Jon, can you tell us about your career journey and how you became the Director of Sales & Marketing at Nicopress?
My career began in chemical engineering, and over the years, I transitioned into sales and marketing. I initially worked with De Nora, where I was the Sales & Marketing Manager for the Oxygen & Specialty Anodes Group. There, I had the opportunity to reengineer marketing efforts, develop new approaches, and position the brand to excel amid heightened levels of post-patent-protected competition. This role was pivotal in shaping my understanding of global business development and sales strategies. I then moved to Mayfran International, where I headed a team of sales managers and led significant growth initiatives. In September 2019, I joined Nicopress as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Nicopress, a company with over 120 years of history, offered a unique opportunity to apply my skills in a well-established, yet innovative, environment.
What strategies do you use to enhance customer satisfaction within the Nicopress community?
We place a high emphasis on regular, personal contact with our key accounts. This involves in-person visits, phone calls, and prompt follow-ups on website inquiries. It's about building relationships where customers feel supported and valued. This face-to-face interaction helps build trust and comfort, distinguishing us from competitors who might only communicate via email. Moreover, our strong customer service ensures that when customers call, they get to speak with a person, not an automated system. For our customers, this immediate human connection is crucial in resolving their issues quickly and efficiently.
In your opinion, how does Nicopress differentiate itself from competitors?
I believe our commitment to customer service and product quality is hard to find. We receive frequent positive feedback for our responsiveness and reliability. For instance, one of our distributors in Florida mentioned how they hadn’t seen a competitor’s sales rep in months, whereas we make it a point to visit our distributors regularly. This personal engagement builds trust and loyalty. Furthermore, our return rate on products is incredibly low, which underscores our commitment to quality. Whether it’s for entertainment rigging, utilities, or medical applications, our customers know they can rely on us for consistent, high-quality products.
How does customer input influence product development at Nicopress?
We actively engage prospects through video conferences to discuss their needs. These sessions often involve the engineering team, our general manager Chris Watkins, and me. This direct engagement allows us to understand customer requirements deeply and tailor our product development accordingly. We also attend industry-specific conferences and give technical presentations, which provide us with valuable insights and feedback.
For example, we recently presented at the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) conference, where we received direct feedback from industry professionals. This particular conference was incredibly insightful. Our presentation focused on how our products can be used in suspended scaffolding, a critical application area for ensuring the safety and reliability of access systems. We showcased our latest innovations and shared detailed case studies demonstrating successful installations.
The audience, which included engineers, safety inspectors, and project managers, provided immediate and candid feedback. They asked questions about the performance, durability, and safety features of our products. Some even shared their on-the-job experiences and challenges, which gave us a clearer understanding of the practical issues they face. This direct interaction was invaluable; it not only validated our current product design and features but also highlighted areas for potential improvement and innovation.
Moreover, during the networking sessions, we had one-on-one discussions with several key industry leaders who offered suggestions on how we could further enhance our products to meet evolving safety standards and regulatory requirements. They appreciated our technical expertise and our willingness to listen and adapt. This feedback loop is crucial as it helps us stay aligned with customer needs and industry standards, ensuring that our products remain at the forefront of safety and efficiency.
What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?
The diversity and complexity of our industry make it incredibly engaging. Our customer base spans various sectors, from utilities and military to entertainment. Each market presents unique challenges and opportunities. I particularly enjoy working with our technical team, who is always coming up with innovative solutions to complex problems. The camaraderie in our office is another highlight. Our engineers are not only experts in their fields but also fun to work with. They often bring fresh, creative ideas to the table, making every day exciting and fulfilling.
What interests or hobbies do you enjoy?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about reading and fitness. I enjoy cycling and weightlifting, which help me maintain a healthy work-life balance. Staying active keeps my mind sharp and ready for the challenges of the day. Additionally, reading allows me to continuously learn and expand my knowledge, which I can often apply to my professional life.
In closing, what’s important for readers to know about Nicopress?
That our products are used in critical applications across various industries, and we pride ourselves on the exceptional reliability of our offerings. Our consistent product quality and technical expertise have been honed over decades in solving countless challenges, ensuring that we meet our customers' critical needs effectively, not just as a supplier but as a partner committed to their success.
Thank you, Jon!
Jon is ready to assist you with all your Nicopress needs. Email him or call 216.361.0221.