Drees Electric’s Jake Drees tees off at last year’s BrandSource Convention.
The Young Professional talks business and pleasure in a candid Q&A
By Janet Weyandt, YSN
Jake Drees is vice president of operations at BrandSource dealer Drees Electric in Marinette, Wis., and is an active member of Young Professionals (YP), AVB’s 21- to 40-plus networking group. In this recent upfront interview, he shared slices of his personal and professional life and speaks to the benefits of YP participation.
How long have you worked in the industry?
As a fourth-generation employee, I grew up in and around the appliance/CE industry, from working in the warehouse to doing deliveries. I have been in my current role for three years.
What’s the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
The importance of building and maintaining relationships, whether it’s vendors, customers or other contractors we work with. You never know what opportunities may come up and it always pays to have good people in your corner when things don’t go right.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“A pessimist never did anything.” It can be very easy to sit back and allow others to take the lead and continue to do things the same way they’ve always been done, but sometimes you need to be willing to make waves and bring new ideas and solutions to life.
What’s your proudest achievement and why?
Getting my Level 1 state firefighter certification. It was a grind both mentally and physically, but it was also rewarding and useful training that allows me to better serve my community.
What’s the last thing you binge watched?
“The Sopranos.”
What’s a change you’d like to see in the industry?
I’d like to see how warranty rates and repairs are handled. I believe making it so these agreements benefit both servicers and manufacturers would allow for not only a better customer experience but also lead to positive relationships that help drive sales.
What’s one thing you did in your life or career that surprised your friends?
I would say operating an LTL [less than load] trucking terminal at age 23. Prior to starting my current role, I was the terminal manager for a Midwest-based LTL carrier, which was a pretty significant jump from the position I was in before that.
What have you gotten out of your participation in Young Professionals?
The connections and best practices I have been able to gain through YP would be the biggest thing for me, whether just chatting with someone at a similar type of store in a different part of the country or even folks that are furniture-only. Everyone brings a unique perspective and good ideas to the table, many of which I brought back and implemented at our store.
If you couldn’t be in the career you’re in, what would you do instead?
I would most likely be an electrician or plumber. I’ve always had a deep admiration for the trades, and enjoy working on various projects and challenges that may require some skills and outside-the-box thinking.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
I would like the ability to read minds. I think it would really come in handy, not only in basic things like driving and interacting with people, but also at work, whether on the sales floor or just being a better communicator. Not to mention I’d know where my girlfriend actually wants to go for dinner!
YSN publisher AVB BrandSource is the nation’s largest merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers.
