Andy Severson

Years of Experience: 27

What do you do? What do you interact with clients about? How do you try to make them feel when they’re working with you?

As the Manufacturing Manager, I think it is important to help our production, shipping and maintenance teams understand how their work matters to our customers. We are not just focused on our own internal processes, we are making products that our customers rely on.

What do you like about working at Switzer?

I like working for a relatively small company where the owners support our capabilities through investments in people, equipment and our facility. We have a teamwork oriented culture. We understand the importance of working together and communicating between departments to consistently improve our process. 

What is something people in your industry/niche have to deal with that you want to fix?

I want our customers to feel they can depend on Switzer to provide the best product available. I want them to know they can count on our quality so they can focus on building their own business. 

Your top 3 favorite Podcasts/Books?

How I Built This,  a podcast about how entrepreneurs started something from scratch, the risks they took and how hard they worked to build their business from the ground up.  

“Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott. This book gave me the confidence to have difficult conversations, better understand other points of view and become a better manager. 

“Undaunted Courage” by Stephen E. Ambrose. I found the journey of Lewis & Clark so interesting and amazing. What really captured my attention was learning about the politics and logistics planning that took place before any travel even began.