Ian Baynes from A.W. Chesterton Company seizes the moment to become one of the industry’s strongest advocates

One of the best aspects of Empowering Pumps is the connections and conversations I have with people throughout the industry. I gain some incredible insight into the future and direction of the pump industry. I’m always amazed by how our individual experiences shape our contributions to the industry as individuals and as corporations.

I recently had the chance to talk with one of my favorite guitar-making, scuba-diving friends, Ian Baynes, about the pump industry and how his experience is helping develop the next generation of pump technology.

Ian, Director of Global Marketing for AW Chesterton Company in Groveland, MA, is responsible for all aspects of marketing for Chesterton: Strategic planning, Product Development, Marketing Communications, Training, and Public Relations.

A.W. Chesterton Company operates in over 100 countries around the world and is recognized as a leading international provider of knowledge backed solutions, customized programs, and hands on expert service for Rotary, Stationary, and Fluid Power equipment platforms; supported by a comprehensive line of industrial fluid sealing systems, high performance protective coatings, and specialty industrial lubrication.

A guiding force in Ian’s career was his relocation to the US from his home country of England in 1999. Leaving his comfort zone started with a conversation with his manager about challenging himself in new and different ways. Little did he know his manager was willing to help him with his request. Within a year, Ian was relocating to the US.

Once in the States, Ian quickly learned the value of flexibility and adaption to a situation. Life is not scripted so it’s important to approach each day as a new adventure and embrace what’s in front of us.

Ian tells me that the, “The experience has not always been positive, but its always been exciting… taking me places I could only ever dream of going… introduced me to some of the most amazing people. During the process, my career was turned upside down and in so many directions that I am now fully prepared to adapt to almost any situation now. So I now look forward to my next adventure, whatever or wherever that me be!”

A strong believer in managing your own career, Ian advocates setting objectives and set a course. One of Ian’s favorite sayings is “Stop looking at your feet, if you don’t look up and decide where to go, you will end up somewhere you don’t want to be.”

There are just times when we all need to pick up our head, seek where we want to go, and start walking with conviction to our future. Sometimes, it helps though to have that reminder.

Chesterton is a 130yr old company that started on the Boston waterfront as a ship chandler for steamship supplies. Interestingly the companies DNA is the same today as it was then… serve the customer where ever and whenever they need it, improve process reliability, and reduce emissions loss.

In the next 10 years, the pump industry will see more innovations that improve pumps, motors, sealing system and other components of the pump systems…. with the objective of driving smarter energy consumption.

Studies have shown that pumps around the world are responsible for 10% of world electricity consumption. As a result, the US and countries throughout Europe are looking at legislation to improve pump efficiency and lower energy consumption. Companies like Chesterton will be leading the way.

Companies like Chesterton who develop solutions that help industry, will continue to evolve and grow in the 21^st Century. Chesterton is actively fighting to stay in front of the key issues that are directly impacting its customers and the industries they serve. The company is a strong advocate for the industry by actively participating in many of the world’s leading trade, industry, and standards organizations such as the FSA, ESA, HI, VMA, and API. Participation offers the company a chance to advocate for changes that will positively impact the industries and customers. The company embraces its leadership role by letting its actions speak more than just its words.

For the innovations of tomorrow, the pump industry will turn to a new generation of engineering and marketing talent. Ian adds that now is the time to make a huge impact on an industry that is traditionally slow to embrace change. Imagine the impact of a reduction of 1% in energy consumption… huge global impact.

This is a great time to enter the industry because there is so much going on that you will be able to capitalize on as you start your career. Chesterton, like many other companies are seeing two dramatic shifts.

First, the company is transitioning to working more holistically with its customers to sell solutions…not just products. And the second shift is embracing the power of social media in their marketing efforts. Empowering Pumps has been working very closely with Chesterton in the last few years to help the company fully leverage social media into its marketing programs.

These are interesting times for the process industries we know and love. Our actions can inspire others to ensure that we continue to lead help our customers and solve some of the worlds biggest challenges.

I want to close with a great reminder from Ian that its only business so be positive and above all have fun – you’re going to spend the majority of your life working so make sure you are doing something you really enjoy!