Contributed by Alicia Myers, Regional Sales Manager, 15 years 

I believe there is a solution to every problem. When I’m tackling an issue for a customer or an employee, I look at every point of view to make the best possible decision. 

The same principle guides me when developing a customer program. I start by listening more than talking so I can understand what they hope to accomplish. 

The R.S. Hughes Way 

To me, the R.S. Hughes Way means putting the customer first. It’s about being nimble and making smart business decisions that create a positive customer experience. I tell my customers that I’m not coming in with a cookie-cutter plan. No two customers are alike, so I want to customize my approach and my program to meet their needs.  

The R.S. Hughes Way does not tell customers how we are going to conduct business together. It’s about listening and creating a solution that encompasses what they truly need. I want to follow a plan while always envisioning an even better future. What are we missing today that can help us serve our customers even better tomorrow?  

The Team Behind Every Customer Promise 

I was recently honored through the R.S. Hughes Living Our Values program, but I did not win it alone. Many people helped me become the shining star the award represents. I have a phenomenal Southeast Region team. They are the reason I look good.  From Outside Sales and my SupplySight Team to partnerships with our vendors, Customer Care, Sales Support, Inventory Management, Leadership and Operations Teams, they all play a big role in serving our customers.    

I joke with customers, “At the end of the day, I can make as many promises to you as I want, but it is everybody behind me who executes them.” Having such a great team sets us up for success.  

I’m blessed to have a support system of employees who wake up with the same passion and drive that I do each and every day. That’s what it’s all about. If you come to work excited about what you do and invest the time to understand that there is a path and a solution, we’re going to do everything we can to win. We’re here to keep growing and make R.S. Hughes the best distributor there ever was and ever will be. That’s my ultimate goal every day. 

It’s Not Me. It’s We. 

There have been a million people who have been part of my success story. For me, it all comes back to the team. The mantra I live by every day is, “It’s not me. It’s we.” How can we do this together? How can we grow together? 

Jeff Steege, Senior National Account Business Manager, hired me at R.S. Hughes and was instrumental in shaping my career path. Craig Legleiter, Strategic Marketing Director and my manager for many years, also played a pivotal role in my professional development and overall success within the organization. I continue to collaborate closely with them today.  

Partnering with Director of Revenue Enablement Alex Grask on many initiatives has been enlightening. We have very similar success stories. We came from the same place in different parts of the country, and we are on the same page about many things. 

President John Mathis has had a huge impact on my career. He managed me at different points, so I’ve learned from his philosophies, adopted his vision and have his full trust to “go for it.” He might say, “I want to grow into expansion territories. What does this look like? How would you do it? Go for it.” He gave me the ability to help write the playbook and turn ideas into reality. 

Not every company lets you do that. Not every company trusts its team to take an idea and make it happen while also providing support along the way. I’ve run into plenty of roadblocks where I’ve asked John, Craig or Jeff, “What do you think? What would you do here?” 

Customer Care Manager Brandi Hopper, Senior Customer Success Specialists Bruce Jones and Lisa Forbes on my Inside Sales Team also helped create the Ali Myers I am today. My SER Managers, Robert Frensley, Tom Lancaster, Luis Malave, Robert Saunderson and Sales Support Manager Jordan Smith have been integral to driving the success we’ve achieved over the recent years. Likewise, my fellow Regional Sales Managers, Bryan Chapdelaine and Jason Alera, have been invaluable collaborators, as we regularly share ideas and learn from one another’s experiences.   

There are so many people who have helped me succeed. I know I’m leaving people out because so many have helped me along the way. Every single one has left a lasting impact on me. 

That is why I tell people they should come to work for R.S. Hughes. Here they will always be a valued member of the team. They will be respected and trusted to make smart business decisions that can create a better R.S. Hughes. 

In addition to my R.S. Hughes team, my family has always been my biggest source of support throughout every milestone in my career. My husband and high school sweetheart, Scott Myers, played a significant role in helping me learn products and applications early in my career. Today, he remains one of my greatest supporters, taking care of our home and providing constant encouragement while I travel. He has met many of my coworkers over the years and is always ready to help in any way he can. His support has been invaluable to both my personal and professional success.  

I am also incredibly grateful to my parents and family for teaching me the values of hard work, loyalty and a “do whatever it takes” mentality. Their guidance, encouragement and unwavering support have shaped who I am today.  

Outside of work, Scott and I enjoy traveling with friends and family and never pass up an opportunity for an adventure. I am thankful for the close relationships in my life and strive to make the most of every day.