Bob Gould is celebrating 33 years with MATHESON this month, marking a long and accomplished career in the industrial gas business. Bob has taken on many roles since joining in 1993, including driver trainer, credit representative, and technical support before landing in his current position as an Inside Sales Representative (ISR). His strong work ethic and willingness to embrace new challenges have made him a valuable resource for customers and colleagues.
In his role as an ISR, Bob prioritizes exceptional customer service, ensuring each customer finds the right solution for their needs. Whether answering technical questions, placing orders, or resolving vendor issues, he approaches problem-solving thoughtfully and carefully. He believes in guiding customers toward better solutions without making them feel wrong – a principle he learned early in his career. Bob jokes, “If the customer is asking for 1109 welding rod, turn the number over, it is most likely 6011!” Beyond sales, he assists with various tasks like stocking inventory or receiving freight.
Live each day for what it is. Tomorrow is another new day.
Bob
Bob’s dedication to keeping operations running smoothly has been evident in both times of crisis and times of growth. When a fire destroyed MATHESON’s South Portland filling facility 25 years ago, he was critical in maintaining gas supply by transporting cylinders between locations, often working long overnight shifts to ensure customers were unaffected. Years later, during the 2018 relocation of the Lewiston branch, his technical expertise proved just as essential. He worked closely with the IT department to set up computers, phones, and internal communications, ensuring a seamless transition.
Outside of work, Bob is a self-proclaimed “geek”. He is passionate about computers and amateur radio, using his skills to support emergency communications. He volunteers with organizations like the Oxford County Emergency Management Agency and the Maine Lung Association’s Trek Across Maine, ensuring reliable radio communications for large-scale events. These passions unexpectedly gave him the tools to excel professionally. “What I really was not aware of at the time was that a geek really fits into this business well. There is a lot of technology in the welding process, and it is always changing.”
Bob’s advice for new employees is simple: always strive to give 100% and take advantage of every learning opportunity. He believes that training and continuous learning make the job easier and more enjoyable. His mantra, “Live each day for what it is. Tomorrow is another new day,” speaks to his positive outlook and adaptability—qualities that define his long and successful career at MATHESON.
Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions:
