Harry Sheehan knows what it takes to deliver the best service to those needing packaging consultation. With lengthy experience to draw from and extraordinary regard for each customer, we are pleased to introduce readers to Harry along with the insights he can provide.
Over 40 Years of Key Experience
Since his start in the packaging industry in 1974, Harry has worked through nearly every aspect of the packaging business. Each experience helped him get a better understanding of how packaging becomes a competitive, shelf-ready product. Each experience has built upon the last.
During his first job in packaging, Harry began in a warehouse where he pulled orders and shipped them out to customers. He had to work his way into the decision-making side of packaging consultation, but his warehouse work gave him a valuable introduction to the various packaging options available.
It didn’t take long before Harry charted a path to become Warehouse Manager, but he was still driven to do more to serve customers directly. Gleaning from his experiences with packaging products, he gained a position with Inside Customer Service. He then worked his way into a position with Outside Sales.
Harry did take a break from packaging for a few years to work in the trucking industry, but packaging soon called him back.
“When you compare that time away with the rest of my career, you can see that I couldn’t stay away long,” Harry acknowledged with a grin. “After five years away from packaging consultation, I was focused and ready to get back into working with accounts. I was so focused on the right opportunity, I stayed with Penn Bottle and Supply Co. for the next 24 years.”
For over two decades there, Harry again worked his way up. He started as the Assistant Branch Manager serving key accounts. His next step was becoming Branch Manager, where he managed his own sales team. He didn’t stop there, however, as he became a VP of Sales before coming to MJS Packaging.
“I have worn every shoe from receiving the item in the warehouse to leading a team of 60+ people,” Harry continued. “I’ve sold the smallest packer and I’ve sold large steel drums, along with virtually every rigid packaging container in between. I guess you could call me a ‘jack-of-all-trades’, and I’m thrilled when I get to put that to work for customers.”
Although Harry may put it more modestly, he really can boast of a remarkable experience with all types of packaging containers and closures, too. He has worked and continues to work across a large span of industries. Whether you have food and beverage products, household chemicals, nutraceuticals, or something else, Harry is ready to bring his seasoned perspective to help.
Trends and Innovation to Watch
Over time, business practices have evolved and Harry ensures his customers are well-positioned to adapt. One of the biggest changes, Harry says, has been with many customers’ inventory management methods.
“Especially over the last 10 years, the bulk of my customers have transitioned to needing everything ‘just-in-time,'” Harry explained. “Customers are keeping less, if any, inventory on the floor.”
As Harry continued, he elaborated about how he helps customers ease these challenges, even if it seems like more of a logistics solution than you would expect from MJS Packaging.
“To accommodate this trend, customers need warehousing options, and we are happy to help!”
Unfortunately, though, Harry points out that he does see some rather unfortunate packaging trends in the market as well.
“All-too-commonly, we see instances where packaging hasn’t gone through the necessary stability tests and compatibility tests. If you don’t make sure the product is compatible with the material or ingredients being put into it, problems will follow. This can be very bad for long-term sales.”
New Products? New Molds? No Problem.
One customer’s malted beer was sure to be a hit, and they wanted to make it available in a 12 ounce flask. The challenge was they didn’t want the traditional flask design.
Another customer wanted a gallon industrial jug for their product, but they wanted it to be unlike the stock options available. They also wanted to do business with a local manufacturer but didn’t know who to turn to for help.
What do these customers have in common? They both got help from Harry to find just what they needed.
“If you have a new product launch, need a custom mold developed, or your product requires a combination of both, let’s talk. Let’s establish what you need and want for your packaging. You can even get drawings and molds for bottles started from scratch and we can find local manufacturers and sourcing, too.”
Harry Sheehan’s Secret for Packaging Consultation
To understand Harry’s approach, one need look no farther than to a small plaque in his office. This plaque sits on his desk and may seem rather subtle. It is not an award, but it contains award-worthy advice. Harry lives by it. It says:
“It is not the employer who pays the wages. Employers only handle the money. It is the customer who pays the wages.”
The quote belongs to Henry Ford, but it is a perfect motto for Harry. He believes in serving customers well and trusts in the benefits such a practice brings to him (and MJS Packaging, too).
We appreciate how Harry enjoys the challenges of getting a customer’s product to market. He actively demonstrates his drive to make life easier for the customer and their purchasing employees, all while providing top-notch customer service along the way.
“The best parts of my work involve meeting people, solving their packaging problems, and making sure they are successful. Some packaging projects may have more potential than others, but I love getting opportunities to make a difference. It’s what gets me out of bed at 4 a.m. to get rolling with my day!”
