M. Holland Commercial Development Program: The First 30 Days
A recent graduate of Penn State University (Behrend campus), Jarrod Wassell just completed his first 30 days as a Commercial Development Program Associate at M. Holland. He is the first to be a part of the organization’s recently launched program. He relocated to the Chicagoland area from his hometown in Central Pennsylvania to join the company—so far he says he has no regrets.
“My first month has been great, I never knew plastic resin could be so interesting,” Jarrod commented. “It’s been great learning about all of our of product offerings. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and open, and that makes starting a new job much easier. Everyone is really excited to come to work every single day, which is contagious.”
Jarrod holds a BBA in Project and Supply Chain Management and decided to join M. Holland for several reasons, but the idea of being the first to go through the training program was very appealing. “The training program will allow me to build my knowledge of the industry and M. Holland. Coming to a company that is going to take the time and invest time in me is extremely valuable. I know a lot of people who went to larger organizations out of college and simply aren’t receiving the one-on-one attention and training that I am.”
Over the next year Jarrod will learn the plastics business from the inside out. Rotating through each department within the company, he will develop his commercial skills while exploring potential career paths and other personal interests. “Over the next several months, I am really looking forward to getting out into the field. I look forward to interacting with our suppliers, customers and other strategic partners,” Jarrod commented.
Jarrod has spent most of the first month with members of the sales and product management teams. While plastics is brand new to him, he finds the interactive nature of the team exciting. In the coming weeks he will spend time with operations, accounting and marketing.
“M. Holland is much deeper than its product line. As our CEO Ed Holland says, we also sell trust,” Jarrod states. “Trust is one of M. Holland’s core values and we truly live up to that. A lot of companies talk about their values but here we truly live by them.”
When asked what has surprised him most about M. Holland, Jarrod says he truly has been impressed by the accessibility of the senior leadership team. “I think you will be hard pressed to find a company with such an approachable executive team. They are a collective group of incredibly knowledgeable individuals who are willing to teach you along the way and hold a personal relationship with you.”
Jarrod is looking forward to being a part of the future of the plastics industry. “Clearly the future at M. Holland is bright. In the short time I’ve been here, we’ve already announced an acquisition,” he laughed. “I can’t wait to see what is coming next.”
A year from now, Jarrod hopes to be a part of M. Holland’s sales force. “The sales team here is very skilled and professional, I hope to one day be working closely alongside all of the account managers.”
Outside of the office, Jarrod, who captained his college soccer team, remains a huge fan of the sport—both playing and watching. “I am a big fan of Liverpool F.C. I can’t wait for spring to arrive in Chicago so I can actually play outdoors,” he says. “Although, I have to admit my first winter here hasn’t been all that bad.”
For more information about working at M. Holland, visit our Careers page for videos, employee perspectives and to apply for an open position.
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