MBN USA

November 02, 2022

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Marino helps level playing field for MBEs

By Georgeann H. Ikuma

Many professionals in today’s workforce see supplier diversity and inclusion as just another part of the job. For Tony Marino, vice president of strategic sourcing for Ericsson’s North American Market Area, however, it’s personal. 

In addition to managing $1.7 billion in supplier spend, which enables Ericsson to effectively support both the company’s internal and external customers, Marino also sits on the board of directors for the Dallas Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council, where he co-chairs the mentorship program. He believes that leveling the corporate playing field should not be positioned as an obligation, but rather, prioritized as an opportunity to help others succeed. 

“A good portion of how we get work done is through our suppliers — they’re part of our DNA,” he said. “I didn’t attend an Ivy League school with opportunities awaiting me upon graduation. Instead, I worked hard and had to go out and get them myself, little by little, over time ultimately paving the way for where I am today. For me, supplier diversity programs mirror my experiences breaking into the business world, sometimes you just need an opportunity.”

Marino’s early years in the banking industry formed his perspective and passion for the use of diverse-owned businesses as suppliers. 

“Bank of America really valued and was an early champion of supplier diversity programs because our customer base was very diverse,” Marino said. 

His extensive background in procurement and technology includes leadership roles such as vice president of procurement for Informatica Inc.; head of procurement for BMC Software Inc.; manager of global indirect supply chain for Hess Corp.; and senior vice president of supply chain for Bank of America Corp.

“Throughout my career, my sourcing group kept up to date on supplier diversity best practices and how they were critical for brand recognition, driving revenue growth, and contributing to the overall health of our communities.” 

Mentorship in the making

Under Marino’s guidance, the DFW MSDC mentorship program is getting underway. 

“Our intention is to bring together the skill sets from marketing, finance, technology and others from large corporations to help the smaller businesses break through a plateau or solve an issue, whatever the case may be,” said Marino of the mentoring initiative. 

Its purpose is to provide a rich learning experience for minority suppliers that results in enhanced and impactful engagement with mentor-buying corporations leading to business growth in any industry. 

Marino likens the program to the television show, Shark Tank, where someone may have a great idea but does not know how to operationalize it, or they may have some operational success, but struggle to make it a more tangible business opportunity. 

“We have tremendous skill sets in our mentees and we’re finding mentors, or sharks, to help them break through whatever barrier they may be up against,” he said. “We have been very deliberate and intentional in properly matching them up by trying to marry companies that make logical sense.”

Marino said larger companies often find it hard to find an emotional investment, but he hopes to change that.

“Helping or assisting companies with great ideas is really important to me and it comes naturally,” he said. “All small, minority-owned businesses with a passion for delivering a great product deserve an opportunity. We just need to be there to add a little gas to the fire.” 

To learn more about DFW MSDC, visit dfwmsdc.com.