Hiring someone better than yourself is a good leadership strategy, and it naturally elevates the entire team. The recent hire of our new president, Doug Albregts, is a good example.
Doug is an accomplished executive with a strong pedigree leading national and international companies. He held several executive positions, most notably CEO and President of Sharp Electronics. He’s known for successfully turning around Sharp, being a catalyst for change and for his charismatic personality.
I’ve known Doug for over eight years and always admired his leadership style. He has a strong presence and is highly respected in the industry. Several years ago, we discussed the potential of him joining Marco and this October we made it happen.
So why did Doug decide to join Marco? Here’s why, in his own words.
Doug, why did you join Marco?
I’ve watched Marco from afar and have admired both the culture and the people. It is something that you see and want to be a part of. I felt the culture the first day I walked in and it has been the thing that I have enjoyed most about my work so far at Marco. I hope I can continue to proliferate Marco’s values while taking the company to the next level. Being from Wisconsin, it also feels like coming home.
What has surprised you about Marco?
I am impressed by the number of customers Marco serves in so many states and the diversity of the services Marco offers to them. It’s a testament to the caliber of talent here and how they maximize opportunities.
What would your closest team members say about you?
I am trustworthy—probably to a fault. I believe in people and want to put them in a position to succeed. I empower decision-making so people can give their fullest to the organization.
What is one of best leadership lessons that you still apply today?
One of my favorite pieces of advice that I got years ago was to continue to do what got you to the dance. Don’t forget about what has been core to your success. Stay on theme.
Where did you learn your hardest leadership lesson?
I was brought in as president and CEO of a billion-dollar organization to drive innovation, but soon learned the company was near bankruptcy. I did not see that as a dead end. We came together and worked to maximize cash flow and free up capital to grow the business. It completely turned around in two years by growing revenue and profit in declining industry segments.
How do you do that?
You have to focus on what you do best and understand what augments your business. Companies can tie up money in a lot of ways that do not necessarily drive demand for their products. When you’re in survival mode, there is little to no room for error. It’s a mentality that successful companies can benefit from as well.
What do you hope your experience brings to Marco?
Every situation calls for something different. That’s what I enjoy about business. As leaders, we can’t always see things through the same lens. There’s always a new puzzle to solve. We need to make decisions for the long term that maximize Marco’s value.
Welcome, Doug!
Doug is known for his business acumen, and we’ve already benefitted from it here at Marco. He’s a Midwest guy, humble and kind. Two months into his career here, he has already demonstrated what a great fit he is and what an asset he is going to be to our organization.
We’re fortunate to have his leadership, depth of comprehensive skills and character on our team. He’s a guy you want to be around. Join me in welcoming Doug back to the Midwest and to the Marco team.
