Welcome to the “Material Handling Helpful Tools Series”. This series will blog spotlight many different material handling professionals and provide helpful information for the material handling industry. Our goal is to introduce you to individuals and websites that can improve your success in the industry. Today, we will meet Steve Schmidt from Starrco.
Tell us a little about yourself:
This January I will be married to my wife Dana for 20 years. She counts the previous 6 years we dated…I do not. Together we have 3 children. Outside of work we spend as much time with them as possible, because let’s face it, the older they get the less time they want to spend less with us.
Hannah and Elissa both attend Ursuline Academy in St Louis. Drew goes to Immaculate Conception and plans to attend Vianney High School in the very near future.
Hannah, 17 is a beautiful singer and interested in the performing arts. Elissa, 15 is a sports nut – currently diving for Clayton Diving Team. Drew, 13 is a seventh grader still figuring it out. He’s ALL boy!!
Outside of work I enjoy the outdoors; wing shooting and fly fishing are my favorite things to do.
What is your role in the organization?
My role at Starrco is National Sales Manager. It’s a new position for me so I’m still trying to find my sea legs, but I’m getting there.
How did your career path land you in this role?
It’s funny how things work out…. I started at Starrco 20 years ago working on the shop floor – more or less part time while attending school. After school, I worked at MSD in St. Louis, as a Stationary Engineer. That was a second shift job, so I found myself back at Starrco working part time. Basically, I did this to have something to do during the day.
It wasn’t very long before I accepted a full-time position with Starrco as an Assistant Plant Manager. Then I worked as Plant Manager for about 10 yrs. After that, I moved into sales where I found my passion. I have been a Regional Manager for about 8 years and just recently accepted the National Sales Manager position.
What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
The most exciting thing about my job has been meeting new people and helping them solve the challenge of their unique applications. I have made so many friends in this industry and continue to build on that in my new role.
What makes you (or your business) unique and sets you apart from the rest of the industry?
Starrco is a unique place to work. We have a great culture that sets us apart. Our employees are genuinely concerned and driven to help our dealer-partners solve their problems and help them with special applications.
What are the biggest changes you see in the industry in the future?
The biggest change I see for the Material Handling Industry is the application of technology in the workforce. The Millennials coming into our workforce approach and learn things differently than employees of previous generations. We need to embrace the differences and empower the learning styles of this generation in order to keep our organizations fresh and relevant.
What is one tip or bit of advice that you can leave with our readers?
If there is one tip or piece of advice I can share it is this: Keep a good attitude. With a good attitude nothing is insurmountable!
Phoenix, AZ 85009