Meet the team: Steve Johnson and Timothy Upshur
August 5, 2021
At tna solutions, we’re always looking for ways to meet – and exceed – changing customer needs, which is why our team is so important us. As part of our commitment to enhancing the customer experience, we’re pleased to announce the appointment of two new Regional Sales Managers in North America – a key region for tna. Timothy Upshur and Steve Johnson both have extensive experience in the North American market and will bring considerable value to customers looking to optimise their packaging and processing solutions with tna‘s latest innovations.
Following their appointments, Neil Burck, Divisional Sales Manager at tna North America, sat down with Timothy and Steve to find out more about their experience, ambitions for the new role and a little about what makes them tick! Let’s meet the team…
Steve Johnson, Regional Sales Manager – North America
Q: Welcome Steve! Can you tell us about your new role?
A: Happy to be here! In April, I joined the tna North America team as Regional Sales Manager for the Central region – taking over from Donna Butler, as she moves into a new role. I’m excited to be overseeing sales for the states of Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. I’ll be based at my home office in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your professional experience?
A: Following my 8-year tenure at Key Technology, I have a strong background in food processing machinery. Starting out originally as an engineer with a B.S. Degree in Engineering, I have evolved my skills over the years to gain extensive functional and leadership experience in manufacturing, marketing and sales – including full P&L accountability. I’m really looking forward to seeing how I can build on these skills to support customers grow their businesses in my new role at tna.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: I love spending time with my wife of 35 years, Tracy, our two grown up kids and our grandchildren. Tracy and I enjoy ‘burning gas and making noise’ together on our Harleys – or in the winter, on our snowmobiles!
Q: What are you most excited about bringing to the tna family?
A: I have always been an energetic worker. Throughout my work history this energy has shown itself in my upbeat attitude and ability to keep busy. Work has always been about more than a to-do list for me. I strive to take initiative to help on special projects, my teammates, and day-to-day tasks to ensure tasks get done. I enjoy putting my energy into brainstorming, innovation, and efficiency.
Timothy Upshur, Regional Sales Manager – North America
Q: Welcome Timothy! Can you tell us about your new role?
A: Sure! Back in June, I joined the tna North America team as Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast region, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. I’m based at my home office in Suwanee, Georgia.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
A: With time, I hope I’ll be able to use my experience and food industry expertise to develop the region into TNA North America Inc.’s top producing region – that’s my aim! For the short-term, I’m really just trying to get to grips with the tna business and establish relationships with customers and prospects across the Southeast – my top priority is to understand their needs and how tna‘s solutions and services might support them in meeting their goals.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your professional experience?
A: My background is in sales and sales leadership. In a former position at JBT Corporation, I worked closely with leading brands of raw and processed foods, including Tyson Foods, Pilgrims, Hornell, Perdue, and I hope to be able to bring this valuable experience to my current role at tna. I also hold a B.S. Degree in Organisational Leadership from Purdue University and an MBA from Georgia State University – Robinson School of Business.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: You’ll find me spending quality time with my wife, Phyllandra, and our three children: Bryce (9), Kai (6), and Chase (2). I enjoy working out, going out on my road bike, bowling, travelling and going to the movies when I can, too. Any leftover spare time is spent coaching my son’s football team, which I love!
Q: What are you most excited about bringing to the tna family?
A: I hope to bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to the tna team and I’m eager to get started!
Thanks to Steve and Timothy for answering our questions – and good luck in your new roles!
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