As CEO of StoneAge, Kerry Siggins has been key in building the company’s global presence through new product development and distribution expansion. Her passion lies in human dynamics and leadership development. Siggins also sits on the board of the Water Jet Technology Association (WJTA). BIC Magazine recently visited with Siggins to learn more about how she is continuing to build StoneAge as an innovative company and the importance of understanding different personality styles.
Q: What led to your position at StoneAge?
A: In 2006, I moved to Durango, Colorado, from Austin, Texas, where I worked for Eaton Corp. in sales and operations. Once in Durango, I learned StoneAge was hiring a general manager. Ultimately, the founders and management team decided I was their top candidate due to my passion, drive and, as they put it, I didn’t have a lot of bad habits to unlearn (I was just 28 at the time). I was named the CEO in November 2009 and was voted by shareholders to sit on our board.
Q: What are the goals of your position?
A: My goal is to continue to build the ownership culture at StoneAge. We are an employee-owned company and that makes a difference in how we conduct business. Every product is delivered meticulously, not because it’s our job but because we are invested. I aim to make StoneAge the go-to company for water cleaning solutions and technical advice. I envision us solving the industry’s toughest issue (going hands-free) with our automated waterblasting equipment. At the same time, I want to provide an unmatched customer experience, continuously improving how we deliver products and support our customers globally. I also strive to move the industry forward by advocating for the development of a more comprehensive training program to better equip operators to handle the dangers of waterblasting. I am fortunate to be able to do this through both StoneAge and the WJTA.
Q: What is the biggest news at StoneAge right now?
A: We are very proud of all the new products we are introducing to the market. We are particularly excited about our new ABX-2L Flex Lance Tube Cleaning System and the Striker Portable Remote Shotgunning System (coming this summer). Both of these products will be market changers as they are high-performing, simple, intuitive designs that we believe are better than anything currently in the market. These are both great examples of products that were designed with the user in mind, focused on safety, portability and effectiveness.
Q: What is your biggest lesson learned?
A: My biggest lesson learned is the importance of understanding my own working style and how it integrates with the style of others. My personality type is one that drives change to get things done. It’s a great asset, but it can also produce unintended results if it doesn’t connect with the recipient. Understanding different personality styles has enabled me to balance my drive and passion with analysis, compassion and active listening in order to communicate effectively and keep things moving forward.
Q: What is your best management tactic?
A: I am working on mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback. This is one of the hardest, most important aspects of managing. We all need feedback to improve as employees and as people. Giving feedback has to be caring, direct and honest, and delivered so it’s heard and actionable. I’m also committed to receiving feedback with grace, gratitude and action as I want my employees to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
For more information, visit www.stoneagetools.com or call (866) 795-1586.
