Eric Boltz
About this Executive:
Name:
Eric Boltz
Company:
Marathon Sensors Inc.
Interview Topics:
Instruments, Controls and Electronics
Region:
Region 5 - Southwest Ohio
Eric Boltz is president of Marathon Sensors Inc., headquartered in West Chester, Ohio. Marathon Sensors develops and markets atmosphere sensors and instrumentation for the heat treating, power generation, glass and ceramic, refining and petrochemical, metals reheat and incineration industries. Recently, Marathon Sensors was named the 2007 Exporter of the Year in Ohio (photo, left). Governor Strickland described the company as having the "kind of drive, vision, and innovation required to be a leader in Ohio's exporting industry."
I wanted to learn more about Eric's success because Ohio is undergoing a purposeful metamorphosis to become a leader in the global economy. I wanted to know if Eric believes Ohio's business climate changes are helping his company be more competitive worldwide.
Q: First, congratulations on Marathon Sensors being named Ohio's 2007 Exporter of the Year. That is an impressive honor that must make you and your employees proud.
A: The employees and partners of Marathon share the responsibility and deserve the recognition for their hard work. We knew that working with quality partners around the globe and not outsourcing our production and parts to cheaper places was the right way to do business. Our sales and service subsidiary in China and licensee in Mexico have worked hard to increase our market and maintain the quality that makes Marathon the best. Marathon exports approximately 50 percent of our products, while all manufacturing takes place in West Chester, Ohio.
Q: What would you say is "the key" to Marathon Sensors' global business success?
A: Without question, it is our employees. Ohio has an exceptionally strong, skilled labor pool. We have been able to tap into that pool and find the talent we require for both managerial and line work. Equally important, the talent is not cost prohibitive and that has been key to keeping the cost of our product down so we can set a competitive price point. We have found that we rarely have to engage in a national search because there is plenty of talent right here in Ohio. In addition, our employees have a great Midwestern work ethic. They take pride in what they do and are highly motivated to do what is right and to the best of their ability. When you have unwavering confidence in your employees, you have the time to focus on getting other things right in your business so your team's talent can be unleashed in the most competitive way.
Q: Do you have access to the best and brightest talent in the industry?
A: Absolutely. Marathon Sensors enjoys a very productive relationship with The Ohio State University as an example. OSU has been a great resource for licensing patents and we often collaborate with the university on programs. The graduating students are among the best in the nation and they have the skills we need to be successful in this industry.
Q: Ohio has methodically been improving the state's business climate to assist companies seeking to become international players. In presenting the award to you, Governor Strickland punctuated the point by saying, "Ohio is poised to become a leader in our fast-growing global economy, and we must continue to recognize that opportunities beyond our state borders are vital to Ohio's economic success." Do you feel the recent reform of the tax structure will help Marathon Sensors become an even stronger global competitor?
A: Public sector policies can either help a company or cripple it. The most important thing is to have a collaborative relationship between public and private sector leadership; a relationship that behaves like a risk sharing partnership. In Ohio, that relationship exists. The recent tax reform is a great example. It wasn't just a typical reform; it was a complete overhaul of the corporate tax structure. It was successfully completed because there was a clear vision established to have Ohio be the ideal location for globally minded companies to locate, and because the public and private sector leaders collaborated productively. The same thing was true with the earlier tort reform.
The new tax structure is designed to help companies with a global book of business. The fact that new machinery and equipment is exempt from property tax encourages companies to upgrade and become more efficient. The fact that sales to customers outside of Ohio are not taxed helps companies be more competitive in pricing while maintaining margin. So definitely, the new tax structure will help Ohio be considered a great place from which to conduct international business.
Q: Ohio claims to be the "State of Perfect Balance," promising that business success is achievable in the broader context of a fulfilling personal life. Do you feel Ohio delivers on that promise?
A: I feel that living in Ohio makes it easy to achieve balance in your life, and that balance is important. Ohio has a low cost of living. My friends who live in other locations are shocked at how much house can be purchased in Ohio for $200,000. Rather than tie up your cash in housing, you have more of it to invest in getting greater enjoyment from life. I grew up in Los Angeles and I know the challenges of raising a family or commuting to and from work in a large metropolitan area. There is a penalty you pay in your health and your family relationships. In Ohio, I live three miles from my office; my commute is about eight minutes. I can go home and have lunch if I want. I can be actively involved in the lives of my children and I know they are growing up in a safe environment and developing a solid set of values. The low cost of living in Ohio allows our family to take vacations anywhere we want, and to take advantage of the cultural opportunities in our own backyard. I believe my children are growing up in the kind of environment that provides the grounding they need to be successful in life.