Gescan welcomes Joe Owen as Regional Director of Alberta. In his new position, Joe is excited to prepare Gescan to be the top commercial and industrial distributor in Alberta. “I see Gescan continuing to take key market share on our journey to become the number one electrical wholesaler in Western Canada and building life-long partnerships,” said Joe who is determined to get there. 

Bringing nine years of industry experience to the role, Joe is known to be an exceptional negotiator, sales leader, strategic thinker and creative problem solver who seeks out challenges. “I have developed a strong competitive nature from years of football and rugby, as well as my father who never excepted anything less from me than being my best. This drives me to be better than I was yesterday,” said Joe. “I don’t enjoy taking the easy road and will tend to find a challenge in everything I do. For that reason, I don’t find many things to be ‘easy,’ but I enjoy the outcome. My vision for Alberta is to become the number one commercial and industrial distributor, leading the way for customer experience and partnerships,” Joe added. 

His area of expertise is within the Oil and Gas, and Industrial markets, with commercial experience. Among his career achievements is being able to bring back complicated accounts. Recollecting an experience with a previous employer, Joe said, “I was tasked with rebuilding a poor relationship with a key oil and gas customer who refused to deal with our organization. Through dedication and the willingness to listen, I was able to not only repair our relationship, but I signed a long-term Master Service Agreement and secured several sole source project opportunities that still exist today.”   

Predictions 

Joe observed that inflation-fueled commodity price increases will continue, but that a technology-backed new wave of green development will take center stage. “Industry decision makers are much younger and want more value rather than flat cost savings from their partners. Technology is creating exciting new sales opportunities and opening new markets for us to support. COVID has changed everything. What we learned collectively during the time is precious,” said Joe. 

Joe believes that Gescan’s work culture is enviously supportive and ‘will get us there'.  “We are here to help and find more efficient ways for our customers to be successful. I identify myself as a collaborative manager and would want to be seen as someone that is here to help,” said Joe, adding how critical it is to have the right mentality to find what each person in the team can bring to the table.  

Outside of Gescan, Joe loves to spend his time in the mountains.  “I spend my time with my wife and two young girls.  I enjoy off-roading, backcountry camping, hiking and getting back to nature,” said Joe. 

His word of advice for those who would like to advance in this field is very simple; only passion can bring success. “Find what you are passionate about, do what you love and that way your passion becomes your work,” he concluded.