Q: How did you get started working in your field?
James: As a son of an auto mechanic, I had the desire to learn how everything worked. “Getting my hands dirty” was the way I was brought up. As a young boy, If it had wheels, I was taking it apart and rebuilding it to make it faster and stronger. In High School, I took an Engineering course, in which my instructor suggested that I study Mechanical Engineering in college. While attending the University for Akron, I co-op with a major tire manufacturer. Through this experience, I learned I was not fit for a desk job and desired to be in the field working with customers to solve problems. For the last 12 years, I’ve worked as a technical sales engineer, still getting my hands dirty alongside customers and building systems to be faster and stronger.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
James: I love most the friendships that are developed by working with colleges and customers all over the world. As a young sales engineer, I had a mentor that constantly reminded me that “people buy from people”. I build relationships based on trust and transparency. Partners will always get the real me, and that is what I’m most proud of (other than my kids of course).
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
James: The best advice is to be on time, and do what you say you will do. Being the best salesperson is not about having an answer to every question, but being honest and reliable. A career in technical sales is rewarding and the opportunities are endless.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
James: I’m currently working on an innovative technology that advances wastewater lift stations to be safer, healthier and combat challenges we see with modern trash loading. The project, The OverWatch Direct In-Line Pumping Technology, is a deviation from the common method used for pump lift stations for many decades. The advancements in modern technology, machine learning and remote communication no longer require a need to retain sewage or utilize submersible pumps. Recognizing that wastewater retention is the root cause of pump stations issues like ragging, FOG development, odor, allows us to reimaging the design of a pump lift station. The OverWatch Direct In-line Pumping Technology is the most intelligent and maintenance-free lift station design for the future.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
James: I’m an open book and a sponge. I enjoy speaking with anyone whose willing to teach me through their experiences. Reach out to me via my LinkedIn to connect.
Check out Industrial Flow Solutions’ youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaIeqZzJi6mNO91pRkmgJCQ
THANK YOU, JAMES! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
KNOW AN AMAZING PERSON WHO IS MAKING VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN INDUSTRY? NOMINATE THEM TO BE AN “INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE WEEK”!
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