Rob R.

What drew you to Stanley Black & Decker?  

I grew up working summer jobs in a lumber yard and residential construction, so I spent a great deal of time around our products. When I started my career here, I was excited to work with such iconic brands, ones I was so familiar with.  

I started my career in brand marketing and was encouraged to take a step into product management and then again into channel management. The leaders who encouraged me to do this and gave me the latitude to learn on the job really shaped my career. The opportunity to try new things and learn new skills is something we do extremely well here.  

Can you share your experience in our Stanley Black & Decker Leadership Program (SLP)? 

I was interested in the SLP for the opportunity to experience other parts of the business outside of my normal responsibilities — to learn finance, lean principles and project management. It’s given me a strong foundation in my career and helped me become more well-rounded. In addition, the SLP introduced me to people outside of my direct business. The network I formed has been invaluable in my time here.  

Tell us about the recent Mac Tools Tool Fair. How does your team approach planning a large event? 

We start planning events like this 12 months out. There are a lot of moving parts, but much of the success comes from our multi-channel collaboration. We set aside any individual goals and focus on winning as a full Mac Tools team. Pairing accessories from other channels that complement the tools we’re showcasing means our customers get a complete product story and ensures we’re meeting their needs comprehensively. 

What are some key takeaways from the event? 

We learn a great deal from every show we do — obvious takeaways like which products resonate with our distributors, but also intangible things. The team forms relationships with our distributors at these events which gives us a better understanding of what we can do for them. 

Do you have any advice for people just starting out in their careers? 

My advice would be that it is important to take calculated risks. You might think a career opportunity is beyond your current skill set, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying something new. Learning from your mistakes and adapting quickly are extremely important for being a successful leader.