What is your name and position within Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence?
My name is David Hill and recently I have taken on the role of Commercial Operations Manager for Canada.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have always wanted to be in sales. I initially started working with a manufacturing company that provided precision quality inspection gauges to the OEMs, but sales has always been my passion. I learned early that understanding the manufacturing process gave you credibility in the eyes of the customer. I started my portable metrology journey selling white light solutions with a reseller for Cognitens. Once Hexagon acquired the Cognitens line, I jumped at the chance to become an employee ofHexagon.
What does your day to day look like at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence?
I spend my days with a mix of activities. As a start to growing our brand in Canada, we recently partnered with Amrikart, a previous Montreal laser tracker integrator, as an agent for portable metrology and even hosted a HxGN LOCAL event at their facility. Furthermore, I am currently working on building new relationships with manufacturers in Canada through shows and speaking opportunities. Our most recent event at the Machine Tool Joint Open House with our friends at DMG Mori is a good example. I also recently participated as a panelist for an Industry 4.0 event in Barrie, Ontario. When I am not at a show or speaking engagement, I am visiting customers and demoing solutions.
What are your future goals?
Believe it or not, Hexagon is not that well known within Canada. My goal is to ensure that every Canadian Manufacturer understands the value that Hexagon provides to their customer whether that be through our wide range of solutions or our local training and support channels.
What is the one thing that Canadian manufacturers need to know about Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence?
That we offer more and do it better than our competition. In all seriousness, I find that the manufacturers have such a mixed bag of metrology. It all seems disjointed. Often we hear the question, ‘how can we tie all this data together’ from manufacturers in Canada. That is where we come in; to help Canadian manufacturers understand how they can use these metrology solutions to become more competitive in the global market.
What do you do for fun outside of working at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence? Any hobbies?
Hobbies. That’s funny. My wife and I have two boys, bothof whom play travel hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball and golf. I guess I have gone from having fun to watching fun. Unless going from a soccer field to a ball diamond and an ice rink counts as a triathlon; then I am a triathlete. I spentyears practicing isshinryu karate and kickboxing and hope to be able to get back to that someday soon. It’s a blast working out with kids and teaching them some boxing basics. After all, wasn’t it Rodney Dangerfield who said hewent to a fight and a hockey game broke out!
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I love camping and being outdoors. I traded in my Harley for a minivan and a trailer. Minivans are way cooler. They have TVs. Nothing beats being outside, prepping and cooking over the open fire. I love it.
