In his own words: Thomas Woods, Confectionery Products Sales Manager, Molded Fiberglass Tray Company
What or who fueled your interest in manufacturing?
I always had an interest in how things are made and how things worked.
What is your current role in manufacturing?
My role is to obtain the orders to support our manufacturing. My current position is Confectionery Products Sales Manager. This product line is our largest and is our most international.
Describe your path to get to where you are today.
I first started working for MFG during the summer while in high school. I continued working summers for a few years and then returned to MFG in 1976 and went to work in the mix room and then the maintenance department. In 1991, I moved into the sales department and worked in the various product lines such as our food service, industrial, and confectionery product line. Confectionery is our largest and my primary focus.
What is your Superpower?
Due to my experiences over the years in both ends of the business, both serving roles in making our products and also selling our products, I have lots of institutional knowledge that is helpful to our team.
Why is your role important to others – like to customers or end users?
A sales person’s role is not only to sell product, but to provide solutions and impart any knowledge that may help our customers and end users better utilize our products. Likewise it is important to pass this information on to my coworkers so that they can also do the same.
What do you think the future holds for your career or others you inspire?
I am closer to the end of my career than the beginning, but I believe that it is still very exciting and fulfilling. All jobs are what you make of them and if you approach them with a good attitude you will soon find them to be very fulfilling.
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