Jan Morr, Regional Sales Manager at House of Threads and Vice President of Women in the Fastener Industry discusses her everyday role, changes to the industry, and how young women and men can get involved in fastener associations...
How did you get into the industry?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Professional Concentration in Accounting. I was persuaded by the Vice President of a steel distributor to come work for them in the steel distributor industry and the rest is history. That led me to the structural bolt manufacturing industry and now working for the largest bolt distributor in the world, Wurth. Most of my career has been focused on the structural steel industry such as bridges, structural buildings.
What does your day-to-day job involve?
I am responsible for five States, so right now that includes a lot of traveling. I am the Regional Sales Manager at Wurth Construction Services, Midwest Division – Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin & Kentucky.
What are the biggest changes you have seen in the industry and/or the company since you started?
Raw material price increases are the biggest challenges currently in the fastener industry. In fact, the entire building industry is facing skyrocketing prices. With that comes supply issues in a time where there is a great push for infrastructure. Wurth has some very great vendor partnerships and so far we have been able to weather the storm and still able to provide excellent service and delivery.
Can you share some of your career highlights and milestones so far?
One of my career highlights would be working for the largest bolt supplier in the world, Wurth Industries. I am also Vice President of Women in the Fastener Industry. We mentor and educate women through scholarships and training. This is by far the most fulfilling experience of my career seeing these young women thrive in the fastener industry.
What is your favourite thing about the fastener industry?
My favourite part of the fastener industry is the lasting friendships made in this industry. Someone told me 11 years ago that once you work in the industry, you never leave. I truly believe that the fastener industry is exactly that, a lifetime career.
What do you think needs to be done to encourage more women to get involved in the fastener industry?
The fastener industry offers many associations for all young men and women to get involved. There is the Young Fasteners Association, and also for women in particular is Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI) which I sit as Vice President on the Board. We are very involved with women of all ages new to the fastener industry and everyone already working in the industry. If you are a woman working in the fastener field, please look us up at www.fastenerwomen.com, and take advantage of all of the free seminars and scholarships for training that we offer.
Any final thoughts?
My favourite part of my position as Regional Sales Manager at Wurth Construction Services, and any position I have ever held, is business development. I enjoy getting out there, letting the industry know who we are and what we provide. Wurth Industries truly believes in building partnerships in this industry and providing excellent service, and that is something very unique these days.
This article was first published in Torque Magazine. Don’t get the mag? You can apply for a free subscription online today. Or take a look at back issues in the Torque Magazine archive.
