2009 30 under 40 winners

Brian Shaw, 29

Sales manager, Solar Seal Co., South Easton, Mass.

Having been around the family business his entire life, Shaw believes his real-world experiences helped him get the most out of his business degree. “Business school and business are two different things. At business school, nobody calls in sick and machines don’t break down. In business, they do. I would say that working in the business prior to going to school gave me perspective and a reference point. I was able to transfer what I learned at business school into real-world experiences.” Shaw and his brother are the third generation involved with the company.

This long-term involvement with the industry has highlighted for Shaw the importance of cultivating personal relationships. “I would say that the key to success for anything, not just the glass industry, is the way we deal with people. It’s the relationships we cultivate and the way that we make decisions that are fair and equitable to the masses. We don’t negotiate short-term deals for short-term benefits. We’re in it for the long-term relationships.”

One-word description of the glass industry: Flat
One-word description of self: Type A
Career history: 2006-present, sales manager, Solar Seal Co., South Easton, Mass.; 2004-06, customer service representative, Solar Seal Co.; 2002-04, shower door department/glass entrances project manager, Solar Seal Co.
Education: 2002, Bachelor of Science, entrepreneurship and economics, Babson College, Babson Park, Mass.
Diversions: Golfing, skiing, Iron Man triathlons, trail running with his dog
Family: Wife, Jill; yellow lab, Kona
Favorite book: “The Last Lecture,” Randy Pausch
If a movie were made about your life, who would you cast to play you? “I know it would have to be a cartoon character. Probably the Road Runner!”
Connections: 55 Bristol Drive, South Easton, MA, 02375, 508/238-0112, bshaw@solarseal.com, www.solarseal.com

 
Return to main page