Executive Profile
David C. Polens, CAFS President and CEO of Aero Filter, Inc.
Dave was born in Detroit and has been a lifelong resident of Michigan. He received his BA in Marketing from Ferris State University in 1985 and currently resides in Farmington Hills, MI with his wife Sue and daughters Lauren (26) and Erin (21).
“With a lot of misinformation and uncertainty regarding the [COVID-19] virus and filtration's role in addressing the spread, it is our job to educate and support the end user in implementing best practices.”
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How did you get your start in the filter industry? I was fresh out of college selling office equipment. I wanted to get into more of an industrial type sales position and interviewed with a process filtration company in Detroit. Although I did not get the job, the owner was a friend of Jerry Festian and passed my name along. Jerry called me in for an interview and I became his first full time salesman. That was 33 years ago.
What do you think is the biggest challenge the air filtration industry currently faces? Well, clearly the last several months since the COVID 19 pandemic hit have been pretty hectic. With a lot of misinformation and uncertainty regarding the virus and filtration's roll in addressing the spread, it is our job to educate and support the end user in implementing best practices.
How do you motivate your employees? I would like to think Aero Filter has created an environment where employees want to come to work and enjoy what they do. By treating them fairly, listening to their needs and supporting their efforts, we have established a loyal, dedicated workforce. We have long tenured employees and had very little turnover since it's incorporation.
Do you have any words of wisdom for up and coming filter professionals? Invest in yourself. The more you put in the more you will get out. Understand your customer’s needs, know your product offerings and build solid relationships. It will take you a long way.
Did you have a business mentor and if so, who is/was it? Actually there are a couple. Obviously, Jerry Festian has been and will continue to be a mentor as Aero Filter transitions into the new ownership. There is no substitute for his experience in the industry. The other is my wife’s uncle, Robert Trobec, who has owned and operated a very successful insurance company. He has provided some sage advice over the years.
How has your company benefited from NAFA membership? Over the years, NAFA has provided a tremendous source of information and education for our company. The credibility the organization brings and our ability to utilize the resource with our customer base has been invaluable. ■
What’s the best piece of business advice anyone ever gave you? Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. Don’t be afraid to listen, the most you can lose is a little bit of your time and you never know when you might hear something that can help you. What is the most challenging aspect in the running your company? My partner Chuck and I have only been at it for six months now, but so far so good. Coming from the sales and marketing side, it has been fun to learn and understand the other parts of the business that has made Aero Filter successful.
Established in 1978, Aero Filter, Inc. is a leading independent distributor of replacement filtration products, air filter installation service and air conveyance system cleaning serving the commercial and industrial marketplace. Our headquarters are in Madison Heights, Michigan with a branch office in Toledo, Ohio. In five years, we hope our strategic plan has provided a solid footprint for success. By continuing to focus on unprecedented customer support, quality product and service offerings at competitive price points, Aero Filter should be positioned for controlled growth moving forward.
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