Welcome to the “Material Handling Helpful Tools Series”. This series will blog spotlight many different material handling professionals and provide helpful information for the material handling industry. Our goal is to introduce you to individuals and websites that can improve your success in the industry. Today, wee will meet Neil Dixon of 3D Storage Systems.

1. Tell us a little about yourself? Interests Outside of Work, Family, Pets, Hobbies, Entertainment, Special Talents…? 


I currently live with my girlfriend in Holland Landing, ON, which is a suburb of Toronto.  I have always been a huge sports fan, in my spare time I enjoy playing hockey, baseball, and golf (though I do have a love/hate relationship with golf).  I also enjoy cheering for the local sports team, mainly the Toronto Maple Leafs.  

 My girlfriend and I enjoy travelling when we can, we just returned from our first trip to California and had a blast.   As far as special talents go, the first one that comes to mind is my ability to sleep on planes.  When travelling with fellow employees they’re always impressed how I can sleep right through the take-off and landing, without moving a muscle.  Whether I’m flying to the West Coast or New York City, I’m thankful they both seem the same length.

2. Neil, what exactly is your role in the organization at 3D Storage Systems?

My title is U.S. Business Development Manager for 3D Storage Systems.  My role is to service and maintain our current dealer network, as well as actively seeking new accounts where it is required.

3. How did your career path land you in this role?

It was not planned as I’m sure is the case with a lot of material handling professionals, but I couldn’t be happier how things have turned out.  I was 21 years old,  fresh out of college and looking for a sales role.  The first handful of job interviews I went to all had the same advice, come back when you have sales experience and we can talk.   This is when I saw an ad in the local newspaper for a sales role at 3D Storage Systems.  They were willing to take a risk on a rookie salesman and I’m grateful they did.

4. What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
 
The most exciting aspect and the part I enjoy most about my job is meeting different dealers. I always enjoy meeting dealers for the first time and trying to come up with new ideas to suit their particular needs.  Although material handling dealers can have similar characteristics, no two are the same.  They all have very unique qualities that need to be catered to.  I really enjoy finding creative ways to better support my customers based on how they operate.

5. What makes 3D unique and sets you apart from the rest of the industry?
 
I think our most unique quality is the level of service we provide to our dealers.  A lot of companies claim to have great customer service, but what do they do to make that statement true.  We believe in getting our dealers answers right away.  If you call 3D you will be greeted by a 3D representative who can provide answers, we do not believe in automated greetings.  All 3D representatives are proficient in Auto-Cad, quoting, delivery/shipping questions and install procedures.  In other words, if you call you will get a definitive answer to your problem or question.  We turn around quotes in 24 hours, assist on sales calls at the dealers request and most importantly we get the job done right.  We do not believe in taking any short cuts.

6. What product do you feel has the biggest impact on the flow of products and is often overlooked? 

I think pushback is one of the most underrated First In First Out (FIFO) products in this industry.  Customers view it as a Last In First Out system (LIFO) and automatically assume it will not work for their  products.  The biggest user of pushback is the food industry, which stores the most time sensitive products.  The obvious question is how is this possible? It’s simple, all you have to do is you unload the oldest lanes first.  Within each pushback lane, pallets will be the same sku/date code and therefore which individual pallet is unloaded first is irrelevant as long as you unload the lanes oldest to newest.

7. What is one tip or bit of advice that you can leave with our readers?

Find what motivates you.  From my own experience, I’ve found once you’re motivated to reach a goal or a desired outcome, the effort/work required to reach them comes with ease.  I apply the same concept to my career. 

WPRP would like to thank Neil for taking the time to help us out and tell us a little bit about himself.
Make sure to follow and connect with Neil on Linkedin and feel free to contact WPRP with any questions you may have 888-578-1579 or e-mail.