TIMES TALK WITH HEIDI SELLECK
Let me introduce you to Matt Bitran, who has been with Terry Town for 31 years and was recently appointed CEO. Congratulations, Matt! Your commitment to the company and deep industry experience truly speak for themselves. It’s an honor to highlight an industry leader who has helped shape the business for so many years.
1. With more than three decades in the industry, can you share some of your favorite things about our business and what keeps you involved? What pearls of wisdom would you offer young people entering our industry today?
The beauty of this industry is the relationships and the creative projects we get to work on every day.
It is very rewarding to work with one of our business partners to create something new that will stun the end user.
For young people entering this industry, my advice is simple: listen first. Take the time to truly understand your customers’ needs before jumping to solutions. Approach every project and every interaction as an opportunity to build a long-term partnership, not just complete a transaction—and always look for ways to exceed your clients’ expectations.
Those relationships are what will ultimately fuel your growth in this business.
2. When were you first introduced to SAAC, and when did you become a member? How has SAAC helped Terry Town strengthen its relationships with distributors and industry friends throughout the region?
We joined SAAC in the early 2000s.
SAAC has been very instrumental in Terry Town’s growth in Southern California, and we have always enjoyed attending the SAAC Expo.
The SAAC Expo was much larger when we first joined, but the friendships we have built over the years are the most valuable part of our involvement.
3. What did you think of the SAAC Expo and Disney California Adventure experience last year?
SAAC Anaheim was a great event. It was very relaxing to spend some time with friends at Disneyland after the show.
It was a great experience. After all, we were hanging out at “The Happiest Place on Earth!”
4. Would you entertain the idea of running for the SAAC Board? What do you like about SAAC, and what would you change?
I would love to help in any way I can, although I would shy away from running for the Board due to my schedule.
I would encourage SAAC to host more local events. It is always great to get together with your local colleagues, chat about the industry, and have a good time.
5. Are you ready to go back to the beach? We’re heading back to Long Beach for the Expo this year—are you excited? What memories can you share about Long Beach, and what are you looking forward to this year?
It is exciting to go back to Long Beach.
I attended my first trade show at the Long Beach Convention Center back in the ’90s, so it has always held a very special place in my heart.
We look forward to connecting with our distributor friends and spending some face-to-face time together. It is always great to exchange ideas about projects and solutions.
We look forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks!