Phillips Promotes Michael Poschner to Director of Sales for Canada

Phillips Industries

Phillips Promotes Michael Poschner to Director of Sales for Canada

Santa Fe Springs, CA – (Trailer Technician) Phillips Industries has promoted Michael Poschner to director of sales for Canada.

Poschner joined Phillips Industries in 2000 as a sales manager for the Canadian market. Back then, 20 years ago, Phillips was represented by a third-party sales representative house, led and managed by Poschner. In nearly five years with Poschner’s commitment to the market, enthusiasm for sales, and devotion to his customers, he grew the market large enough to bring in several dedicated sales staff, propelling Poschner into a new role of national sales manager for Canada. Now in 2020, Phillips is pleased to announce Poschner’s promotion to director of sales for Canada.

Michael Poschner - Phillips Director of Sales for Canada
Michael Poschner - Phillips Director of Sales for Canada

Poschner came to Phillips with many years’ of experience in the heavy-duty aftermarket, working for companies such as Manac Trailers and Transit Trailers. Over his 20-year career at Phillips, he has accumulated many achievements, participated on industry boards, and has built long-lasting friendships with many of his customers.

  • Phillips Leadership Award 2011 – For outstanding performance by a North American sales manager
  • The Carnegie Award 2015 – Recognizing excellence in building world-class customer relationships
  • Bob Phillips Award 2018 – In recognition of using creative methods in “getting to yes” in the sales process
  • Heavy Duty Aftermarket Canada (HDAC)* Board Member – Two 4-year terms, starting in 2007
  • Instrumental in organizing the charitable donation of over $65,000, in conjunction with Phillips and supporting HDAC members, for Canada’s SickKids Foundation, a foundation that raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children

“Mike’s proven to be a reliable, knowledgeable, and dedicated representative of not only his company and customers but also to the industry as a whole,” says Kevin Hopton, president of CBS Parts Ltd.  “His ability to understand his customers’ needs and then provide solutions that both benefit his company and his customer is what sets him apart from most.”

“Mike’s contagiously positive attitude has made him exceptionally easy to work with.  It’s no surprise that he is so popular among his customers and peers.  Mike is the type of person you can always count on for help of any kind.  Back a few years ago, Mike graciously had his head shaved at a charity event, hosted by HDAC, to raise $12,600 for the SickKids Foundation.  His generosity knows no bounds,” said Rob Myers, president of Phillips Aftermarket division.  “The Canadian market is a big piece of our business, and we couldn’t think of anyone better to handle these accounts than Mike.”

With Phillips having just announced the new SBU structure to bolster market share and increase the ability to respond quickly to customer needs, the Aftermarket division has strengthened the leadership team with the addition of Poschner.  The team now consists of:

  • Jeff McKeown, director of fleet programs
  • John Nugent, director of aftermarket sales – USA
  • Mike Poschner, director of sales – Canada
  • Randy Walker, director of national account sales

*Heavy Duty Aftermarket Canada (HDAC) announced the dissolution of the association in 2018. As the successor to the longstanding Heavy Duty Distributor Council (HDDC) of Canada, the HDAC served as the only association dedicated exclusively to the profitability and success of the Canadian independent aftermarket.

About Phillips Industries

Since 1928, Phillips Industries has been recognized as a leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced electrical and air brake system components, as well as electronic solutions for communicating vehicle data to fleets and their drivers for the commercial truck and trailer industry. Phillips’ products are standard on nearly 100% of Class 8 trucks, more than 50% of all trailers manufactured in North America, and can be purchased at virtually all premium distributors. Phillips has manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the US and Canada, as well as Mexico, China, and Europe. Phillips maintains active membership in key industry associations including American Trucking Association, SAE, Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturing Association and various state trucking associations. Their manufacturing facilities have earned the top-quality accreditations including ISO/IATF 16949 and ISAO 14001 as well as multiple prestigious customer awards from Daimler, NAPA, and many others. Visit www.phillipsind.com for more information.