David Shaw, COO of Winshaw Hydraulic Tools, serves as a distributor of Hi-Force Hydraulic Tools, focusing on the Houston area and Gulf Coast market. Shaw is using the experiences he has had overseas in his day-to-day activities at Winshaw to provide customers with successful solutions, which create successful projects. BIC Magazine recently visited with Shaw to learn more about Hi-Force, traveling overseas and his extensive project management experience.
Q: What led to your position at Winshaw?
A: For approximately 10 years, I worked overseas in heavy construction and offshore, installing platforms and pipelines. I utilized Hi-Force Hydraulic Tools for these projects. That’s when I learned Hi-Force was looking for business partners in the U.S. I decided to make the move and partner with Hi-Force to distribute its tools in the Gulf Coast. This was an ideal fit for me, and I’ve been working with Hi-Force for more than two years now.
Q: What is the biggest news at Winshaw right now?
A: Hi-Force is having a global meeting in the spring, where it will be unveiling its new product lines. Hi-Force recently launched a new range of hydraulic torque wrench pumps. The TPA and TPE range of air- and electric-driven pumps complement Hi-Force’s existing range of bolting products, which provide effective and safe bolting solutions to a wide variety of industries.
These torque wrench pumps have a high-speed, three-stage design, which provides a faster flow at mid-range pressure. The pumps’ multioutlet, four-way design allows for up to four hydraulic torque wrenches to be used simultaneously, providing an even compression of the critical leak-sealing gasket on flange joint connections.
Hi-Force is also experiencing tremendous growth. It’s a global company, and its success has supported our activities in Houston and throughout the Gulf Coast. We have inventory and local technicians here in Houston to serve customers.
Q: What is the most important part of your position?
A: You really have to talk to the customer and find out what he’s facing, the situation and the application he is addressing. You have to engage with the customers to find what they’re facing on a fine level and how they’re going to use the equipment. It is important to support them through the selection, installation, operation and maintenance of the equipment. I’m focused on producing a solution for a customer that fits his exact needs.
Q: What has been the most pivotal moment of your career?
A: A pivotal moment in my career came when I was working offshore overseas. These were pretty harsh conditions in terms of supply and availability, and we had to be self-reliant. I’ve been in this kind of situation several times where you’re working in a construction situation in a foreign land and you’re far away from immediate help. You’re up against a tough situation and you really learn how to persevere and assess the situation critically to find successful outcomes.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A: “Experience is the hardest teacher because she gives the test first and then the lesson.” I’m taking the experiences, hardships and difficulties I’ve learned from my own projects and putting those lessons into practice when it comes time to help my customers be successful in their projects.
For more information, visit www.hi-force.com or www.winshawhydraulictools.com, or call (832) 540-3831.
