We're constantly inspired by the talent and dedication within our team, and this week, we're excited to showcase John Fiorini, whose fantastic work has truly made them stand out!
John's here to give you the scoop on being an Inside Sales Specialist at FCX Performance with his professional insights, personal passions, and maybe even a fun fact or two that you wouldn't know about him!
What is your current role and what does a typical day look like for you?
I work as an Inside Sales Specialist. My day typically starts with strong coffee, early morning email reviews, quick quotes and orders handled, and checking in on projects. After that I'll work through tougher problems, spec work, and discuss solutions for our customer's problems with OSR's and manufacturers.
After lunch I'll review completed actuation orders from the shop for accuracy and address any actuation issues we face that day. Mid-afternoon is dedicated to any new quote requests and orders that have come through. I set aside the end of the day to address any pressing issues or work on CAD drawing requests. I'm usually one of the last to leave for the day.
How long have you been with the company, and what initially drew you to your position?
Come September, I'll be celebrating 12 years with the company. I began my journey here in 2013 as a part-time valve technician and assembler.
The job was around the corner to my college and had good flexibility for my class schedule. Through the years, I came to appreciate the work environment and the people I had the pleasure of working with every day. This connection motivated me to pursue higher positions, ultimately leading me to where I am today.
What project or accomplishment are you most proud of?
My first year as an Inside Sales associate I took on a project working with a local engineering firm that we had difficulties winning jobs from. Against the inital advice given to me, I pushed to take on and complete their request. We ended up winning the order and project.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people I work with, both in my office and within the multiple branches of FCX Performance, are some of the most friendly, knowledgeable, and honest folks I know. They are 90% of the reason I work at here. The other 10% is continuous learning, trying new things, and then leveraging that knowledge to overcome our daily work challenges.
How has your role evolved since you started?
I started as an actuation technician and assembler, which meant turning bolts, testing valve actuation packages, and calibrating positioners. Now, I've moved into specifying, handling construction arrangement, and choosing parts for those same packages, both for my own work and for our team members.
I've also taken on large sourcing projects, learned basic machining, handle CAD drafting requests, train newer ISRs on shop and actuation procedures, and take care of a few other odd duties as needed to keep our office moving.
What skills or traits do you think are key to success in your role?
I don't have a big secret here: The ability to learn and the ability to identify, discuss, and work with a team to solve problems are the two most important skills that have brought me success in my past and current roles.
Who has been a mentor or major influence in your career and why?
There are two people who without their guidance I would not be where I am today: My Operations Manager, Jamie Rouse and our Inside Sales Lead, Angie Evans. Both their experience and their leadership have given me insight to problems I'd otherwise consider outside my skill set. Whenever I need guidance, they have never left me without an answer to a problem blocking my way or a path to a solution I needed.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?
I kayak regularly when the weather is good.
Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl?
Coffee, Lots of it. Night Owl, mostly because of the coffee but also, I enjoy the quiet and cool air.
What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
I am looking forward to personal home projects I have planned through the rest of year. I bought my first home at the tail end of 2024, and I keep finding things I want to build, change, and paint.
John's insights offer a look into what it means to be a valued member of the FCX Performance team. His story highlights not only his impressive professional evolution and commitment to tackling challenges head-on but also the incredible camaraderie and collaborative spirit that define our workplace. We're incredibly proud to have stars like John on our team, continually pushing us forward.
