When did you start with HGR, and why?
I started with HGR back when it all began – 1997. I was presented with an offer to leave the company that I had been working with (along with 11 others) and be part of something new – something great. So, I started with HGR, and we “Hit the Ground Running.”
What is your territory, and what do you do on a daily basis?
I do not have a territory. My territory consists of anyone/anywhere who has surplus to sell! I help manage the procurement of all that we sell. What I do is twofold. First, I manage seven of our regional buyers. I work with them daily on making sure we get everything out of opportunities that are presented to our company. The second part of what I do is to build and maintain relationships with larger corporations that continually have surplus equipment/material that they need to move.
What do you like most about your job?
It may sound cliché, but each day is different in that each opportunity we work on is different. Every deal we work on has its challenges and issues that need to be resolved. My job is to figure out options and look for ways we can achieve the goals of not only HGR, but that of our customer, as well.
What’s your greatest challenge?
Working remotely with each of our buyers and our consignment partners. Technology has certainly helped with managing and making things much easier to review. The challenge is working remotely and not seeing firsthand what exactly the issues are that need to be resolved. The best way to overcome this challenge is to jump in the car or on a plane and go meet personally to help overcome the challenge. Travel, in and of itself, can be a challenge.
What’s your most interesting moment at HGR?
This is a loaded question. Probably best to keep this to a conversation over a beer after hours one day. Keep in mind, I work with the Buy Group. It is made up of a cast of characters. There are some interesting stories to tell!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
All things related to my family. I am very lucky in that I have a great wife and awesome kids. As my kids have gotten older, my wife and I realize that we need to do whatever we can with the time we have and enjoy our time together. With my schedule, I do miss out on things. My kids understand this, but they know I make every effort possible to spend time with them. Everything else is secondary.
What else should we know about you?
As stated above, I have worked with HGR since Day 1. I started out as one of our regional buyers and moved into management/ownership a few years later. My wife and I have now been married for 22 years and have two kids. My son is 17, is a senior in high school, and is working on figuring out his next step in life – where to attend college. My daughter is 13 and is in the eighth grade. They both are very active in school and various activities. For those who do not know, I live in the Great State of Michigan. For you Buckeyes, do not worry. I am not a fan of that team out of Ann Arbor (NOT a fan at all!). I do live about 45 minutes north of Ann Arbor, but that is really my only association with the school that resides there!
Anything I missed that you want folks to know?
I want all at HGR to know that I certainly appreciate all that they do to make HGR a success. I am not at HGR’s Euclid office often, but, rest assured, I hear about and take notice of the great things they do to make HGR a success.
What a beautiful picture! What is the bridge in the background/ location of photo?
That’s the Mackinaw Bridge on the lower peninsula side (Mackinac City, MI). It spans five miles and connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.