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| Don Chance is prepared to help MHEDA members weather the economic storm. "In times like these, be aggressive and make sure to deliver real value to the customer base." |
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Don Chance (joined MBOA in 2008)
President, Yale Materials Handling since 1998
Industry Experience: 38 years
MBOA Goals: To provide guidance to support the continued strengthening of the retail distribution network while reinforcing the importance of a positive working relationship with suppliers.
Maximize Membership: The keys to being part of any association are the networking and exchange of ideas and best practices that occur throughout the year at the various functions. MHEDA does an outstanding job of creating a forum for informa-
tion exchange.
Economic Advice: It's important to adjust spending and right-size your business to current market conditions. Understand customer needs and provide services to support them. Sales development is very important because you will be the beneficiary of that effort as the market recovers.
Spare Time: I enjoy being associated with sports either as a participant, spectator or coach. I like golfing, fishing and watching football and basketball with my family.
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking for family and friends at our beach house in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, on weekends. It's always a great time, particularly when we extend the cocktail hour.
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| Steve Johnson hopes to bring a positive outlook to this year's MBOA. "An economic downturn is not to be wasted. Use the time to focus on making your company better," he says. |
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Steve Johnson (joined MBOA in 2008)
Vice President of Sales at Nashville Wire
Products since 1999
Industry Experience: 15 years
MBOA Goals: To provide a unique industry perspective. As a supplier sales executive who spends much of my time talking to distributor salespeople, I understand the challenges and opportunities of both sides.
Maximize Membership: No matter what your business is, it is vital to stay in tune with your industry through professional networking. I can't think of a better forum from which to learn and test ideas than a group of your peers who are out there fighting the same battles as you.
Economic Advice: An economic downturn is a great time to separate yourself from your competitors. Work the phones, keep showing up and visit your major accounts. Sales may be down, but customers still want to know their vendors remain strong and ready to serve them.
Spare Time: When I'm not working, I spend time with my wife and two daughters, ages 10 and 7.
Fun Fact: Before I started in this industry, I actually had hair.
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| Jeff Long is ready to help MHEDA members face the challenges of 2009 head on. He says, "In a challenging economy, taking advantage of MHEDA programs is more important than ever." |
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Jeff Long (joined MBOA in 2009)
Vice President Sales/Service, EnerSys since 2003
Industry Experience: 34 years
MBOA Goals: Like many MBOA advisors before me, I hope to get more members of the material handling industry active in the association.
Maximize Membership: It's important for members to become aware of and stay active with the various MHEDA offerings. The more member activity, the stronger the offerings can become.
Economic Advice: I urge all members to use MHEDA programs. There may be less support in such areas as training that traditionally come from the manufacturers. The same holds true for managing in a difficult economy for dealer managers. MHEDA can help address these needs and more.
Spare Time: I try to spend as much time as I can with my family while my two teenage sons still think I'm not an embarrassment.
Fun Fact: I can juggle. Numbers, tennis balls, my schedule, etc.
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| Knowing the power of networking, Kevin O'Neill offers MHEDA members valuable advice: "Get involved this year! MHEDA's Annual Convention is a great opportunity to network and learn." |
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Kevin O'Neill (joined MBOA in 2007)
Vice President, Steele Solutions since 2004
Industry Experience: 14 years
MBOA Goals: I would like the MBOA to truly be the voice of all Supplier/Associates in MHEDA and help improve their relationships with distributors through better communication.
Maximize Membership: From MHEDA-NET to educational offerings, there are many ways to participate without spending much money. I believe strongly in
the personal networking that occurs at Convention; it's a one-of-a-kind event for our industry.
Economic Advice: Promote a positive attitude. Spreading gloom and doom may cause customers to worry about your company's stability and do business elsewhere.
Spare Time: I have four beautiful children (they look like their mom, thank goodness) ranging from 5 to 12 years old. I coach them in baseball, basketball and football. I am a big believer in the life lessons that sports can teach.
Fun Fact: Most people would be shocked to know that I actually like quiet time to myself. Normally, I am a big loudmouth, but I do enjoy a long drive or flight to clear my mind—and get ready for the next conversation I can dominate.
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