The Great Mark Haineault

Q&A with Direct Supply sales rep Mark, who services Southern Michigan & Northern Indiana.

1. How long have you been in the industry?
   I’ve worked in various parts of this industry for 44 years. My experience includes running all the ins and outs of a distribution company, sales, and technical support, including teaching solid surface fabrication classes.
2. How long have you worked at Direct Supply Inc?
   1½ years
3. What is your favorite part of your current role?
   Early mornings – I love starting my days early, and the Direct Supply customers in Northern Indiana do too.
4. What is your favorite part of a past role?
   The customers. The people really were what made what I did worthwhile.
5. One thing you would change about the industry?
   Product availability and lead times
6. What you thought your career would be like, and how is it different?
   If you had asked me 44 years ago if I would still be working at this point in my life, I would have said no! But look at me now. I wouldn’t change a thing!
7. Your job summary in a little kid answer
   When I grow up, I want to be the BESTEST Direct Supply Rep ever.
8. Your job summary in a president’s answer
   Twelve months and three days ago, our management team brought forth to this company a new rep. Conceived in Ohio and dedicated to the proposition that all customers are created equal…..
9. Favorite project you have ever worked on?
   A hospital wall panel project – our customer was having trouble sourcing their previous solution, and we worked through numerous products for them to improve lead times and provide a product that better fits the project’s needs.
10. What is the hardest project you have ever worked on?
    Same Project. It was extremely difficult to keep pushing through the levels that all needed to approve and to continue to tweak the product, so it was a perfect fit for the application.
11. What is the most rewarding project you have ever worked on?
    Same Project, again. Seeing each person and company’s hard work in creating the best possible solution is really rewarding.
12. What do you think will be industry trends in 2023?
    Easing on supply chain issues & downward pressure on pricing due to a slowing economy with production levels keeping up with demand.