Steel, Sales, and Some Serious Passion for Football

Meet Dan Stian Johnsen, our dynamic Sales & Project Manager at Arctic Steel, who joined us in February 2023. Dan Stian’s career journey, brimming with hands-on expertise and a flair for sales, has made him a perfect fit for Arctic Steel. Plus, his humor and love for teamwork add a spark to our daily office life.

A career forged in steel (and sales)

Dan Stian’s path to Arctic Steel is a tale of well-rounded experience. Starting at Øglænd System, where he spent over a decade, Dan Stian earned his trade certificate as a machine operator and soaked up valuable technical knowledge. Then came five years at Mc Lea, where he led sales, logistics, and retail operations – honing his customer-focused approach.

– Øglænd System gave me the technical know-how, and Mc Lea taught me sales. It’s the ultimate combo for my role at Arctic Steel, Dan Stian reflects.

A day in the life of a Sales & Project Manager

In his role, Dan Stian manages a blend of client relationships, project follow-ups, and supplier coordination. Every day presents fresh challenges, from pricing new projects to tackling customer meetings or ensuring deliveries hit the mark.

– No two days are the same. Some projects feel like a sprint, while others are more of a marathon, Dan Stian explains.

And thanks to Arctic Steel’s tight-knit team, building strong relationships comes naturally – whether through shared laughs in the office or bonding at industry events.

Conferences, trade shows, and building bridges

Part of Dan Stian’s role at Arctic Steel includes traveling to conferences and steel trade shows – a perk he embraces with enthusiasm. For Dan Stian, these events aren’t just about showcasing Arctic Steel’s capabilities, they’re opportunities to connect with clients and suppliers in a way that email or phone calls simply can’t replicate.

– Traveling to trade shows gives us a chance to put faces to names and truly understand our clients’ and suppliers’ needs. It’s about building relationships that last beyond the next transaction, Dan Stian explains.

Whether it’s discussing upcoming projects over a cup of coffee at a bustling trade show booth or networking at industry dinners, Dan Stian thrives in the social aspect of his work. These connections often lead to better collaboration, more tailored solutions, and a stronger rapport with the people Arctic Steel serves.

Rewarding projects

When asked about recent rewarding projects, Dan Stian highlights his work with Prosess Metall, Arctic Steel’s newly acquired company. He has been tasked with the onboarding of their new clients and making sure the transition goes smoothly for everyone involved.

This fall Arctic Steel has been working together with Bjørn Gjelseng and Prosessmetall’s suppliers as well as clients. Taking over established working relationships requires proving your value and building trust to ensure seamless collaboration. A task Dan Stian has taken head on.

– It’s been rewarding getting to know our new clients and suppliers. It’s not an easy task to take on Bjørn’s long-time clients, his vast experience in the field of steel is impressive. Luckily, he’s taught us well in the months we have been working together, Dan Stian shares.

Football rivalries that unite the team

Dan Stian’s passion for football can rival that of Andre and Henning. His favorite teams are Liverpool FC and regional Viking FK. Mondays after match weekends are anything but dull, with friendly banter flying left and right – especially with the different allegiances in the office.

Still, when asked what his favorite part of working at Arctic Steel? The people, of course.

– We’re a team with a capital T. Everyone’s got each other’s backs, and we make sure humor has a seat at the table – it’s essential in a busy office!

With a mix of skill, humor, and a passion for helping customers succeed, Dan Stian embodies what makes Arctic Steel great. Whether he’s solving steel challenges or leading the charge on a new project, we’re lucky to have him on the team. And just as a reminder: if you’re debating soccer, tread lightly. Dan Stian plays to win!