We had the opportunity to talk with David Moore, FZ's new Director of Sales and Operations, to learn how his 19 years of experience at FZ have shaped his first 90 days in the role and will continue to guide his leadership approach. Here's what he had to say!
In what ways did your previous role prepare you for your new leadership role?
My previous role as Service Group Leader introduced me to the systems and processes we use to measure success. Having direct reports also helped me develop my leadership skills. I've learned that the same principles apply regardless of the size of the business. A bad strategy is still a bad strategy, and good strategy is still a good strategy. Staying focused on sound business principles is essential.
My past leadership experience involved more direct customer service interactions, but it helped prepare me to work with general contractors (GCs) from a customer focused perspective. Developing strategy for the overall business rather than for one specific group has provided learning opportunities for me, and I’ve been able to apply the leadership principles I've learned over the years to the larger team I now oversee.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced?
The biggest challenges in transitioning to this role have been pace and scalability. Moving from managing one group to overseeing profit and loss, implementing systems and processes, and staying connected with managers across our three Michigan branches has proven to have some learning curves.
Coming from the service side, understanding the GC portion of the business has presented new challenges for me. I have experience working with GCs, but not at the level of managing our relationships and future growth like I am now. Now, I lead the team responsible for those relationships. Although it can be challenging to lead a team when you have limited firsthand experience in a specific area, it has provided me with opportunities to continue growing and learning.
What areas in the sales and operations side of the business are you excited to expand and improve upon?
I'm eager to first focus on operations. At FZ we strive for operational excellence and continuous improvement, and in doing so, we can begin building stronger relationships and creating new connections. It’s important we keep doing things the FZ Way, which means following systems and processes we have in place that guide the planning, safety, and execution of our work.
What leadership lessons from your 19 years at FZ have you carried into this new role?
The biggest thing I try to keep in mind is that business is about making connections. If we don't have solid relationships with others, the business can become transactional rather than relational. It is important to remember that the customers and solving their problems are what matter most.
After 90 days in the Director of Sales and Operations role, what message would you most like people to take away about your vision for the future?
I want FZers to know that I will always lead and make decisions for the organization with our field employees in mind. I started at FZ as an Apprentice and then transitioned to Service Technician, Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, Group Leader, and now Director. Because of that experience, I understand the commitment, skill, and demands that come with being a field employee and will always advocate for them when making decisions that impact their work. By being firm, fair, and field focused, I will uphold our standards, support our people, and stay connected to our work.
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