Duane Booth is the Regional Sales Manager for the Canada region for Fischer Connectors North & South America. While Duane’s only been with the company since 2016, he’s been selling Fischer products (via a licensed distributor) since the early 2000s.

After gaining industry knowledge from being a Sales Engineer at Molex Electronics, a Regional Manager at Harting Electronics and Amphenol Factory Automation Group, he went on to sell Fischer products as a Canadian Business Development Manager with Matrix Technology for 5 years, before officially joining Fischer Connectors in 2016. The company recruited him to take over regional sales in Canada and Duane hasn’t looked back since. “I’ve always been a connector guy, once you realized the beauty and quality of a Fischer connector it was a no brainer to want to make the move.”

Do you have any principles you live by, also what inspires you?

My principle in life is to treat others like you want to be treated. Whether a colleague or a customer, I’ve always enjoyed helping people succeed. I want them to be successful and I take pride in my work knowing I helped them with a life changing project or big problem, whether it’s a huge customer or a start-up, it’s all important to me.

What’s the most interesting project you worked on while with Fischer Connectors?

I have a customer, Bionic Power who created a product called Agilik, an exoskeleton which helps kids afflicted with cerebral palsy improve their walking abilities. By far, it’s been the most satisfying and interesting project I’ve worked on to date. To know we’re helping patients improve knee extension, expand step length, increase walking endurance and speed is very rewarding. That’s life changing – real problems, real solutions, nothing beats that.

Tell us about your team.

I work with some of the best sales people in the industry, plus we have a sales manager who supports and understands what field sales is all about. We’re all experienced, passionate and knowledgeable. I can’t ask anything more from my teammates and boss.

What are some of your favorite hobbies, what are you passionate about and what’s an interesting fact about you?

As a Canadian, I still play recreational hockey during the winter, but I really love golf. I’ve played in over 100 courses in 4 different countries: Dominican Republic, Mexico, United States and Canada. In Canada alone I’ve played in over 75 golf courses. I also enjoy fishing, hiking and I’m big on family. I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, we’re all avid travelers and foodies. I don’t know what to say, I’m not interesting. (His colleagues disagree and had this to say about him: he’s the funniest person at Fischer Connectors. He always knows how to lighten the mood, he has the best jokes and puns).

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education, family, life, etc.?

Work to live, don’t live to work. Always appreciate your health, and be thankful for your family and friends.

How would you describe your career and what makes you unique in your profession?

I’ve had a rewarding and fulfilling career, incorporating the best technical products in the industry and building some great personal relationships in the mix. I’m unique in that I bring a sense of humor to the table that puts people at ease – I hope.

If you could give your younger self career advice, what would it be, also what is a valuable lesson you learned in your career?

I would advise the younger me to never hesitate to ask questions. The only stupid question is the question that isn’t asked, it’s the only way you’re going to get a better understanding about your job, life, problems, friends and family.

What do you think is the key to professional success?

Believe in the product you’re selling and fight for your customer.