Tags: David Lefko, Who’s Who Series
Throughout our 48 years, The Macomb Group has acquired and cultivated some of the best talent in the PVF industry. The Who’s Who Series aims to shine the spotlight on these icons whose years of expertise and experience have proven to be invaluable in our growth as a company and whose legacy will help the future of this company.
Our Who’s Who Series continues with David Lefko. David has worked in the PVF industry for over 30 years and much of that was with Mechanical Supply in Charlotte, North Carolina in outside sales. About nine years ago, The Macomb Group acquired Mechanical Supply and David along with it. Today he continues to work at our Charlotte location in outside sales as well as serving as the Branch Manager. While he was set to retire at the end of 2024, he graciously decided to stay on a little longer to help start a project at the request of a customer. That’s what we call true dedication! He has generously offered up some insight to the longevity of his career and the PVF industry itself.
Q: How did you get into the PVF industry? How many years have you been in the industry?
A: I have basically been in the PVF business since I was 16 years old. My first summer job was working for a Rural Water Works district installing water mains. I worked for them in the summers and during school for eight years all through high school and college. After graduation I went to work for ITT Grinnell, a manufacturer of PVF products, and have been working full time in the PVF industry ever since.
Q: Was there a mentor or someone who helped show you the ropes when you started out? What’s the best piece of advice they gave you?
A: There have been numerous people that I learned from. Almost everyone in my career has taught me something, from the people in the warehouse, to outside sales. They all had something to offer.
Q: Sometimes we learn the most when things go wrong. Do you have an example of that in your career?
A: If you are doing anything you will make mistakes. The biggest thing is to get the mistake straightened out as soon as possible.
Q: What advice would you give newcomers entering the PVF industry?
A: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are not sure don’t just send an e-mail. Pick up the phone and call the person and ask the question. Many times, one question leads to another and it’s easier to ask multiple questions personally than firing off lots of e-mails. The other thing is that you must be able to think “outside the box.” Many times, there is more than one way you can do something. Helping customers come up with solutions will gain you a customer for life. The last thing is that I will always return phone calls. Even if I am on vacation, I will return a call. I can’t always do what they need but I will find a way to take care of them. That is how you develop loyalty.
Q: What would you say has changed the most since starting in the industry?
A: Technology.
Q: What do you think has made you most successful in your position?
A: I have always tried to be honest with customers. Sometimes you must give them an answer that they will not like, but that they will respect you for in the long run. That is when you have to try and figure out another way to resolve their problem. If you can help resolve the problem, they are usually very grateful and will come to you in the future.
Q: What has kept you in the industry for so long?
A: I have developed long lasting relationships with customers, and I really enjoy working with my customers. This is a “people business” and when you deal with people for 30+ years you develop some great relationships.
Q: What is different about The Macomb Group? What makes them the best choice for the customer?
A: Our vast capabilities. The Macomb Group has a wide variety of resources, and we are able to help customers in many different ways. Having so many different products allows us to offer customers so much more than just pipe and fittings.
Q: What is one of your favorite customer success stories?
A: When I first went into outside sales there was a local steel mill that I could never get in the door to do any business. One of my contractors was doing a shutdown over Thanksgiving and the mill had purchased the wrong material. My contractor called me on Thanksgiving Day, and I met him at our warehouse and got him the correct material. I had to do the same thing the next day. Ever since then I have been doing business with that mill for some 30 plus years now. My customers have always come first, and it is important to make things happen when they are in need.
Q: What would you tell the younger version of yourself when you were starting out based on what you have learned over the years?
A: I am not really sure I would change anything. I started in inside sales and worked my way to outside sales. I really believe people that do inside sales first make the best outside sales people because they understand what the inside person has to do and what the warehouse has to do, so they really have a good understanding of how things have to work in order to serve the customer.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: I enjoy being with my family doing things outside. I hope to play a little more golf in my retirement and do a little more traveling.
Q: Is it true you are known as an “Icon” in the PVF industry?
A: I don’t know about that, but I guess the biggest compliment is when people you used to work with and now work for a competitor will tell customers to call you because they have no idea how to help them with a specific problem and refer their customers to you.
About The Macomb Group:
The Macomb Group is a leading wholesale distributor of pipe, valves and fittings. Founded in 1977, the company now has 30 service branches and over 700 employees in 11 states including Michigan, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The Macomb Group serves a diverse mix of end markets, including automotive, food and beverage, general manufacturing, hospitals, schools, power plants, and general industry.
For more information, please call (888) 756-4110 or visit us at www.macombgroup.com.
