3 QUESTIONS:

SWANSON GROUP’S CHRISTY McDOWELL

THIS MONTH, The Merchant Magazine begins a new series of brief interviews with extraordiary members of the industry, beginning with Christy McDowell, 50+-year sales veteran with Swanson Group, Glendale, Or.

The company was founded in 1951 by her father, Rod Swanson, and uncles Dean and Harry Swanson. Dean’s son, Steve Swanson, currently serves as CEO, overseeing facilities in Glendale, Roseburg and Springfield, Or.

1 Tell us about your start at Swanson. Did you work directly with your father and uncle?

McDowell: Not at first. When I started full time in 1972, I was in my 20s. They called me back just to answer the phones. I’d been in an accident. My neck had been broken, and I’m a quadriplegic. So they called me back just to answer the phones, and I got bored real quick. So it worked into typing invoices and bills of lading for the railroad—we did not have computers back then. I only had use of my left hand, so one-fingered typing.

In the 70s when everything shut down, we used to take turns, working two weeks on, two weeks off, and do whatever was needed—payroll, accounts receivable. I became a jack of all trades.

I tried to stay away from (mov- ing into) management because of the fact that with my disability I can’t travel and it could be difficult trying to go into places. It seemed like I could get there, but then couldn’t get into the building. So I stayed away from management and, until the company could find another salesperson, I moved into sales when my brother left the company.

I’m still in sales. I’ve cut back to where I’m just basically the lowgrade side. I have banker hours.

2What have been the greatest challenges over the years? There couldn’t have been many women in lumber sales in the 1970s.

McDowell: No, there were not. But actually, all the guys I met I’d already been talking on the phone with them through my brother. It wasn’t that hard of a transition. Everybody was very upfront and cordial, so we didn’t really have a problem.

For myself, there weren’t any challenges that I couldn’t overcome, and the company has helped me in many ways.

Technology in production has increased, and Swanson Group is always trying to improve and be among the best in the industry. We are proud of our product.

The mills have grown. The mills are faster. Low-grade is only about 4% to 5% of our production, so I can have a pretty laid-back visit with my customers.

3 What’s the most important lesson your father and uncle instilled in you?

McDowell: My dad always stressed customer relations and that honesty is the best policy. Always be up front with our customers. If I can’t do something for you, I can usually find somebody else who can.

I’ll probably keep working, as long as my health will allow me and my husband doesn’t get too ornery. He’s retired and he wants to know when I’m going to retire.

– Send suggestions for future interviews to David Koenig at dkoenig@526mediagroup.com.