MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
The people who work at MHI and its WERC division are the gears that keep the association moving. They ensure MHI continues to be a valuable association and resource for people involved in the industry and do so with wit, competence and a smile on their face. The goal of this column in MHI Solutions magazine is to give readers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at MHI and “meet” the people who make it a successful hub for everyone involved in the material handling industry.
For this issue, Rick Dawson and Samantha Smith give us a peek into what they do, how they do it, what drives them and what makes them happy after a long, productive day at work.
Rick Dawson
Membership Experience Manager
Why were you attracted to MHI and to this industry as a career choice?
I have been in and around manufacturing since 2012 and absolutely love this industry. Pretty much everything we have and do is a result of manufacturing and seeing what MHI brings to the table got me very excited. In my prior roles, the part I loved best was making sure members were well‑served and excited to be a part of the organization. This job is a perfect fit!
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
I bring a passion for the industry as well as a love for people. Getting members excited about the benefits of MHI membership is very fulfilling because they don’t know what they don’t know. My job is to give them the tools they need and my passion for the industry is infectious.
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in your role at MHI in the next year?
Being new to this role, my goal for 2025 is to ensure that the members in my region are visited and given the opportunity to be heard and well served. My goal is to increase member retention in my region, knowing that my members have a voice and their needs are met.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
My team and I are literally writing the SOPs for this position because it is a new role. My greatest sense of accomplishment is knowing that our team is making an impact on the industry through our work and others in the future will have a footprint for success based on our work.
Do you have any unique skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
I’ve been singing since I knew how to talk. Over the years, I’ve performed for audiences of more than 10,000 and have done recording work as well. I started acting at the age of 12 and have performed in close to 30 shows over the years. Music and performance are my passions.
If you could transport back in time, what would you tell your 15‑year‑old self?
Don’t listen to outside voices. You are worthy and are capable of great things. Work hard, believe in yourself and take the future with both hands, but always remember to give back.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending quality time with my family. I have three adult children and an eight‑month‑old grandson who are my world. Any time I get to spend with them is always amazing. I am very blessed.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
Amalfi Coast in Italy. I’ve been to Italy four times now and can’t wait to go back again. The incredible coastline, art, food, culture and people are all amazing. The beauty of that country has literally brought me to tears, in awe of everything there. If you haven’t been, you are missing out.
Samantha Smith
Membership Coordinator
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
I think the best skills I bring are top-notch customer service and organization. Customer service is our top priority at MHI, and I absolutely love being able to take care of our members. In my role on the membership team, organization is a must with all the moving parts involved in my everyday tasks.
Who are two people you admire in the industry and what have you learned from them?
The two people I admire in the industry are Christy Dula, MHI chief experience officer and digital technology officer, and Chelsea Liston, MHI membership development manager. They are both hardworking, successful women and have taught me so much. I look forward to all the things they will teach me in the future to help me become successful as well.
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in your role at MHI in the next year?
I’d like to learn more about the industry as a whole and be more engaged with our members. I look forward to attending events where I can develop deeper relationships with my colleagues and members so I can be a better employee and team member.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
Being able to help a member with an issue or teaching them more about their member benefits gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I also feel accomplished when I am able to finish more than I had planned to get done for that day.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I am happiest spending time with my husband, Josh, and our two children, Olyvia and Jacob. They bring me the most joy!
What would your perfect dinner entrée include?
My perfect dinner entrée would have to include oysters, crab legs and tacos. All are my absolute favorites!
Do you have a favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday would have to be Christmas. We have a big family and growing up we had so many amazing traditions that I now get to do with my children.
Has anyone ever truly surprised you (in a good way)?
The day my husband proposed was the only time I have ever been truly surprised. I am a planner, so it is difficult to surprise me, but I had no idea what he had planned and that he had incorporated my whole family into the proposal as well!