Champion Fiberglass Team Spotlight: Product Manager Bob Hamman

Last year Bob Hamman thought he was retiring. Then he got a call from Champion Fiberglass management to work on the new Champion Fiberglass Strut® product line. Welcome to Texas, Bob!

Tell us about your role at Champion Fiberglass.

I joined the company in January to assist the Champion Fiberglass team in launching the expanded Champion Fiberglass Strut® product line. As Product Manager, I am helping establish pricing and develop the catalog, then working to engage rep agencies and distributors to learn the product and sell it.

Tell us about your background.

I have 35 years of experience in the electrical industry working with rep agencies, distributors and manufacturers. I spent four years at Wesco Distribution, served 15 years as a factory rep for Appleton Electric and for the last nine-and-a-half years was a manufacturers rep throughout western Michigan for Team Electrical Sales.

Please comment on the electrical conduit market and the role of Champion Fiberglass in it.

Champion Fiberglass has been producing a quality conduit product for over 30 years. This enhanced strut product line represents an expansion into new markets targeting the pipe, valve and fitting industry. It’s a great opportunity for the company and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

What do you enjoy about working at Champion Fiberglass?

I’ve known the Champion Fiberglass folks for over ten years. In my previous position as a rep with Team Electrical Sales, I attended Champ Camp. I was impressed with the organization and team early on.

How do you spend your time when not working?

My wife and I enjoy camping and traveling with friends. I am also a golf nut and sports fan. I love college football and I follow the University of Michigan. Since I am from Michigan, I am a big follower of the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander, so I am happy that the position with Champion Fiberglass is bringing me closer to Verlander and the Astros.

Tell us something folks might not know about you.

Six months ago I was preparing for retirement and never conceived of working again. Then I got a call from Scott a few months into retirement. The opportunity with Champion Fiberglass was intriguing and since my daughter lives in Houston, it was even easier to join the company.

My wife reminded me that it’s much easier to shovel sunshine than snow. We were ready to leave the harsh Michigan winters behind. The exciting job opportunity and the team at Champion Fiberglass made it easy for me to come out of retirement. We’re working hard to get the new strut line to market, but also having fun in our efforts.