I recently had the chance to talk with one of my favorite guitar-making, scuba-diving friends, Ian Baynes, about the pump industry and how his experience is helping develop the next generation of pump technology.
Ian, Director of Global Marketing for AW Chesterton Company in Groveland, MA, is responsible for all aspects of marketing for Chesterton: Strategic planning, Product Development, Marketing Communications, Training, and Public Relations.
A.W. Chesterton Company operates in over 100 countries around the world and is recognized as a leading international provider of knowledge backed solutions, customized programs, and hands on expert service for Rotary, Stationary, and Fluid Power equipment platforms; supported by a comprehensive line of industrial fluid sealing systems, high performance protective coatings, and specialty industrial lubrication.
A guiding force in Ian’s career was his relocation to the US from his home country of England in 1999. Leaving his comfort zone started with a conversation with his manager about challenging himself in new and different ways. Little did he know his manager was willing to help him with his request. Within a year, Ian was relocating to the US.
Once in the States, Ian quickly learned the value of flexibility and adaption to a situation. Life is not scripted so it’s important to approach each day as a new adventure and embrace what’s in front of us.
Ian tells me that the, “The experience has not always been positive, but its always been exciting… taking me places I could only ever dream of going… introduced me to some of the most amazing people. During the process, my career was turned upside down and in so many directions that I am now fully prepared to adapt to almost any situation now. So I now look forward to my next adventure, whatever or wherever that me be!”
A strong believer in managing your own career, Ian advocates setting objectives and set a course. One of Ian’s favorite sayings is “Stop looking at your feet, if you don’t look up and decide where to go, you will end up somewhere you don’t want to be.”
There are just times when we all need to pick up our head, seek where we want to go, and start walking with conviction to our future. Sometimes, it helps though to have that reminder.
Chesterton is a 130yr old company that started on the Boston waterfront as a ship chandler for steamship supplies. Interestingly the companies DNA is the same today as it was then… serve the customer where ever and whenever they need it, improve process reliability, and reduce emissions loss.
In the next 10 years, the pump industry will see more innovations that improve pumps, motors, sealing system and other components of the pump systems…. with the objective of driving smarter energy consumption.
Studies have shown that pumps around the world are responsible for 10% of world electricity consumption. As a result, the US and countries throughout Europe are looking at legislation to improve pump efficiency and lower energy consumption. Companies like Chesterton will be leading the way.
