Our Executive Vice President Dean Hodges is celebrating 50 years of working at DSG! This astounding milestone is one that very few can achieve. There’s no doubt that Dean has shaped the company that DSG is today. In honor of the occasion, we’ve asked Dean some questions about these past 5 decades at DSG. Curious what he has to say? Read on.
Q: It would be almost absurd to ask what has changed over the last 50 years. What are some things that have NOT changed over the last 50 years?
A: I still drive too fast and like Vodka but don’t do these things together! But seriously, my passion for and dedication to the business has not diminished one bit.
Q: What were you hired for at DSG initially? Any memories of your first day?
A: I was hired as a photoengraving apprentice working in our printing operation. On that first day, they gave me a ladder and had me clean the fluorescent lights. It was different in those days and I didn’t have a desk, you stood all day! Interestingly I reported to Earl Sawin and now his Granddaughter, Paige Sawin, is our VP of Sales & Services.
Q: What’s the strangest thing that’s happened over those 50 years?
A: Well, along the way a lot of odd things happened. Many of the stories are not appropriate to be told! Here is one that is:
We had a new employee who never came back to work after lunch his first day. We didn’t hear from him and didn’t know what happened. Four years later he walked in and asked “Where is my timecard”? He had joined the service and was returning looking for a job.
Q: Did you hire him?
A: Of course!
Q: What do you think are some of the keys to success in today’s environment?
A: Many of these concepts will never change: earn your client’s trust & always keep your word, build lasting relationships, strive to provide high quality and dependable service. In today’s environment I would add to stay flexible, don’t be afraid to experiment and constantly question and be willing to change your vision.
Q: If there was 1 decision you could go back and change, what would it be?
A: Nothing, hindsight is 20/20. Once a decision is made, push forward with everything you have to make it work.
