We are thrilled to be connecting with Jeff Buster again. Jeff is a Managing Partner with Buster’s Industrial Products and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Jeff below.
Hi Jeff, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Jeff Buster, Managing Partner with Buster’s Industrial Products. I am a Father, Husband, and Business owner, and in a past life touring drummer & Villain Cowboy (seriously I died 5 times a day) in a comedy wild west show… So much fun! For the past 16 years, I have been in the industrial MRO (Maintenance Repair Operation) supply industry. While it may not be as fun (every day) as playing music or dying slowly for applause I find joy in meeting our customer’s needs and consulting with them to find new solutions. Having people count on us and know that we will come through by combining Large company capabilities with a small company personal touch is something I am very proud of.
What would you say are the top challenges you face as a business owner in such a competitive industry?
That’s a good question. There are so many challenges every day. I would say our main challenges are keeping up with technology and the speed of business against companies that have unlimited resources and capabilities. The double-edged sword here is that these larger companies (Grainger, Fastenal), etc… sometimes lose focus on what we are here to do, which is HELP, make sure the customer is happy, has what they need, and sees value in what we bring to the table. We try very hard to ensure all of our customers have the best value to market that ANY supplier can provide, and if we can’t do something or meet a need, we will give a referral just to ensure the need is met.
Do you have a sustainable market advantage? Something you bring to the market, not easily duplicated by your competitors?
I would say we have a sustainable market advantage in a couple of ways. First, we are not top-heavy, each person operates in several capacities and is in the field with customers on a regular basis. This keeps us in touch with real-world market needs and pricing. Second, we work closely with our vendors to ensure the highest quality products are put into the marketplace. We test products ourselves as well as in the field with customers and use that data to refine products and processes. Finally, we maintain a company size that allows us to change and move rapidly in the market. That is how we grew during the covid-19 pandemic rather than dying.
What do you enjoy most about your industry, and more specifically your role within your company?
I enjoy a lot of different things about my industry, I love seeing how things are made, touring new facilities, and meeting new challenges. I do have to say my favorite thing about what we do and my role in that is developing relationships with people that I would not otherwise know. I get to speak to some of the most fantastic people, learn about their lives, and together we troubleshoot complex situations… To me that is FUN!
Alright, so before we go, how can our readers connect with you to learn more and show support?
OK so we have a variety of ways for you to get in touch, some are undergoing necessary changes but here is the list: sales@jwbindustries.com www.bustersindustrial.com
facebook.com/bustersindustrial
That should at least get you pointed in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bustersindustrial.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bustersindustrial
