This issue, because of space, we had to cut my column. Rest assured I will be back in the next Sweet Notes with more of my usual comments, observations and inside information. This issue, we wanted to make sure we included an Employee Profile. Rock and Roll!
Employee Profile
Name: Clay Stahlka
Title: Senior Sales Engineer
Years at Sweetwater: Five
What were you doing before you joined the Sweetwater Team?:
Production Manager for MRN Radio, as well as a Contract Engineer designing point-to-point RF audio solutions.
What in your life best prepared you for the work you do at Sweetwater and why?:
I was a hockey goaltender, which gave me an understanding of teamwork, motivation and hard work and has absolutely helped me work with my clients and fellow employees to develop relationships based on success.
What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?: An NFL Defensive lineman. But I was way too short!
Describe the most dramatic situation in which you provided the "Sweetwater Difference" for a customer?: I was following up with a client who had purchased an entire recording system from me several months earlier. After exchanging pleasantries, I asked how the system was working for my client. He responded that it never worked correctly and that he boxed it up in the closet and never used it. When I asked why he never called to get help, he responded that he figured he'd "been burned and would chalk it up to experience, never to do business with me again." I immediately went over his problems and we determined that the system needed to be redesigned to perform to his demands. I had him send it back and we shipped him an alternative, solid working system that met his needs. We've actually had a great relationship ever since.
Favorite hobby: Computers
Motto: If I can help my clients get even half the enjoyment that I get from the technology they purchase from me, then I feel I've done a good job!
Most unusual/creative solution to a customer problem: Multiple receive sites for large outdoor wireless mic applications, covering 10 square miles – I got it up and running, but I had to prototype several "black boxes" to pull it off.
What makes working at Sweetwater fun for you?: Letting my passion for the technology help my clients become successful and really enjoy their work.
Favorite movie you've recently seen or rented: "Saving Private Ryan"
Guilty pleasure of choice: Eating at a fine restaurant.