1. Name, title and how long you’ve been at Specialty Manufacturing Co.

Nate Gerdes, Director of Sales and Marketing, 5 years at The Specialty Manufacturing Co.

2. What is your role at the company, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I oversee our Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service Departments. A typical day involves quickly responding to customer requests and addressing new product or application questions. We take great pride in personally answering phone calls and emails. You can call us and get personalized expertise from our Technical Sales and Customer Service staff. We also understand that we sell all over the globe. Our valve configurator is available 24/7 to assist Engineers in finding the exact need for their application.

3. What aspects of our culture do you find most rewarding or unique?

We are a very nimble company and can deploy resources to assist our customers with their needs. Whether that being increased production capacity, engineering assistance, or general customer service. We check all of those boxes and then some. We are truly a customer first focused company.

4. What is a project you’ve worked on that you are proud of? OR Are there any initiatives or projects you’re currently excited about?

I have enjoyed assisting in rejuvenating our forecasting process to help improve our 98%+ on time shipment metrics. Happy customers make us happy.

5. Is there a colleague or mentor who has had a significant impact on your career?

I take great pride with our current leadership that takes a “customer first mindset.” We live our values and mission statements daily.

6. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in manufacturing?

We have fantastic benefits at Specialty Mfg. Co. I would consider our total package (401K, benefits, etc..) and a good company culture when looking for your next career.

7. If you could switch roles with someone at Specialty for a day, what role would you want to try?

I’m always fascinated with our production and shipping processes. Our manufacturing and assembly team produces quality products in a timely fashion and our shipping team gets product out the door to meet or exceed customer requirements. They are the heart and soul of our company.

8. What’s something about you that most people at the company might not know?

I have been in the fluid motion (valves, pumps, etc..) industry my whole career. My previous two employers are and still are valuable Specialty Mfg. Co. partners.

9. Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy anything to do with water. Whether that being fishing, boating, or selling valves to water related applications.

10. Favorite place you’ve visited?

Florence, Italy.

Interested in a career at The Specialty Manufacturing Co.? View our current openings.