2009 30 under 40 winners

James Amato, 30

Sales manager, Lincoln Distributors, Tempe, Ariz.

For Amato, growing up in the glass industry means he has a lifetime of experience to pull from in his current role as sales manager for Lincoln Distributors. “I’ve been in the industry my whole life. I started with my dad way back … I learned everything I know from experience. The more I learned about this industry, the better I got at it.” From his warehouse helper position in college to his current role in sales, Amato enjoys interacting with customers and helping them solve problems.

He credits his dedication to service for the success he’s had in the industry so far. “I think it’s the easiest thing to do, but for some reason other companies can’t seem to do it. A lot of our product is similar to what other distributors offer. Pricing allows you to try to win business, but nothing’s going to beat service if you want to keep that business."

He says the lesson he’s learned the hard way is keeping his cool in certain situations. “If you get frustrated with a situation, whether it’s work or personal, don’t respond when you’re angry. Take a step back, be patient and then reevaluate the situation and come up with a logical answer when emotion isn’t involved.”

One-word description of the glass industry: Evolving
One-word description of self: Driven
Career history: 2000-present, sales manager, Lincoln Distributors, Tempe, Ariz.; 1996-2000, warehouse helper, Lincoln Distributors
Education: 2000, Bachelor of Arts, business management, Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz.
Diversions: Running, playing in an adult soccer league, flag football, sand volleyball, golf and hanging out with his friends
Family: Wife, Aimee
Favorite book: Anything John Grisham
If a movie were made about your life, who would you cast to play you? Will Ferrell. “Only he could make a movie about the glass industry funny.”
Connections: 520 South 52nd St., Tempe, AZ 85281, 480/968-9297, Jamie@lincolnglass.com, www.lincolnglass.com

 
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