Meet The Team: Rob Mersch

In this blog, we feature Rob Mersch, senior sales engineer at ECI Software Solutions. We sat down with Rob to learn more about his role within the LBM team.

ECI: Describe your role in 50 words or less.

Rob Mersch (RM): As part of the sales team, I work with small to medium-sized building supply businesses to unlock their full potential by presenting tailored software solutions that align with their business requirements and goals.

ECI: What and where did you study?

RM: I received a degree in drafting & design from Murray State University in Murray, Ky.

ECI: Tell us about your background and the path that led you to your current role.

RM: After school, I landed my first professional job with a contractor/builder, where I honed my skills in designing decks, kitchens, baths, home additions, and various remodeling projects. The owner prioritized my comprehensive learning, engaging me in hands-on construction jobs alongside my drafting work. This immersive experience instilled a deep passion for the construction industry and its people.

Subsequently, I transitioned to a window/door distributor and manufacturer, where my interest in optimizing business operations through systems emerged. I delved into programming and network building, eventually rising to the position of IT director. The journey continued when I moved to the role of IT director for a five-location building supply business. Throughout my career, I have been consistently tasked with identifying and implementing software solutions. My firsthand experiences in these roles have provided invaluable insight into our customers' challenges, enhancing my effectiveness in my current position.

ECI: What does your day-to-day work life look like?

RM: I usually have two to four product presentation demos per day and a handful of internal meetings/trainings scattered during the week. Occasionally, I will travel to a tradeshow or a prospective customer’s site for an onsite product demonstration.

ECI: What advice would you give someone just starting in your industry? Any words of wisdom?

RM: I’ve found that, like many others in the building materials space, people are passionate about what they do and like to share their knowledge and experiences. My best advice is to listen to them—every conversation can be a valuable learning experience.

ECI: What excites you most about working within this industry?

RM: For me, it's the people.

ECI: What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?

RM: Many folks in this industry have been around for a long time and are fairly set in their ways. As such, they are usually reluctant to change, but it’s magical when you see the lightbulb go on with their realization that they can better serve their customers by leveraging technology—suddenly, the skeptic becomes the cheerleader. That never gets old.

ECI: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?

RM: I would have to say—make no assumptions. Listen to what people are saying to you, and if you’re unsure, ask questions to clarify. I would much rather tell a prospective customer, “Sorry, we don’t do that,” than disappoint them later. People make long-term business decisions based on our presentations—we owe it to them to be clear about what we can and cannot do.

ECI: Since you started working in the industry, what changes have you witnessed?

RM: When I started in this industry, electronic record-keeping was rare, so technology was the most significant change. However, the recent surge in online sourcing and purchasing has brought about the fastest-paced transformations. This shift is driven by the availability of this technology and the departure of older, technology-resistant contractors from the workforce, replaced by younger generations who embrace technology as the norm.

ECI: What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

RM: I enjoy woodworking, golfing (although I’m terrible at it), reading, long walks with my wife, Lauren, and spending as much time as possible with my grandchildren.

ECI: What book would you recommend for anyone to add to their ‘must-read list?

RM: Although I’ll read almost any type of fiction or non-fiction, I would have to say that one of the best professional books I’ve read was "Sacred Cows {Make the Best Burgers}" by Robert Kriegel. I’ve been the change agent in and for many organizations. This book helped me understand and challenge the mindset of “because that’s how we’ve always done it!” concerning updating technology and its processes.

Rob Mersch's journey from drafting and design to senior sales engineering at ECI Software Solutions exemplifies dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability. His insights and experiences will help shape how ECI Software Solutions navigates and meets sales goals in 2024 and beyond.