Charlie Davidson
Charlie Davidson, Sales Manager, Chicago Tube & Iron, St. Paul, MN
From warehouse team to manager. Believes his entry-level experience made him a better Salesperson. Proud of his team’s success.
Almost 30 years ago, joining his dad in the metals industry, Charlie Davidson accepted a warehouse position at Chicago Tube & Iron’s Duluth, MN branch. “Working with my dad kept us both on our toes and aware of how well we were each performing,” Charlie says.
He quickly moved into the sales department, beginning in Inside Sales, then moved to Outside Sales. He was promoted to Assistant General Manager, then General Manager for the Duluth location, one of CTI’s smaller branches. When Duluth consolidated with the St. Paul, MN branch (a larger branch than Duluth), Charlie became the Sales Manager and he’s been in that position for about seven years.
“All of the jobs I’ve had at CTI gave me valuable experience that provided the perspective I needed to be a better salesperson. By the time I was quoting work, I knew the right type of business to look for that best suits our branch and helps us be more successful,” he explains.
“Charlie has a work ethic like no other,” says Mitch Patterson, General Manager at CTI’s St. Paul branch. “He is the first to arrive to the office and the last to leave at the end of the day. He has a positive attitude, is hardworking, committed to winning and one of the most selfless employees at the branch. He is always willing to work with any and all departments to better the Company.”
When asked what he’s most proud of during his three decades with CTI, Charlie responds, “It’s hard to choose one thing. It’s more about watching the team have success – when the lightbulb comes on because someone ‘got it’ or sharing what I know to help others learn more. It’s the process and the bigger picture, not the things you do to get there.”
A big part of that process is working with the team – whether it’s your department, branch or Company – we’re one team. For that reason, Teamwork is the Core Value that Charlie feels he best represents. He says, “Teamwork is the biggest one for me. It’s important to make sure we’re all moving in the same direction.”
“At the end of the day, I can be mentally tired, but the stability of the Company and our encouraging work environment lighten the load on the tough days. We have a really good staff here with an appropriate amount of office fun. The newer workforce brings an enthusiasm and eagerness to learn that’s nice to be around,” says Charlie.
For the foreseeable future, Charlie looks forward to continuing to grow the business and preparing employees to be future leaders at CTI. Three pieces of advice he offers for building a great career with the Company are 1. be kind, 2. work hard and have a great work ethic, and 3. be honest.
