Austin Meek is the local territory manager for RL Hudson in Broken Arrow. We spoke with Austin about his time here and how he fits in at RL Hudson.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a former US Navy Gunner’s Mate (GM1 SW) and thanks to the blessing of the G.I. Bill I was fortunate enough to earn a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. It may sound a bit trite, but I genuinely enjoy helping others find solutions to their challenges with the “value add” as my priority. Sailing all over the world I have learned that the earth is much smaller than it seems and that there is ample opportunity for us to help others.
I’ve been with RL Hudson for over two years now and I plan to retire from here. This is my dream career and I’m working for my dream employer. The Hudson family’s values are strong and align perfectly with my own. Together, we add tremendous value to our customers, and I know that I am appreciated.
Austin has many words of wisdom but his favorite is probably “Champion today, speak truth but provide grace. Smile and help others do the same”.
Tell us about your experience as a Territory Manager at RL Hudson?
Identifying and maintaining strong relationships is the most rewarding part of my job. Healthy partnerships help me better understand our customer’s form, fit, and function requirements to successfully engineer / build exactly what our customers need with respect to their application. Outside of our network I’m able to use my manufacturing experience to identify areas of value for our customers, often serving as a catalyst for introducing proven technologies into new markets thanks to RL Hudson’s diverse offerings.
Please discuss what being a Territory Manager entails?
My principal role here at RLH is to strengthen existing and build new partnerships, never wavering from our core values and mission statement.
What types of businesses does RL Hudson service?
Our offerings are very diverse.
Waterworks, electrification, HVAC, marine, industrial equipment, firearms accessories, consumer goods, filtration, power generation, powersports, outdoor products, oil & gas, medical, medium/heavy duty truck, construction, appliance, and the list goes on.
What sets RL Hudson apart from other plastics and rubber manufactures?
Our relationships go well beyond customer/supplier. It is important for us to be an integral part on helping our customers in achieving their specific goals. RL Hudson & Company encourages “making above and beyond seem ordinary”. One recent example is where our shipping/receiving team stayed late to process a customer’s order then very early that very next morning our Lead Account Manager was back onsite to personally facilitate the loading of a Territory Manager’s truck to hotshot a pallet’s worth of parts the nine-hour (round trip) drive to a customer’s facility to prevent a line down situation.
What is the process for you bringing on a new customer at RL Hudson?
It is important that we partner with other companies that our cultures align. We want to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves and we are experts at due diligence, ensuring that we can supply our clients’ needs with the highest quality materials, top of the line equipment, technology, and rock-solid engineering.
What are you passionate about?
I value relationships above all else.
CORE VALUES
- We work hard, play hard, and laugh often
- We are passionate about our relationships and partnerships
- We take pride In what we do
- We make above and beyond seem ordinary