Executive Profile

Executive Profile Jeron Downing, CAFS

President, Dave Downing & Associates

Jeron Downing is President at Dave Downing and Associates was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Global Business Management. Jeron is married to Annie, and has two wonderful children.

Jeron has 22 years of experience in the air filter industry and is a NAFA Past President.

“Being a NAFA member brings instant credibility because it proves you are willing to learn more about the industry and focus on best practices.”

How did you get your start in the filter industry?

Like many NAFA members my age, I was born into the industry. Most don’t wake up and have a eureka moment of “I want to sell air filters!” My mom and dad founded the company and it became the go to summer job while still in school. Once out of college, I joined the sales team. I had the unfortunate timing of starting right when the financial crisis hit so it was a tough start. As hard as that was, the takeaway was you quickly realized the value of relationship selling. While there might not be as much money moving around, if you put the customer first you will always have an ally. From there, I was lucky enough to get to be part of the NAFA leadership group and move through the board all the way to the NAFA President role. Many valuable lessons were learned from long tenured business minds during that eight year period.

What is the most challenging aspect running a filter company

There are many challenges when it comes to running a filter company, or any company for that matter. Having the right people is always the hardest part. When there are labor shortages and demand for good employees, keeping the talent is on the forefront every week. Having a culture that encourages hard work, but does not do it to the point of stressing everyone out, has been a key focus. As you grow, “taking away” duties from someone can be met with challenges, but in the long run is required to keep the growth.

Like everyone in the industry, keeping up with product as demand continues to rise has been a major challenge. Shortages for material across the country and transportation to move it are major sticking points. The need for larger, more localized suppliers is growing in support. Those that are willing to invest are taking market share from the well known incumbents.

What’s the best piece of business advice anyone ever gave you?

The best business advice I received wasn’t a single conversation, but a life long series of examples. When you have parents that are engaged, hard working, and will literally give you the shirt off their back, it sets the example of how to be a better person. That tone has carried over to business because it makes you appreciate treating everyone fairly. There are times a customer might not always be right, but being fair and equitable can diffuse a situation and have a positive outcome for everyone.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the air filtration industry currently faces?

The biggest challenge the air filter industry faces right now is a shortage of people to be able to consistently manufacturer product. It starts from the highest up in the supply chain all the way down to the distribution. If you can’t make enough filter media, beverage board, or glue to put it all together, nothing downstream can happen. Those that are able to navigate those problems are having the most success.

How has your company benefited from NAFA membership.

NAFA has been a huge help to Dave Downing and Associates. Over the last 25 years, it has been a true breeding ground for relationships in the industry. From new vendors to our RT Group, it is a hub for all things air filter related. The seminars are often packed with speakers that keep you up to date on current topics happening. When you have been in the industry for 20 years, it is easy to lose focus, but there is always a little nugget of information from every seminar that helps trigger a fresh idea to bring back to the company. Being a NAFA member brings instant credibility because it proves you are willing to learn more about the industry and focus on best practices. ■

Dave Downing and Associates (DDA) was founded in 1981 by Dave and Linda Downing. The early beginnings started with the introduction into the industry by Greg Jennings and Rick Peckham, both at the time were with Farr. The need to move to a distributorship landed the company with the Airguard product line and the start of the family business. From there, the operation grew from the kitchen table to a small leased warehouse. From a small warehouse to the first company owned warehouse. Fast forward 40 years and the company now operates out of multiple locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area.