Don Rossignol, Inside Technical Sales
Don, how long have you been working at Ohlheiser?
It's coming up on 25 years.
Give us a highlight of what's happened during your 25 years at Ohlheiser.
I started in 1986, later that year my youngest daughter was born. Since then all three of my children have graduated from college, with two of them going on for their Masters Degree. When I started, we were a small organization with only 5 of us, including the original owner Bob Ohlheiser. I did Inside Sales, but also handled shipping and receiving and helped with technical support. The company has since moved 3 times to larger facilities as it grew and now we have about 33 employees.
How did you get involved in industrial automation, what is your background?
When I got out of the Air Force, I went to school for electrical and mechanical drafting and design. Then I worked full time at an industrial distributor while I went to school nights and got my degree in Marketing and Management. That eventually led me to Ohlheiser Corporation.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy woodworking and various remodeling projects. More recently I have gotten into stone work. I recently finished a large outdoor fireplace. It was part of a 3 year project which also included a stonewall and patio. Being at a desk most of the day, I enjoy the physical nature of working outside on these projects.
What are some key lessons you have taken from your career thus far?
Product Knowledge: There are constantly new products and technologies to learn about. The more you know the better you are at your job and the more you can help your customers. I really like working with customers on the phone and helping them and product knowledge is the way I can do that. This also is useful as I support our outside sales force.
Do you have a favorite Sports Team?
The New York Yankees. I'm kind of outnumbered in the office, but I have always liked the Yankees.
You mentioned the Air Force, what did you do when you were in the Air Force?
I spent 4 years in the Air Force where I was a loadmaster on a C141 Cargo Plane. As part of the air crew I was fortunate enough to fly all over the world and to almost every U.S. state.
We traveled all over Europe and Southeast Asia and to Vietnam many times. In fact during the Vietnam War we often brought injured soldiers back to the states. An experience I will never forget is transporting President Nixon's limo on various domestic and international trips.
- Thanks to Don for sharing a little about himself and we look forward to spotlighting his co-workers in the month's to come.
