Meet James Talley, Assistant Warehouse Manager for Superior Industrial Supply. James has over 28 years of experience working with hydraulic hose systems. He offers straight-forward advice to those new to the industry. “Listen to people. Listen to your customers and your fellow employees, you’ll learn a lot about this industry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, the more you’ll absorb and the more you can help.”
- What intrigued you about the company when you first joined Superior Industrial Supply?
I am a “people person” and I really like dealing with the public and the customer service aspect of the business. Working with hydraulic hoses at the time was a new experience for me, but I was ready and willing to listen and learn as much as I could to help our customers design the most reliable hydraulic systems for their needs.
However, what really sets this company apart from others is how family-oriented it is. I had left Superior for a period of time when I was raising my children. When I returned six years ago, it was like returning to family.
- What do you love most about working with Superior?
I really enjoy helping customers find solutions to their problems. Our customers are very knowledgeable about their own operations, but they may need extra guidance when it comes to hydraulic hose selection. I love helping people, which may be surprising to some as I tend to have a no-nonsense approach. That’s only because I’m committed and passionate about helping people solve their problems. I’m ready to get right to work finding them the solutions best for them.
The crew here is amazing, too. I work with great people who have a thirst for knowledge and learning the industry.
- What is something people may not know about you?
If I’m not working, I’m riding, hunting or fishing. My wife Dee and I like to hit the road on my Harley Ultra Classic Limited Edition. We travel from St. Louis to Paducah, Kentucky through Southern Illinois and Missouri where we like to stop at this place called Lambert’s Café, also known as the Home of Throwed Rolls. It’s about a 500-mile day and one of my greatest pleasures.
I’m also a diehard St. Louis Blues fan. Go Blues!
- What’s most important to you?
Family and friends mean the world to me. Three years ago, I battled throat cancer and I’m proud to say I am doing awesome now. Going through treatment was tough but, in the end, I won. There’s something big that came out of that experience. I realized that I’m not scared of death. What I am afraid of is never seeing my family and friends again. It took everything in me to fight, but I kicked its butt. That’s my outlook on life and my attitude about everything. Bring it on.