We return this week to our conversation with Sales Manager for Vacuform and Transportation Marty Roberts, where we learn about his hidden passions and most useful habits.
Why work for Morbern? What makes them stand out?
Morbern offered an opportunity for personal and professional growth similar to what working with textiles in mattresses provided me. In my career in seating, I have worked with nearly every material and process of making a seat, except vinyl. Learning the ins and outs of a new product was an exciting opportunity, and the transition to Morbern also kept me in the industry I have been a part of for so many years. In my role at Morbern, I am the supplier to several companies I have worked for in the past. The ability to continue fostering long-established relationships in the industry is rewarding on both a personal and professional level. I knew my predecessor in this role, Rich Ostriker, for 10 years, and when he asked if I would be interested in taking over his job, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Morbern stands out because they provide a quality product with excellent customer service, and that’s a team I was excited to join.
How are Morbern’s vinyls superior to other products in the marketplace?
Morbern’s products stand out to me in terms of innovation. Prior to joining Morbern, I had heard people say that “vinyl is vinyl.” Sure, there may be some similarities, but I have learned that each customer has a unique set of requirements to ensure their product meets the needs of their customers. Morbern has been able to develop product characteristics and features to meet those needs, whether it is for durability, feel, environmental conditions, processing, or others. The knowledge and skill of the team in Cornwall are truly fantastic and this has allowed Morbern to stand out in the marketplace in so many ways.
What are you currently reading?
“How Not to be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking”, by Jordan Ellenberg. (My wife wasn’t thrilled when I first showed her the title.) Jordan is a Math professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and this book really resonated with me. He shows how math can be used in everyday situations to help us understand and guide us in making decisions. It is a fun and fascinating read and I find it enlightening.
Do you have any quotes that guide you in business or in life?
That’s simple–it’s the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a music lover and have an eclectic taste in music. My Spotify playlists are a collection of heavy metal, jazz, classical, country and slack key guitar (Hawaiian music). I am also a bluegrass lover through and through and even play the banjo. I grew up attending bluegrass festivals with my parents and started playing banjo when I was about 10. I peaked at 12 when I had the chance to play on stage with Rhonda Vincent, an American bluegrass singer and member of the Grand Ole Opry. I still play the banjo today, but not as often as I would like.
What habits have you purposefully developed that have served you well?
I find that staying organized and following up with people are habits that have served me well over the years. Keeping up with both is hard, but making them a priority does help maintain continuity
What do you consider your greatest business accomplishment?
My greatest business accomplishment is having maintained good working relationships and friendships in the seating industry for over 30 years. It has opened doors and opportunities for me professionally and makes my day-to-day work a lot of fun as I get to visit customers and former employers in my current role.