4 minute read
The Culture That Leads to Cutting Edge
Q&A with Seth Bray, CEO, PennAir & The Conrad Company Holdings, LLC
BY KATIE MAHONEY | CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
PennAir focuses on their associates, and their culture, to lead the way in cutting-edge technology and creative solutions. We talked with Seth Bray, CEO of PennAir and The Conrad Company Holdings, LLC, about what this means for all their companies – including PennAir, but also the growing collection of manufacturing, distribution, and service & repair brands including Allied Hydraulic Service Co., Capitol Tool, Compressor Maintenance Company, GreasePoint, Hanover Conveying Systems, Lubromation Inc., and Valley Fluid Components.
Q: How would you describe the focus & culture of PennAir?
First and foremost, our focus is on our Associates. We believe that by putting them first and listening to their feedback, we can provide the best possible service and support to our Customers and Suppliers. Whether a large manufacturing operation or a small business, we strive to meet customer expectations.
Our culture and Core Value are one in the same: We KICK@$$ for One Another, Our Customers, Our Suppliers, and Our Community.
"Few communities have the history and commitment to manufacturing that York does. It is a city filled with incredible industry diversity and scope, fueled by hard-working and innovative people." - Seth Bray, CEO
Q: Given the nature of the technology industry and demand for innovations, how do you remain cutting-edge and forward-thinking?
We remain cutting-edge and forward-thinking by not being afraid to break $h!t. In our pursuit of growth, innovation, and dependability, we are ready, willing, and able to embrace risk. This often leads to CHANGE which is both a scary word and an often-uncomfortable concept. What we have discovered is this: we take risks, we break things, we fix things, and ultimately, we make everyone and everything better than before.
Q: What are some of the challenges or opportunities in the manufacturing industry, as it results in innovative technology?
The main challenge in the manufacturing industry as it results to innovative technology today is available labor. It has become increasingly difficult to hire and retain people willing to do the dirty, dull, and dangerous tasks associated with making things. The opportunity comes when the jobs done by these folks can be automated and streamlined, allowing them to shift into roles that are more rewarding, and less, well, dirty.
Q: Is there a particular innovation you are exceptionally proud of, and why?
The innovation I am most proud of and energized by is the creation of The Conrad Company Holdings, LLC. Under this umbrella resides an ever-growing collection of manufacturing, distribution, and service & repair brands to include Allied Hydraulic Service Co., Capitol Tool, Compressor Maintenance Company, GreasePoint, Hanover Conveying Systems, Lubromation Inc., PennAir, and Valley Fluid Components. These brands focus on helping people in manufacturing and construction KICK@$$ so they can focus on what matters most and leave work, at work.
Q: Why do you choose to be headquartered in York, and why do you see that as a benefit?
We choose to be headquartered in York because in 1968 our Founder, Jim Conrad, saw potential and opportunity here. Few communities have the history and commitment to manufacturing that York does. It is a city filled with incredible industry diversity and scope, fueled by hard-working and innovative people. We have remained in York because what was true in 1968 remains true today.
Q: What does the future look like for your company?
Different. Growth. Opportunity. I don't have a definitive answer to this question. Let's just say I'm putting considerable effort into pushing traditional industry boundaries and curating new opportunities.
