Danielle Galian:  What is your background? David Dellon: I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Business Logistics and Supply Chain Information Systems. DG:  How did you start in the business/industry? DD: I was born into Dellon Sales.  We’re a 4th generation family business.  When I was a little kid I used to put together binders, and give away popcorn at tradeshows.  When I was older, I spent the summers working in the warehouse, learning products and customers' expectations. At college I was able to apply practical business knowledge and experience into every course I took.

DG:  What’s the easiest and hardest aspect of working in the family business? 

DD:  The easiest part was getting hired! The hardest part was earning respect from my coworkers instead of assuming a position of leadership.  When I was in the office, I started in the warehouse, and then worked in the sales pit surrounded by the team.  I lead by earning respect

DG:  In researching Dellon Sales, I noticed the company has grown significantly throughout the years.  How will you, as the next generation, continue that success while utilizing the latest in technology, etc.?

DD:  Our goal has always been to find and test any of the latest technology to see if it will help make our company better.  My dad had the first fax machine, cell phone, data base software and mass fax system.  We adopt the most industry software and hardware, and are always on the look out for the next best thing.  

I just completed CPMR and am on the executive board of the Northeast ASA division called WANE, as well as the board of ASA Young Execs. 

DG:  Who is your mentor or person you look up to? 

DD:  My father is and always has been the person I look up to.  His work ethic is second to none, and he can always figure out a solution to every problem.  He also has the biggest heart in the world and cares about everyone. 

DG:  What are your interests and hobbies outside of work? 

DD:  I love to read.  I read anything I can.  I try to mix up reading business books with historical fiction or action thrillers. 

DG:  Is there a quote or motto you use or refer back to?

DD:  The busy man has time for everything; the lazy man has time for nothing

DG:  When it comes to marketing and/or sales, what are some innovative ways Dellon Sales is taking to stay ahead of its competition? 

DD:  We can’t give away all our secrets! If we have an innovative idea, it’s for our customers and vendors to experience and our competitors to figure out on their own. 

DG:  What advice would you give to someone just starting in the industry?

DD:  If you embrace the industry, work hard and care, you will have a great career for life and will never be out of work.

Danielle Galian:  What is your background? 

Jon Ross:  I graduated from University of South Florida with a Bachelors degree in Business Communication.  I’m 33 years old, from Port Washington, New York. 

DG:  How did you start in the business/industry?

JR:  I grew up with David Dellon, who is now the owner of Dellon Sales and with Spencer Bodner, another leading member of the Dellon Sales team.  I had spent some summers and winter breaks working at Dellon Sales in the warehouse or doing odd jobs around the office.  After college I managed a New York sports club gym for 2 years, but decided to take an opportunity to work at Dellon Sales. I went through boot camp at Dellon Sales.  I started unloading trucks, making deliveries, handling material and customer orders.  I then went on to inside sales, and eventually more and more outside sales and customer entertainment

DG:  What are your interests and hobbies outside of work? 

JR:  I loved my new life at Dellon Sales with lifelong friends and strong relationship with Scott Dellon, the owner.  I’m now a fulltime outside salesperson working with engineers and contractors.  I’m also on the NYC ASPE board as membership chair and was nationally recognized for top performance in membership growth. 

DG:  Who is your mentor or person you look up to? 

JR:  Scott Dellon has always been like a father and mentor to me.  He has taught me how to deal with every facet of the industry and to develop long-term relationships.

Also, Scott Dellon and Dellon Sales employ many seasoned veterans with great experience, wisdom and sense of devotion to the industry. 

DG:  Is there a quote or motto you use or refer back to?

JR:  If we're not moving forward we're moving backward.  You were born to win, but to be a winner you must plan to win.

DG:  When it comes to marketing and/or sales, what are some innovative ways Dellon Sales is taking to stay ahead of its competition? 

JR:  We have an awesome CRM called Telenotes.  Its a call report service that lets us leave a voicemail after each sales call that gets transcribed into our CRM.  It will add follow-ups to my calendar, and share important notes to my team, just from me leaving a voice mail.  We also have an awesome job pipeline, which allows the entire company to follow up on all our key job opportunities. 

Dellon is innovative and has always been an aggressive marketer.  We pride ourselves on service to our customers.  The plumbing industry isn’t a 9-5 job.  We get calls from our customers from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends.  We take every call and help ease any customer concerns or problems, no matter the time of day.  If a customer has a problem, we are there anytime and anywhere to help them. DG:  What advice would you give to someone just starting in the industry?

JR:  Learn and ask as many questions as possible.  Go to every networking opportunity and meet all the big players in the industry.  Also, become active in any of the industry societies, such as ASPE, ASHRAE, MCA, PHCC, etc. 

Danielle Galian:  What is your background? 

Spencer Bodner:  I attended Syracuse University (Bachelor of Science) and my background is in marketing, communications and advertising.  I’m 33 years old, from Port Washington, New York. 

DG:  How did you start in the business/industry?

SB:  I worked in the Dellon warehouse through high school and college.  After college I worked at an event planning company.  Scott and David told me they needed me and I jumped in headfirst.  I’ve been 150 percent committed to Dellon Sales and the industry since then, and I’ve loved every minute of it. 

DG:  What’s the easiest and hardest aspect of working in the family business? 

SB:  You get to work with your best friends. The hardest part is feeling like it’s your company, and anything less than perfection is a failure.

DG:  In researching Dellon Sales, I noticed the company has grown significantly throughout the years.  How will you, as the next generation, continue that success while utilizing the latest in technology, etc.?

SB:  We use great sales and commission tracking software that allows us to track and understand all our opportunities, successes and losses.  We also use constant contact, which helps us market to every segment of our customer base, and track how many people opened and read the emails, so we know how to tailor our efforts for the future. 

DG:  Who is your mentor or person you look up to? 

SB:  Scott Dellon is my mentor.  He taught me how to work super hard while still enjoying life.  My favorite saying that I’ve gotten from him, is “work hard, play hard.” 

DG:  When it comes to marketing and/or sales, what are some innovative ways Dellon Sales is taking to stay ahead of its competition? 

SB:  Part of our growth has been from our ability to find fresh new talent to help our company succeed and grow for the future.  We have several people with less than 5 years work experience, which adds energy and depth to our entire organization.  We grow our own new members, and we are proud of them! 

DG:  What advice would you give to someone just starting in the industry?

SB:  Listen to what everyone has to offer.  Ask a lot of questions and just be a sponge. Listen to others, be humble, take initiative, always be the first to chip in, and don’t stop until the job is done.

For more information on Dellon Sales, visit dellonsales.com