Executive Spotlight: Alan Quinn - SDLG North America Construction Equipment

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Executive Spotlight: Alan Quinn

Heading SDLG operations in North America is Alan Quinn. In this new position, Alan, or ‘Al’ as he is more commonly known, will be focusing on implementing and developing the North American market for SDLG products.

alan quinnProfessional biography
Alan has spent his entire career working in the heavy equipment industry. Having graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario in 1982 and then his MBA from the University of Toronto in 1992, Alan joined Canadian forest machinery manufacturer Timberjack, where he stayed for the next 17 years. During this time, he progressed from assembly supervisor to vice president of North American distribution, gaining an MBA degree from Toronto University and a reputation as a problem solver at the same time.

This reputation carried him to Nortrax, a construction equipment dealer in Nashville, Tennessee. Here Alan spent four years as regional vice president gaining valuable experience of running a dealership for both growth and profitability. Building on this experience Alan joined Volvo CE North America in 2005 as vice president of the southeast region.

Quinn’s professional philosophy and keys to success are straightforward. He believes in openness, transparency and direct communication. He also proud of his ability to act in an analytical and structured manner. Most of all, he says, he just likes doing business.

Married with two daughters, outside of work, Quinn enjoys an active lifestyle, especially running.

SDLG – ‘tremendous scope for growth’
Alan first became involved in SDLG’s when he was invited to investigate the prospects for the company’s products in North America. Following extensive market research, Quinn concluded that North America offered a number of opportunities for SDLG, identifying a significant target customer base for the company’s products.

His research showed there is a distinct type of customer drawn to SDLG – namely small, often young businesses looking to purchase lower cost equipment. These customers are not seeking the image associated with premium brands, but are instead interested in a faster return on investment.

“An SDLG machine can deliver what many customers in North America are looking for: a quality, reliable product without the cost and prestige of a premium brand,” believes Alan.“Many of our future customers will purchase a new SDLG model rather than a three year old machine from a premium brand unit. The opportunity for sales in North America is there.”

In preparation for SDLG’s launch into North America, Alan and his team have concentrated on establishing a quality aftermarket support structure. This includes ensuring parts are well stocked, instruction manuals meet North American standards, and service technicians are available, well trained and easily reachable.

SDLG is set up for success in North America. The company has gone from number four in market share in China to number one in the last four years. This significant improvement in market position has also occurred in the global export markets. This is in part due to the good working relationship SDLG is establishing with its growing dealer
network, ensuring products are not only delivered to customers, but reassuringly supported.

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