The "Discovery" Process: How R&D and Customer Support Fuel Sustainable Growth | Dan Shute
Manage episode 446400564 series 3562119
Meet Dan Schute, the mechanical design expert who transformed a basement startup into Volant Products - now a $50 million global powerhouse in oil and gas technology. As President and CEO, Dan sits down with Mark Drager to share the raw truth about building a company that's flipping how the energy industry handles casing installation.
Dan breaks down the real challenges and victories of scaling Volant from its humble beginnings to serving customers across 50 countries with a team of 150. But this isn't your typical success story - it's a masterclass in sustainable growth and innovation.
Here's what you'll learn:
How Dan co-founded Volant Products and turned a basement startup into a global leader in casing installation technology.
Why continuous improvement and innovation are key to surviving and thriving in a volatile industry.
The importance of fostering a customer-centric culture focused on integrity and value delivery.
How Volant's R&D efforts have led to groundbreaking products like the Top Drive Casing Running Tool.
Dan's approach to building a resilient company through strong leadership and collaborative culture.
How staying debt-free enabled Volant to weather industry downturns and invest in growth
Why rushing product development can be more costly than taking time to get it right
The importance of being humble, hungry, and "smart" when building your team
Why doing "the right things for the right reasons" is better than chasing quick profits
How to empower employees while maintaining necessary controls
Why building systems before you need them is crucial for sustainable growth
Between developing breakthrough tools like their Top Drive Casing Running Tool and navigating the volatile energy sector, Dan reveals how staying true to their principles of integrity and customer value has paid off time and again.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or innovator, Dan's insights on building a recession-proof business while prioritizing innovation and customer satisfaction are pure gold. Don't miss this one.
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