The Core Values and Culture of OKUMA with Tim Thiessen

During this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason talk with Tim Thiessen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Okuma America Corporation about the core values and culture of OKUMA. This conversation happened at IMTS2018 where that unique culture was on full display. OKUMA has been around for 120 years. During this conversation, Tim shares how their values influence how they serve customers. He also gives his vision for the future of manufacturing. You don’t want to miss this episode of MakingChips.

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How core values impact customer interaction

Long-term successful companies with strong core values are the ones that last over time. This is certainly true of OKUMA. OKUMA has a saying, “The criticism of one is more valuable than the praise of millions.” OKUMA takes customer engagement seriously. Their tagline is “Passionately pursuing customers for life.” Tim Thiessen shares how that impacts sales and customer interaction. He says, “In sales, you want to be as close to your customer as possible.” Hear Tim share how they apply that in their sales approach and strategy during this interview.

A customer-centric culture that stands the test of time

Trust is the foundation on which strong relationships are built. This is true in marriage and in business. In order to be effective in sales, you have to build trust with your customers. Tim Thiessen believes that the best way to earn trust is by showing genuine empathy. Rather than just selling a product, Tim stresses that you want to understand your customer. You need to know not only their machining needs but also the challenges of the customers business. Creating that kind of transparent relationship isn’t easy. It takes time, but it is worth it for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship. When you have a culture so obviously dedicated to the customer, you earn business not just for one purchase, but for a lifetime.

Investing in manufacturing for long-term benefits

What sets OKUMA apart is their dedication to the core values and culture. The people who work for OKUMA love the manufacturing industry. They want to see the industry continue to thrive and are actively investing in it. They are dedicated to quality, making reliable machinery that will last. They are also on the cutting edge of technology, creating new machines with open platforms that provides flexibility and connectedness for machine shops. For Tim, he is most excited about the additive and subtractive opportunities. Listen as he shares his excitement for the manufacturing industry and the future during this conversation on MakingChips.

How AI will shape the future of manufacturing

There is so much potential for the future of manufacturing. As the market continues to grow, so will the opportunities for employment and technological advancement. Already, technology is outpacing the workforce in manufacturing. Tim Thiessen shares his vision for the future of manufacturing and how AI will play a significant role in the way machinery works. If you haven’t already begun to consider how to position yourself to adapt to AI technology, then now is the time. Hear more about the advantages of AI and other exciting innovation on this episode.

Here’s The Good Stuff!

Manufacturing News: 5 ways industrial AI is revolutionizing manufacturing
Introduction of Tim Thiessen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Okuma America Corporation
OKUMA’s tagline is “Passionately pursuing customers for life.”
The role of empathy in successful leadership
What percent of the machine tools that OKUMA sales is to repeat customers?
The core value of passion and how it impacts customer engagement
How Tim Thiessen got started in the manufacturing industry.
What the term “open possibilities” means in the OKUMA culture.
Tim Theisen is most excited about the additive technology and the connectedness of machinery
The machine tool technology of the future for which manufacturers should be preparing

Tools & Takeaways