Getting to Know Your Customer Service Team: Tony Skiba

When Tony Skiba was a child, riding in the backseat of his parent’s car, looking out of the window, Tony wondered what happened in that big Besser building on Johnson Street. But, once the building was out of sight, his thoughts turned back to hunting, fishing and hockey. In 2014 Tony began his career at Besser bringing a wealth of job experiences with him. His previous positions ranged from managing a recycling center, selling document destruction services and flooring to physically demanding positions in construction and for the local Budweiser and Pepsi local distributors. The skills and knowledge he gained, in all of these positions, prepared him well for his role as a front line customer service representative. Each day in the customer service department is a bit different from the last; each possesses its own challenges. Sometimes the challenge comes in piecing together information to find the right part while other times its determining how best to expedite a shipment to a producer who “needed it yesterday.” Going the extra mile comes naturally to him and those he works with appreciate it. “It is hugely satisfying when a customer calls and asks for you by name,” shared Tony. “I’m still getting to know the parts and equipment so it really makes me feel good to know that they like working with me and I’m satisfying their needs.” This fall Tony will be taking a Blockmakers Workshop® course to gain more in-depth, hands-on knowledge about Besser equipment from Ron Scherer, the instructor, and from his classmates. Also in the fall he will be travelling the east coast of the United States with one of our field sales representatives. He’s looking forward to meeting the producers he’s been speaking with on the phone and seeing their block, hardscape, pipe and precast plants with his own eyes. Tony is married to Andrea, has a 21 year old son, Tate, a 6 year old daughter Anna and a baby girl on the way “any day.” Alpena is the perfect place for the Skiba family to call home. They enjoy the four distinct seasons, filling each with plenty of activities to enjoy the woods and water. Tony is an active outdoorsman, hunting during bird and deer seasons as well as fishing in the local rivers, inland lakes and Lake Huron.  Being born and raised in Alpena it isn’t surprising that an adult hockey league occupies some of Tony’s time as well. Tony was a standout player for the Alpena High School Wildcats and upon graduation he played for a Junior A team in Detroit, Michigan. We’re glad that Tony returned to Alpena and now puts his talents to work for Besser. His drive and determination to exceed our customers’ expectations make him the perfect addition to our customer service team, who serves the globe from that big building on Johnson Street. Tony can be reached by phone +1.989.354.1049 or email tskiba@besser.com.