Inside MHI: Q&A with Christian Dow and Donna Streicher
Christian Dow
Executive VP of Membership and Industry Leadership
Why were you attracted to MHI and to this industry as a career choice?
I have been involved with MHI for a while. I exhibited at ProMat in 2007 and the NA show (prior to MODEX) starting in 2008. In 2016, I decided to get more involved with MHI and started attending the Spring and Annual Conferences and joined two of MHI’s Industry Groups. I found that it was a great place to come and meet with peers and build relationships that I think will last a lifetime.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
I don’t know if it is considered a skill, but I think I bring a member’s perspective. I hope the perspective that I gained running a small member company brings value to the membership of MHI.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
Bringing people together for a cause. I think that is one of the things that pulled me into MHI. I especially like the combined responsibilities of the Industry Groups and Membership. These pillars of MHI offer a lot of opportunities for members to get involved and gain value. Together we can continue to build this great industry.
What aspect of the industry is most intriguing to you?
The constant innovation. It is amazing how fast technology is moving in the material handling world. We just finished MODEX and it was amazing to see all the new products and innovations being demonstrated on the floor.
If you could transport back in time, what would you tell your 15-year-old self?
Learn more. Especially programming. Working with education programs over the past few years, I see how fast students learn at that age. As time goes on it seems to take more effort to learn new things (although I am always trying).
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
I love doing almost anything outdoors. I often say that I am solar charged. My wife and I love to take our teardrop trailer and head for the wilderness. We just moved to Charlotte from Colorado so we have a lot of new places to explore. We spend a lot of time hiking, paddle boarding and camping. We also love the beach. Having the ocean only a few hours away is also a huge change for us.
What is your favorite sports team?
The Chicago Bears. It has been hard to watch them over the past few years. It has been especially tough to watch the Packers beat them and win the division. I do feel like our time is coming. Go Bears!
What event/excursion (in your life) would you consider adventurous or especially meaningful?
One of my favorite pastimes is college football. I love going to games where I am not tied to either team and just there to enjoy the experience. Every school and campus has a unique culture, history and traditions. It is very exciting if I get to see one of the big rivalry games. Games I have been to: Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State, Alabama @ Auburn, Georgia @ Georgia Tech, Texas @ Texas A&M (last one before A&M left the Big 12), Ohio State @ Nebraska, and many more.
Donna Streicher, CEM
Senior Sales and Exhibit Services Coordinator
Why were you attracted to MHI and to this industry as a career choice?
I originally found MHI because of the opportunity to join the Exhibitions Team. My background was working with exhibitors on tradeshows in various industries so when the opportunity came along to be a part of the team that produced MODEX and ProMat, I was eager to jump on board. I was attracted to MHI because it was clear to me from the beginning that the MHI team was passionate about the success of the Member companies.
What was your first impression of this industry, and has it changed since then?
When I first started, I really didn’t know what “material handling” meant outside of a textbook definition. I knew what warehouses, racks and forklifts were but had never given much thought beyond that since I had not worked in the industry before. I realized early on it is much more complex and interesting, as there always seems to be some type of new technology on the horizon. It’s exciting to see all of this on display at MODEX and ProMat.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
Having the experience in tradeshows was definitely a plus for my specific role on the Exhibitions Team, but also my strong commitment to customer service. I truly want to do whatever I can to ensure our Members have a positive experience as they prepare for MODEX and ProMat, as well as any time they reach out to MHI for assistance. I believe in the MHI Mission of “Deliver member value every day.”
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
When I have been able to assist an exhibitor in some aspect of preparing for the next show, whether it’s sharing marketing tools we offer, discussing sponsorship opportunities or answering questions about booth logistics—just whatever they need to help them prepare for the show. I want them to know I am here to be a resource for them and if I don’t have the answers, I will follow through and get them to the person that does.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I have a long bucket list, but I would love to take my kids on a trip to Italy in the next few years.
What is the last book you read?
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein
If you could transport back in time, what would you tell your 15-year-old self?
Be adventurous, take risks and don’t let fear stop you from stepping outside of your comfort zone.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
Relaxing at the beach (preferably Hilton Head Island) with my husband, our 12-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter.
