People at Okaya USA, Inc.
Mike Blevins
Sales and Warehouse Manager, Lexington
Role and Responsibilities
Mike has been with Okaya for almost 20 years, he oversees inventory management of tooling and spare parts for strategic production plants of a multi-national manufacturer. He also takes care of a variety of inventories including Injection Molding Plastic Resins for 13 plus molding companies.
The Most Challenging Project
Mike tries to track events worldwide that may affect the delivery and or production of the materials that Okaya stock and supply to our customers. Delivering a stable supply of inventory to consumers is always one of Mike’s most important projects, he quickly responds to changes in market conditions.
The Valuable Service to Our Customers
Mike always ensures that Okaya is prepared to supply all his customers the necessary quantities of all materials to support their varying production needs regardless of any situation.
Dan Doyen
Sales Manager, Chicago
Role and Responsibilities
Dan manages the National Dealer Network for MHT Surface Grinder machines. Also responsible for Japanese specialty steel sales throughout the midwest region.
The Most Challenging Project
Due to several mitigating factors, sales of Surface Grinders through Okaya USA has been on a steady decline for the previous decade. Since Dan took over management of inventory and the dealer network, Dan and his team have worked overtime to improve support and reduce lead-times through better inventory management, which has produced growth in the grinder market year-over-year for the first time since 2012.
The Valuable Service to Our Customers
He believes that clear communication is the lifeblood of positive business, and being the connective tissue in international business presents unique challenges in effective, constant communication. His works diligently to ensure that all parties are kept in the loop on everything related to their order. This includes responding to all order and technical inquiries within a 24-hour period, translating and providing big-picture market updates as soon as available, and maintaining a thorough understanding of each issue that crosses his desk.
Craig Drummond
General Manager, Houston
Role and Responsibilities
Craig oversees the sales of steel and chemical resin products throughout the southern/eastern USA mainly for the Oil and Gas Industry.
The Most Challenging Project
The most challenging part was coordinating between engineers in the USA with engineers in Japan while procuring raw materials to ship to Japan for the trial production, which will eventually get shipped back to the US to be used by an American multinational oil and gas corporation as a completed product.
The Valuable Service to Our Customers
Craig tries to provide the best service to his customers by putting himself in their shoes, he brings his expertise and insight to not only meet the customers’ needs but also improve their business’ efficiency and performance.
Daniel Yang
General Manager, Los Angeles
Role and Responsibilities
Daniel oversees day to day sales and business operations for the Western region, including Canada. Also responsible for aerospace projects throughout the United States.
The Most Challenging Project
Los Angeles office struggled to maintain growth and profitability since the financial crisis in 2008 – 2009. Since Daniel joined in 2013, he has been taking lead of the Los Angeles office to serve both existing and potential customers more diligently, efficiently and strategically to fulfill his customers’ needs. As a result, the office has grown to become one of the top sales generating offices within Okaya USA.
The Valuable Service to Our Customers
一期一会 (Ichi-go ichi-e) is a Japanese idiom that is often translated as “Treasure every encounter, for it will never recur.” This term is one of Daniel’s favorite sayings as it constantly reminds him to cherish each business opportunity, citing the fact that it can never be completely replicated. This team “motto” allows the Los Angeles office members to genuinely care about their customers and the services that they provide them on a daily basis.
From Admin Team Message
Daniel is a former US Kendo Champion and Captain of the US National Kendo Team.