and organization- al skills. I like getting things done. When the investors asked me to take the role of CEO two years ago, I was de- lighted that I had gotten the product to a good position, built a team, and put systems in place. It now needed me to step up and take the business to the next phase. I ran my own board shop for 30 years with my own money, sink or swim. You make your decisions; sometimes you screw it up, and you rebuild, or you don't. But this is differ- ent. I am now operating with investor money and someone else's dream. Every decision is important, and there is much account- ability. I am confident Soluboard has a future in our industry. I love this industry. My wife always asks me why I'm still doing this, but I have a love affair with this in- dustry. I just wish I were a little younger with what's going on with AI. It's an exciting time. Steve, it has been great talking with you. Good luck with everything you are striving for at Jiva. I hope it is very successful. Thank you, Marcy. It's been a pleasure. I-CONNECT007 " Every decision is important, and there is much accountability. I am confident Soluboard has a future in our industry."