Name:

Mark Fritz

Hometown:

Johnson City, Tennessee

Field Sales Region:

Atlantic Coast District (east Tennessee, North Carolina & South Carolina)

Number of Years at Star:

18

Educational Background (college, university, degree, certifications, etc.):

Rice University NCI Leadership Program, JMW Leader of Future graduate, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, numerous seminars regarding sales, safety and operations leadership

How did you get started in the construction industry?

What was supposed to be a temporary summer job before I started college at Ohio State to study aerospace engineering somehow turned into a career that has gone on now for 40 years.

What does Star Building Systems provide for their builders that set them apart from the competition?

A truly long-term relationship that supports both of us through the good and bad times, a great product with the best service in the industry, a personal connection that our builders rely upon to provide them with the support and expertise they need to be successful.

What makes Star Building Systems so effective?

The teamwork and systems we have that makes working with us easy to do, accessible and knowledgeable to help our builders and provide the right solutions best suited for their customers.

Describe your day-to-day operations of a Star District Manager:

Every day varies from being in the office assisting with quotes, to jobsite assistance, to product issues and training to visiting potential new builders and working with my existing builders and a host of issues they may have regarding the variety of products we can offer to them.

What is something unusual that you’ve seen in the field?

Having a jobsite meeting with the GC who is a Star Builder, the erector who is also a Star Builder and the new building owner, who was also a Star Builder. One big happy family supporting each other and working together!

What are the most common questions you receive from Star Builders in your region?

When can I get my drawings, why can’t you deliver sooner, can I get a better multiplier? The normal stuff, but also what product works best for this application, how do you install insulated panels, can I really do that in SBS?

What’s the best thing about being a Star District Manager?

The day to day variety of the job, getting to work with some great people and builderships, the ability to set your own schedule, but also have it all change an hour later when the next builder calls.

What is one piece of advice you would give to Star Builders?

Learn all you can about Star, SBS and the products and systems we have in order to better support your businesses. Attend national sales meetings as often as you can and help build your relationship with Star and other builders.

Most memorable Star Building Systems moment:

Way too many to pick just one over the years with so many great builders at NSM’s and PAC meetings. The PAC in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was great and then we did a tag trip to go horseback riding in the Canadian Rockies with Jeff and Jen Nowland. My horse always wanted to lead when we climbed, and he had so much gas the other horses were having an issue following!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Car shows and cruises, travel with Bonnie, spend time with family and spoil our grandkids, go to concerts and shows, still like to play a little golf, a lot to see in our area.

Favorite sports team:

The Ohio State Buckeyes

Favorite song:

Changes all the time, I like a variety ranging from McGuffey Lane to REO Speedwagon to anything by Queen, Def Leppard, Journey, Ed Sheeran, Van Halen, .38 Special and Molly Hatchet.

First concert:

Ted Nugent, then Queen (who Bonnie and I saw last month in Nashville – 40 years later)