As executive director, North America Sales and Marketing at MSA, Dave McArthur has a lot to be excited about. Not only is he heading a newly reorganized unit of the company, but MSA is also celebrating its 100th year. BIC Magazine recently visited with McArthur to learn more.
Q: What is the biggest news in MSA right now?
A: We are pioneering technologies that will not only provide a distinct advantage over our competitors, but most importantly, will benefit our customers and ultimately change the landscape of our industry as it currently exists today. These breakthrough products can be as basic as a more comfortable hard hat suspension design that will encourage greater compliance and improve worker efficiency or as technically advanced as the most innovative gas sensor design available in the industry today.
Also, 2014 marks a significant milestone for MSA as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. Moving forward, we will continue to pursue our vision with an unsurpassed commitment to integrity, support and ingenuity that creates value for our customers.
Q: What is your favorite sales approach/marketing tool?
A: Our vision, “To be the world’s leading provider of safety solutions that protect workers when life is on the line,” comes through in all that we do. Our continued focus on providing a superior customer experience by delivering those high-quality products, combined with support services unparalleled in the marketplace, provide compelling components to our sales approach. However, MSA offers so much more; as a trusted adviser, we develop a “safety partnership” with our customers in their quest to protect their workers.
Q: Are you looking to grow in new markets or expand in current ones?
A: It became clear as the shale gas market started to flourish, a new economy built on oil and gas production was starting to gain momentum and could lead to a boom in manufacturing as energy prices drop. Our commitment to safety products designed to protect workers in these extremely dangerous environments seemed to be a clear fit. With that, we have refocused our sales and marketing efforts to provide products and services that enable us to capitalize on opportunities as they unfold in this burgeoning industry.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: I am proud that MSA takes a long-term view of our customer relationships. For us, the professional relationships we have established over many years have become personal and are deeply valued.
At MSA, we make a difference in people’s lives. We strive to ensure workers return home safely to their families each and every day. What’s more, we improve efficiency and productivity. This, coupled with the fact that each day brings new challenges and opportunities to utilize creative problem solving skills, keeps it fresh for me, even after nearly 30 years with MSA.
Q: What has been the most pivotal moment in your career?
A: My recent appointment to lead our North America Sales and Marketing Organization was the most pivotal moment for me. Previously, Sales and Marketing operated as two separate entities, and at that time, I managed our North America Sales Division. But in an effort to improve responsiveness, enhance customer communication, improve functionality and better align talent with market opportunities, we reorganized to create a single, cohesive unit. With one clear overriding strategy and collaborative objectives, we are much more focused as a team on our direction.
For more information, visit www.MSAsafety.com or call (800) 672-2222.
