On today’s episode of What The Duck?, we welcome Buyer at Chromalox, Rochelle Newman. Rochelle started her career in the medical industry, where she focused on supplier relationships due to the small community of vendors that supplied their specific materials for their devices. Now, in her role at Chromalox, she’s more focused on sourcing materials. Listen Rochelle’s conversation with Sarah to learn how to find alternative suppliers for hard-to-source parts and materials. They discuss everything from the why’s to the how’s of working with alternative suppliers. Show Highlights Learning How to be a BuyerThe Nuances of Working in the Medical IndustryLeveraging Overseas Suppliers for Parts & Materials Maintaining Relationships with Suppliers Joining a Group of Broadly Experienced Individuals Sourcing Sensors, Controls and ThermostatsStruggles of Forecasting a Year Out Time Management and Task OrientationThe Why and How of Getting Alternative Suppliers Ins and Outs of Supplier ApprovalSupplier Onboarding and Managing  MOMENTS TO DUCK AROUNDROCHELLE: The Importance of Having Alternative Sources“It’s really important that we get new suppliers, for the exact reason that this one company, in particular, that we use just cannot get their material in. And so, now I’m left trying to pick up the pieces after the problem has already come down. Whereas if I’m being proactive and finding alternative sources beforehand, that probably won’t ever happen.”  ROCHELLE: Prioritizing & Building Supplier Relationships “Nowadays, a lot of communication is just over email. It’s not a ton over the phone like it used to be. And also, keeping in mind that, most of the people I’m talking to are not the problem, if that makes any sense. They’re just the messenger. If I just try to be polite and kind with them, they’re more likely to work with me. Keep the line of communication up as much as possible.” Connect with Rochelle and learn what she’s been duckin’ Rochelle Newman | Chromalox Connect with Sarah and find out more about what the duck she’s up to:LinkedIn | Twitter | SourceDay | SourceDay.com Had fun with the podcast? Leave us a like, share our content, and subscribe! See you soon on the next episode of What The Duck?!