Matthews Automation Solutions is a leading provider of material handling systems and software globally. Our Pyramid | Compass team in Cincinnati, OH provides advanced warehouse execution software (WES) and warehouse control systems that integrate islands of automation and balance work for optimum throughput. Matthews’ Lightning Pick team delivers pick-to-light, put walls, picking carts, and other light-directed systems from Waukesha, WI.
Matthews Automation offers exciting career opportunities to help global brands enhance their manufacturing, distribution and fulfillment processes with innovative warehouse automation including robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and other state-of-the-art technology.
Meet Thomas Sperstad, Sales Representative for our Lightning Pick Office.
Where did you go to school before working at Matthews?
After graduating from UW Oshkosh, I started working as an Alternative Investment Administrator at U.S Bank.
When did you join Matthews and how long have you been working for Matthews ?
I joined Matthews in September 2023, so I have been at Matthews Lightning Pick for 7 months now.
Why did you come to work for Matthews Automation?
Throughout the interview process, I could tell Matthews Automation was an exciting opportunity. I was looking for an opportunity with a company that I could see myself stay at for the long term and be able to grow my professional career with, and Matthews Automation fit that perfectly.
What is the most exciting aspect of your career with Matthews?
The most exciting aspect of my career at Matthews is how no two systems are the same. Each customer has different needs and ideas of what their systems will look like and helping them have that idea come to life is an exciting and rewarding process.
What is the most interesting project you are working on right now?
I am currently working on growing our partnership network at Lightning Pick into Europe. This will open new opportunities for us and a whole new market. It’s been interesting to see the difference between the U.S and Europe MHE markets.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
As mentioned above, my favorite thing about my job is all the different people I get to work with. Whether internally or externally, everyone I have worked with so far in my time has been great. It’s always fun hopping on a new meeting with a potential partner or customer and hearing their story and background in the industry.
What interesting industry trends have you noticed in distribution and fulfillment techniques and automation?
The biggest trend I have noticed in my short time here is the emergence of robotics. Whether in the form of AMRs/AGVs or AS/RS systems, I feel most systems are starting to look to incorporate robotics into their automation. This was evident at Modex, where more than half the booths I saw walking around had some sort of robotics displayed.
What is your approach to helping customers solve their process challenges?
With every customer being different, it’s very important that you start by approaching each new opportunity by really listening to what their needs and current challenges are and using that to figure out the best system for them. Our goal is to deliver a system that solves their current problems and streamlines growth and productivity for their company.
Can you share some of the different types of brands or industries that you think would benefit from being our partner?
Consultants, System Integrators and 3PL’s are some of the first vendors that come to mind when I think of who can benefit from being our partner. We already have a great partner network in these areas and are always looking to grow it.
Are there industries or processes where you see growing opportunities for pick-to-light technology?
The Ecommerce industry has been the fastest growing that I have seen for opportunities using pick-to-light, whether that’s the use of LP Pick, LP Put or a combination of both.
What is the importance of social media in our industry?
Social media plays a big role in our Matthews Lightning Pick brand visibility and ease of content distribution. The use of the likes of YouTube and LinkedIn are great ways to update existing customers and partners on our new products and development, as well as show off our already established systems.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I spend most of my free time outside of work watching or playing sports, mainly Basketball, Soccer, Football and Golf. Also, you can never go wrong with finding a good Wisconsin dive bar on the weekend.
Are you looking for opportunities for career growth and innovation?
Check out our open jobs! Or contact Matthews Automation Solutions, email: info@matthewsautomation.com
