Will Booth
I was born/grew up in: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada (born and raised)
I now live in: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
I completed my training/education at: St.FX University (BA), University of Western Ontario (MSc), McMaster University (Business Admin), Mohawk College (Industrial Distribution)
Describe what you do at work.
It is my job to make sure each of our operations is running effectively and efficiently. I make sure that employees are getting the training they need. I also work with others as we deal with customer complaints or issues, customer contracts, and vendor negotiations. I have a team of Operations Managers that all deal with the day-to-day business at their location. My job is to take care of the corporate culture and big-picture. One of the best aspects of my job is creating new business opportunities through either new markets or products.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
How does your job affect people’s lives?
The fluid power industry is so diverse and that is what makes it so interesting. We have customers in the agricultural, industrial, automotive, food and beverage, and construction industries. It is neat to walk into a public place and see a product we sold in use there. Often it is not a direct sale, but you see the end result.
What motivates you in your career?
Change motivates me. Everyday is a different and everyday a new opportunity presents itself to better our business, our industry, and me personally.
When I was a student, I would have described myself as someone who:
Describe your career path to this career.
This was a family business. It was not what I was expecting to get into, but glad I did and wish I had sooner. My education was in Kinesiology. I was in Nova Scotia for my undergrad and London, Ontario for my Masters. After I finished my Masters I decided I wanted to move back home (Cambridge) and get into the family business. I had worked there my whole life during summer and holidays so it was comfortable.
What activities do you like to do outside of work?
I still love to be active in sports - hockey, flag football, exercise. My passion is my family. Swimming lessons, gymnastics, and all kinds of activities that keep me busy with them.
What advice or encouragement would you give others seeking a similar career?
There is great opportunity in this field. Not a lot of people have knowledge in this field. One of the biggest challenges we have is finding people with fluid power knowledge. Get in and you'll be needed.