Executive Profile
Chuck Dankanics, CAFS Vice President/COO of Aero Filter, Inc. How did you get your start in the filter industry? My father was a friend of Jerry’s [Festian] when I was in high school looking for a summer job. I started in the warehouse the first year then moved into the Service Department. How do you motivate your employees? I believe that having an open door policy at all levels is important. Getting to know your employees and listening to their ideas is very motivating.
Chuck W. Dankanics started working at Aero Filter Inc. in his teenage years. After four years at Colorado State University focusing on Business Management he decided to return to the industry. He is married to his beautiful wife Michelle and has two wonderful kids, Aidan (17) and Ella (16).
“...we as NAFA professionals need to instruct our customers with the best product available for their specific equipment/ building needs.”
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Did you have a business mentor and if so, who is/was it? I have to say Jerry Festian. I have worked with him for over 36 years and his knowledge has, and will be, instrumental in our transition. What’s the best piece of business advice anyone ever gave you? Listen first, then react. You can’t fix any problem if you don’t hear what it is. What is the most challenging aspect in the running your company? In the short time we have been owners, the task of finding new employees to grow the business has been very taxing. What do you think is the biggest challenge the air filtration industry currently faces? I believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is definitely our biggest challenge. With the overabundance of information (correct or not), we as NAFA professionals need to instruct our customers with the best product available for their specific equipment/building needs.
Do you have any words of wisdom for up and coming filter professionals? It’s easy to get to the top but hard to stay there. Stay focused on your customer needs and keep your employees smiling. How has your company benefited from NAFA membership? We have benefited from NAFA in many ways, from internal CAFS and NCT certifications to Clean Air Awards. NAFA has given us the support through the years to keep Aero Filter, Inc. informed in the ever changing industry. ■ 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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