Gregory Jones
Tell us about yourself. How long have you been with the company, and what positions have you held during your tenure?
My tenure with Trelleborg spans a quarter-century. It all began during my university days when I started part-time in manufacturing, wearing many hats from material blending to running machines. Upon earning my undergrad in biochemistry and genetics, I transitioned into engineering.
My roles have been as diverse as the industries we serve. From being an application engineer for our PTFE spring energized seals to a product manager at Sealing Solutions in Denver, Colorado. I then ventured into segment management for the Oil and Gas and worked with our teams in Texas and Canada to support engineering and product development.
My next step was to spearhead the establishment of our sales office responsible for Nebraska, Kansas, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. It started as a small office of four and we grew it through different mergers and acquisitions, as our business grew. Over time our Aerospace business grew and we got to do more and more with this industry. Now, I proudly lead the Global Aerospace Sales team.
It’s been quite the journey, a fun journey, and a testament to the varied opportunities Trelleborg provides.
As an employee, what are your main responsibilities in your current role? How has your role evolved over the years?
As Vice President of Global Sales, I oversee eight sales offices, in all regions of the world, driving consistent growth of 20 to 25% annually. Our focus is on enhancing customer experiences, expanding key accounts, and identifying new opportunities. Currently, our emphasis is on interior products and advancing industry safety and sustainability standards. There are lots of opportunities we see for future growth. We will continue to focus globally on alignment, replication and life cycle management to support our global customers.
What has kept you motivated and engaged while working at Trelleborg for an extended period? Feel free to share memorable experiences that contributed to your job satisfaction.
I think for me the most fascinating is understanding how business is done around the world. Here in the US versus Europe versus APAC. The global aspect of business has been incredibly enriching. Witnessing diverse industries and cultures has broadened my perspective. Trelleborg's ethos of hard work yielding opportunities has fueled my growth.
I find the aerospace industry fascinating. I get to see the full gamut, allowing me to understand not only how planes are assembled and function but also experience sitting on a plane I know I helped contribute to. Learning all about aerospace's dynamic nature, from concept to flight, has been both mesmerizing and rewarding. Beyond the aircraft itself, I’m keen on exploring the industry’s future and our customers’ visionary concepts.
Ultimately, what keeps me motivated is fostering and building a cohesive team that can meet growth targets and exceed customer expectations.
With your wealth of experience, how do you envision the future of your area of expertise within Trelleborg? What trends or developments do you see shaping the industry, and how do you plan to adapt?
The anticipation of future trends and our role in nurturing them is equivalent to the childhood wonder of watching cartoons featuring flying vehicles. It’s interesting to contemplate what the next five years will bring, particularly in the realm of Advanced Air Mobility. We are at the forefront of transforming this visionary concept into fruition, and the prospect of witnessing the final product will be immensely rewarding.
Sustainability is undeniably a major focus for us. Collaborating closely with our customers and engineers to create products that are both safe and sustainable is a fundamental aspect of our operations.
Moreover, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected through advancements in communication and travel, we find new growth opportunities. Our development efforts are currently expanding in the Asia-Pacific region, and we are exploring potential ventures in Africa as well.
This approach not only aligns with our strategic objectives but also resonates with our commitment to innovation, global capabilities and local presence.
What advice would you give to people at the beginning of their careers, based on your own professional journey? Any key lessons or principles that have helped you succeed and grow?
The adage “the world is your oyster” truly encapsulates the essence of opportunity that awaits those eager to learn, engage, and educate themselves. The aerospace sector exemplifies an industry ripe with potential, driven by humanity’s innate desire to travel and explore new horizons. This drive for innovation fuels the creation of pioneering designs, the adoption of sustainable methods, and the emergence of significant breakthroughs in the industry.
The landscape of the industry is evolving, presenting a wealth of opportunities for those ready to immerse themselves in this dynamic field. My advice would be to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. By doing so, you equip yourself with the necessary tools to carve a path to success.
Outside of work, how do you spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies, interests, or any community involvement that you're passionate about.
My personal life is equally enriching. I am happily married and a proud parent of two remarkable daughters. My eldest is embarking on a career in vet medicine, while my youngest has excelled in basketball and track and is set to continue her passion at the collegiate level. Away from work, my passion is time at the family lake house and doing auto restoration. Boating and fishing is a blast and summer cruising in the hot rods is great.
I am also passionate about education and outreach. I regularly visit high schools and middle schools to share insights into the engineering field. Recognizing the growing demand for engineers, I aim to inspire the next generation by sparking their creativity and highlighting the vast opportunities available in this exciting and ever-evolving profession.