Welcome to Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast! In this episode, our host Jacob Edmond sits down with David Fairbanks, President of Microvellum and an industry expert with a passion for education and an eye for technological advancements in the millwork industry. They delve into the challenges faced by millwork businesses, the changing landscape of the industry, and the vital role of leadership in successful technological implementation. David shares his journey from environmental engineering to joining Microvellum during a tumultuous period, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and the entrepreneurial nature of the millwork industry. Together, they explore the evolving demands of the industry and the misconceptions surrounding sales, providing valuable insights for both industry professionals and those aspiring to be part of the millwork world. Get ready for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the unique blend of craftsmanship and technology in the millwork industry.
About Our Guest:
David Fairbanks is a resilient and adaptable professional who stepped into a challenging role in an unfamiliar industry. He joined a struggling company that had outsourced its sales and service, and navigated the complexities of the business relationship. Despite the initial success, the landscape had changed over time, presenting David with a difficult situation to manage. Through determination and strategic thinking, he was able to revitalize the company and drive it towards success once again. David’s ability to navigate through tough situations and find solutions has made him a respected figure in the business world.
What You’ll Learn
- The challenges and opportunities of navigating change in the millwork industry as discussed by David Fairbanks of Microvellum.
- The impact of slow technological advancements and resistance to change in the industry, and the potential for businesses to excel through a blend of craftsmanship and technology.
- David Fairbanks’ unconventional career path, including experiences in environmental engineering, purchasing, managing assembly processes, and ERP implementations.
- The importance of top-level leadership involvement in successful technology implementation, as well as the challenge of promoting leaders based solely on technical skills.
- Insights into effective leadership strategies for implementing technology, including involvement, learning, understanding, delegating, and coaching.
- Advice for career growth, emphasizing problem-solving and adding value rather than focusing solely on reaching higher levels in the organization.
- The significance of staying technical early in one’s career and leveraging expertise to facilitate discussions across industries.
- The entrepreneurial nature and blend of craftsmanship with technology in the millwork industry, as well as the importance of seeking companies that foster individual growth.
- David Fairbanks’ experience at Microvellum during a rough period, including challenges with outsourcing sales and service, and his role in turning things around.
- The misconception of sales and the core principles of providing solutions, making the customer the hero of their story, and the company’s vision of creating extraordinary things with ease.
More from our Guest:
Follow Us On:
More from DuckWorks Millwork Solutions:
Share The Love:
If you like Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast …
Never miss an episode by subscribing via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or by RSS!