TILT-TURN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Head of Group Communications
Donna VanMeter was determined to prove herself when she began working as a specification representative for a plumbing and fire protection company at 23. As the only female working for the company at that time, she established an admired work ethic founded on self-motivation and sincerity. After representing REHAU PEXa plumbing materials for 15 years in various manufacturer's representative roles, she knew she was the right fit for an open REHAU sales position. Thanks to her proven dedication she secured the job on the spot.
What drives Donna is the chance to build meaningful relationships while supporting her customers. "Business is business, but relationships last throughout. Everyone has something to sell; it's what happens after the sale that counts," she says. "If there's anything you need, I'm there. Even if the issue isn't related to REHAU, I don't leave people hanging and I find a way to resolve issues. If you're short on a product, I'll find it. I don't care if I need to drive 100 miles to get you elbows, then drop them off at your jobsite. I think outside of the box and find a way to make it happen."
Those who work with Donna praise her dedication to helping customers overcome challenges. "Donna is the best sales rep I've ever worked with. She loves her customers, knows their problems and finds solutions," says Fidelis Eze, owner of Vision Plumbing and Heating. "Whenever I call, email or text Donna, she gets back to me with answers. She always asks how we're doing and how she can help. That's what sets REHAU apart from competitors for me."
When Donna is off the clock, she enjoys gardening exotic flowers, baking and fishing. Donna and her husband take part in a three-day Marlin tournament in Baja each year, where she has become a decorated competitor by placing first on several occasions.
Doug Jones was one of the first members of REHAU's plumbing sales crew when he joined the company 28 years ago, setting a precedent of top-notch product expertise and customer care. Doug stands behind the products he provides contractors and takes pride in being a credible, ethical and stand-up business partner.
"I don't leave my customers hanging, I don't say ‘there is nothing I can do about it.' There is always something I can do-it's about making the effort to figure it out," Doug says. "Contractors need to be able to count on us each and every time, not occasionally or sometimes. It's my job to make their lives easier and provide the products and support that meet their needs and solve their problems."
Doug cares for his life-long customers through being easily accessible and finding solutions for project challenges. "We won't abandon you, even if you need help with an issue unrelated to REHAU," he explains. "One time an engineer needed help with a piping valve that wasn't made by us. I called on Marty Barnhart, one of REHAU's technical sales engineers. We sat down and found a mistake in the drawings. At the end of the day, we are a true partner looking to establish relationships for a lifetime, so we take the time to figure out problems."
Reps appreciate Doug's steadfast partnership. "Suntoya has represented REHAU plumbing for 20 to 25 years. Since we started working with Doug years ago, we've grown our business throughout Western Washington, Oregon and Alaska," says Ian Louthian, president/principal at Suntoya Corporation. "We've kept growing together, getting bigger and better."
Doug cherishes long-standing relationships, both with his business partners and his REHAU coworkers. He expresses how the Los Angeles sales office team has played a major part in his life, and he highly values the rewarding experiences they have shared over the years.
Outside of Doug's work relationships, one of his greatest honors is being a "Papa" to his granddaughters. He carries on the namesake of his father, who was "Papa" to Doug's daughter. When Doug and his wife are not spending time with their granddaughters, they unwind by golfing together. The self-proclaimed "decent golfers" enjoy a course down the street from their home in California and have also traveled to courses in Mexico, Hawaii and the Dominican Republic.