Matthew Gwin
Product Manager
Matthew Gwin (a.k.a. ‘Matt’), one of Waldner North America’s (WNA) product managers, oversees both product planning and product marketing for the company. Read on to learn more about his career at Waldner and what life is like for Matt off the clock.
Q: What specific duties does your job position entail?
As a product manager, I help establish branding and sales goals and maintain relationships with customers to ensure their machines will work efficiently long-term. I also prospect potential customers, contact and manage leads and manage projects through the sales cycle.
Q: Where did you work before your current position?
Before working at Waldner, I was a mechanical design engineer at a packaging OEM for a couple of years. Following that role, I was a territory sales manager for a year in the woodworking industry.
Q: What made you want to work at Waldner North America?
When I was in the woodworking industry, I was missing the technical aspect of working for an OEM. This need inspired my job search, and at WNA, I was able to use my technical skills to help customers in an industry that I know and like. More than that, WNA has great people and a great culture. Everyone here operates with honesty and transparency, both internally and with customers. We are invested in the success and growth of the company, and we all look out for each other and help each other out when needed.
Q: What is the most exciting part of your job?
I love problem solving! I love learning something new and am constantly being both a resource and student for customers. When I can learn about the customer’s process and find a solution that solves their issue, it gives me a great feeling. These processes are complicated and involve highly technical machines, and I am happy to help customers learn more about them.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to work in your industry?
Be a sponge for learning and be humble. Never think you know more than someone, because there is always a reason for people to solve their problems in their own way.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or guilty pleasures outside of work?
I enjoy jiu jitsu, making wooden bowls and crafting homebrew beer!
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always said I wanted to be an inventor or a Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop.
Q: What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
Matches, water and a knife. Is that too boring? If so, I’d take my cat, the Harry Potter series and a book of Sudoku puzzles.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the future with your career?
I would like to become a sales director, and eventually open my own brewery.
For more information, please contact:
ABOUT WALDNER NORTH AMERICA
