Cimco-GC Systems is proud to be a team made up of diverse backgrounds, skill sets and interests. Today we kick off monthly posts highlighting members of our team to learn what makes them (and Cimco-GC Systems) unique.
It may still be news to some of you, but this month our friend and long-time coworker, Steve Causseaux, is transitioning into a role with Cla-Val as District Sales Manager in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. You probably know Steve for the quality relationships he’s built with you over the years, his tireless support for your business, or for hunting down the answer to an important question. We know Steve as a devoted team member, consummate professional and supportive friend - to name just a few. The good news is that we still get to work with him in his new capacity to continue to serve the waterworks industry in our region. We’re excited for this new chapter for Steve, and we’re grateful for the time he’s spent mentoring our newest team members.
Steve, the15+ years (!!?) of dedication and hard work at Cimco-GC Systems cannot be measured and will not be quickly forgotten. We look forward to what’s next!
So... take a minute to get to know Steve and a little about his impact on our company and industry!
Q&A with Steve Causseaux:
Where did you grow up?
Puyallup, WA! Believe it or not, I grew up 10 minutes away from Cimco-GC Systems headquarters.
Nick names?
I have my track coach to thank for, “Steve Casanova.” While competing in collegiate track and field, announcers always mispronounced my last name: “In lane 2, “Steve ‘Casano!’” Casanova naturally follows.
Favorite album:
Though he’s far from my favorite artist, Bruce Springsteen’s, “We Shall Overcome – The Seeger Sessions” is my favorite album of all time. Funny story – when I met my wife’s family for the first time, I walk into their house and see they had a copy of this album, on vinyl, sitting on display. Nobody has this album... but they did, ON VINYL.
Favorite food:
Specifically: The pizza at Dar Poeta in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome, Italy. More generally: shepherds pie in an Irish pub, street tacos in Mexico, fresh pasta in Italy, and a great hamburger and fries at your local brewery.
Dream vacation destination:
Rhine River European Cruise... the full length from Amsterdam to Budapest with no one except my lovely wife.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Design/build rollercoasters and/or own/run my own theme park... but not in a creepy sort of way.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
In no particular order: Whitewater kayaking, rollercoaster enthusiasm, running mountain trails on return business road trips, my four young daughters (and now suddenly, ballet), bar tending and crafting cocktails.
What is one thing you find satisfying about your job?
Working and socializing with my vendors, customers and coworkers. Seriously, I love and will miss the wonderful working relationships.
Favorite memory from your time at Cimco-GC Systems?
My favorite memory from the last 15 years? Eesh.
Helping Atlantic-Oase tear down their stupidly massive booth at IA in Austin in 2010 (or 2011?).
Searching for obscure coasters during IA in Orlando w/ Raeann and ending up at the wrong obscure theme park and having to travel via Uber to another obscure theme park on the other side of Orlando.
Daughter #1 being born right in the middle of our huge valve training event at the Bull Run Headwaters with Portland Water Bureau then Raeann saving me and teaching in my place.
Being invited to speak and introduce the Cimco team at a huge Mueller event in Nashville.
Rob, Raeann and I meeting Cla-Val for breakfast in Seattle for the first time to discuss representation with our collective nerves in a total wreck during the whole meeting.
Meeting the GC Systems team and observing the professionalism immediately following the merge between Cimco and GC Systems.
Attending the DBIA show in Seattle last spring and losing our marbles laughing so hard because of the dumb amounts of quality, random swag we kept collecting.
Best advice you ever received?
“Discern, prioritize, and pursue God’s will in all things.”
One thing you’re thankful for:
My wife, Justina. Yep. She puts up with more than anyone could ever comprehend. Like once you think you comprehend it... it’s well beyond that.
Bonus Questions:
What’s one way you expect to grow in your new position?
Developing ability to work with an extensive team, and how all of that is managed.
What are you most proud of from your time at Cimco-GC Systems?
Going through the gauntlet of salvaging a struggling business with Raeann and the team, praying a lot, and enjoying the massive successes that arose from the prudent action and hard work. I’m certainly going to miss it.