Tags: Who’s Who Series
Throughout our 47 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 Steve Dixon. Steve grew up surrounded by the PVF industry so he naturally ended up in it. His father is Dick Dixon, whom we’ve previously featured in this series. Dick works in inside sales at our Livonia branch. Together with his father, Steve had a hand in opening The Macomb Group’s first expansion and helped pave the way for our burgeoning growth. Today Steve works in our headquarters in Sterling Height as a quotations manager and 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 began working in the warehouse of a metro Detroit wholesaler during the summers while I was in college. That was 37 years ago.
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: My mentor was and still is my father. He has been in this industry for over 60 years. He helped instill in me a strong work ethic as well as the value of establishing strong and lasting relationships with coworkers, customers and vendors.
Q: Sometimes we learn the most when things go wrong. Do you have an example of that in your career?
A: I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years. I have found it is always best to just own up to them, do your best to rectify the situation and keep moving forward. When you try to hide them, you tend to compound the situation and make things worse for everyone involved.
Q: What advice would you give newcomers entering the PVF industry?
A: Always give 100% effort and try and learn as much as you can each and every day. Whether it is sweeping floors, pulling orders or helping customers, your level of commitment and professionalism will show through. There are many opportunities in this industry, and you never know when a new door will open, so you have to prepare yourself for every opportunity.
Q: What would you say has changed the most since starting in the industry?
A: Technology. The ease with which we can share information with our customers, coworkers and vendors is unbelievable compared to 30 years ago.
Q: What do you think has made you most successful in your position?
A: My commitment to doing the best job possible for The Macomb Group and our customers. I work in our corporate quotations department, and we take pride in providing timely and accurate quotes to all our customers.
Q: What has kept you in the industry for so long?
A: The relationships. I am lucky enough to work with some of the best people in the industry at one of the best companies around. Over 30+ years in this business has allowed me to forge valuable professional and personal relationships that I will value for the rest of my life.
Q: What is different about The Macomb Group? What makes them the best choice for the customer?
A: The people. Macomb is still under 1st generation ownership, and they know what it takes to do each and every job in the company because they have done it themselves at one time or another. It has also helped them identify and attract some of the best and brightest in the industry.
Q: What is one of your favorite customer success stories?
A: There really isn’t one that stands out to me in particular. Each time we land a project with our customers, our goal is to help them meet their deadlines and come in on or under budget. Anytime we can do that and be profitable ourselves, I consider that a win for everyone.
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: Roll with the punches and don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the wins and learn from the losses.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: Spending time at home with my family, golfing, and hunting.
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.
