RBB, a trusted leader in electronics manufacturing since 1973, is proud to recognize three dedicated team members whose combined tenure with the company totals more than a century of experience. Together, engineers Cheryl Thompson, Dave Thomas, and Jeff Fankhauser represent 102 years of service — a milestone that reflects both personal commitment and the strength of RBB’s roots as a locally founded electronics manufacturing services provider.
Cheryl Thompson – 26 Years
Cheryl Thompson joined RBB in 2000 as a Test Technician and quickly earned the respect of her colleagues. Within a year, she was promoted to Test Manager and later advanced to Production Manager. Over time, her responsibilities expanded to include engineering scheduling, job routing, document control, and quoting — core functions that support RBB’s fast and flexible service model.
Cheryl has also stepped in across departments — from purchasing and scheduling to test operations — whenever needed.
Today, Cheryl plays a central role in the quoting process, using her familiarity with job specifications and procedures to help maintain the speed and accuracy that customers rely on. Her attention to detail and strong work ethic continue to make her a trusted resource across the organization.
Dave Thomas – 41 Years
Dave Thomas marks 41 years with RBB this September. Over four decades, Dave has seen the company grow and evolve while maintaining its focus on quality and responsiveness. His long-standing technical knowledge and understanding of RBB’s equipment and processes have helped shape many of the processes that remain in place today.
Dave’s steady presence and practical problem-solving approach have made him a respected figure within the company and a reliable partner to customers.
Jeff Fankhauser – 35 Years at RBB, A Career Within the RBB Family
Jeff Fankhauser’s history with RBB is unique. He first joined the company in November 1977. In 1984, he transitioned to Do It Control Systems Group, a sister company founded by RBB co-founder David Bayer. When the business was later sold and reorganized, Jeff returned to RBB in 1998.
While his direct tenure at RBB totals 35 years, Jeff has spent his entire career working within the extended RBB family of companies — contributing to the broader legacy established by its founders.
A Legacy That Started in Shreve
RBB was founded by three electrical engineering students from Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University who shared a vision of building an electronics company in their local community. The founders — David Bayer, Barry Romich, and Dick Beery — purchased property together in Shreve, Ohio, just south of Wooster, where they built a workshop and established their operations.
As the company evolved, Bayer and Romich each went on to develop and launch their own product-based businesses, while Beery continued to lead RBB as an EMS provider. One of those businesses ultimately became PRC-Saltillo, which remains a valued RBB customer today.
In 2000, current owner Bruce Hendrick joined the company and later acquired RBB in 2004, continuing its focus on serving clients with responsiveness, flexibility, and technical expertise.
Experience That Matters
The combined 102 years of experience represented by Cheryl, Dave, and Jeff is more than just a number. It reflects decades of problem-solving, process development, and customer partnership — but even more, the stability and continuity that RBB brings to every project.
To learn more about RBB and its customer-first approach to electronics manufacturing, visit www.rbbsystems.com.
