Associate Spotlight

Heidi Morgan

Product Specialist
Northeast

“I like the teamwork in Ferguson, not only in our branch but with other automation offices. We collaborate, support, and help each other solve problems.”

Imagine beginning a new job the day the government shut down for COVID-19. Heidi did! At that time she was working for Rencor, which was acquired by Ferguson. Her transition happened on that milestone day of the pandemic, making it even more memorable, to say the least! Today, almost 4 years later, she’s proud to be a product specialist focused primarily on sales in a branch specializing in valve automation — the only branch in the Northeast with an automation shop.

Heidi actually got her start in valve automation nearly 25 years ago. She first worked for a chemical plant where she bought automated valve assemblies, so, interestingly, she worked on the opposite side of the table from where she sits today. She then spent 15 years with Rencor, in essentially the same role she has now at Ferguson. That deep background and experience really help her put together the specialized in-depth sales she’s responsible for every day, like helping a customer put a pneumatic actuator on a valve and then adding a positioner or another type of instrumentation. It’s rare her sales are simply a single item.

Heidi also takes pride in sharing her expertise with others. Because they’re a specialty branch, other branches often ask them for assistance. Heidi is always willing to help. “It makes me feel good to help others do a better job at their own jobs,” she says. Heidi is genuinely energized by working with, helping, and collaborating with others, including customers as well as her Ferguson colleagues in her branch and around the company. “I like to help people and help them solve their problems,” she says. “When I can help solve something, and I can finish it, that gives me a real sense of accomplishment. That’s what motivates me to wake up and go to work every day — that and coffee!”

Heidi’s advice to someone starting out in the business is to learn. “Learn by listening to everyone, whether that’s someone in the warehouse, your coworker, your boss, everyone. Ask questions about everything — and listen to the answers,” she says. “Seek out information. When you’re new, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing. Just ask!” And Heidi is certainly one of those people who’s happy to answer.

 

questions and answers
Questions & Answers
Would you rather be the funniest or the smartest person in the room and why?
Answer:

Funniest because it's more fun. I love to laugh and make people laugh.
I can’t remember a good joke for one minute though, I always think I need a good dad joke in my pocket but I don’t have one, I admire people who can do that though.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Answer:

Autumn days in New York. I love the smell of leaves as they are browning and falling off. Campfires, apple picking, cider, chili…the beauty of where I live.

What is something you’re planning on doing the next year that you’ve never done before?
Answer:

Within the next year, I’m going to see the Eagles at the stadium in Atlanta. I’ve never been to a stadium and never seen the Eagles. I’m looking forward to that! Steely Dan in the opener.

What is your favorite food?
Answer:

Cheese because there are a billion varieties of it and most of them are excellent, but I don’t like stinky cheese. Everything from blue cheese for chicken wings to string cheese, cheese on top of a pizza. It’s versatile and the world's perfect food.

What is your biggest kitchen failure?
Answer:

When I was a novice with my fry daddy, I put frozen chicken wings with all those ice crystals on it, plopped them right in my fry daddy and of course, the oil bubbled up over the sides and on the counter and on to the floor. It was just the biggest mess.

If you were a pair of shoes, what would you be and why?
Answer:

Timberland boots because “I (timberland boots) am comfortable, reliable, and love to go fun places.” know what to do. If I could give them a bottle of happiness, we would both feel better.

If you had any skill, what would it be and why?
Answer:

I’ve always admired the ability to talk easily to anybody. Some people are so charming and charismatic and can just walk up to anyone and then quickly be friends and then suddenly get together for a beer and hang out. I wish I was a little more outgoing. I’m learning that people are awesome and everyone has a story to tell, which is quite often amazing. I want the chance to talk to people, and find out more about them, it would be cool.

Capabilities

We can help you minimize operational downtime through in-house project management and contracting services that are designed to meet the needs of industrial customers.

valve automation expertise pusher

Expertise

We’re proud to be both collaborators and problem solvers for our customers. Our focus on delivering the best customer service meanwhile providing technical support and product recommendations has positioned us as a leading industrial supply partner. Together, we help keep your operations running at peak performance.

Quality Assurance

Our quality program is the greatest value we provide our customers as a trusted supplier. We are dedicated to the safe operation of the industries we serve, knowing that the products we supply are critical to the safe operation of their facilities.

Ferguson industrial testing products for quality control.