Joe DeGenova is a seasoned sales professional with a strong foundation in both technical and business disciplines. He holds an MBA with a Certificate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, where he excelled in a global business simulation, finishing in the top 1.5% with his team. Joe DeGenova also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering and a minor in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University.
Joe DeGenova began his career as a Metallurgist in Ellwood Group Inc.’s Loop Program, providing support across seven business units. This role allowed him to develop critical leadership and technical skills while driving projects that enhance sales support, quality, and production processes.
He later transitioned to a Technical Sales Representative position at Ellwood Quality Steels in New Castle, PA, where he managed over 15 accounts and played a pivotal role in generating substantial revenue—over $50 million in 2021 alone, set to exceed $90 million for 2022. Joe DeGenova was instrumental in negotiating long-term agreements and establishing customer credit through thorough financial evaluations.
Currently, Joe DeGenova serves as the acting General Manager at Big D Print & Logistics LLC in Denton, Texas. In this capacity, he oversees the company’s daily operations, driving growth and ensuring seamless client service. Joe DeGenova’s combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership experience makes him a key figure in the company’s success.
As Big D Print & Logistics LLC expands into the UPS Store franchise, what are some of the biggest challenges you anticipate in this new venture?
One of the biggest challenges is establishing our brand presence in a new market. Although we have strong roots in the community, entering the UPS Store franchise means building awareness and trust from scratch. We also need to navigate the logistical aspects of a new operation, including hiring the right team and ensuring excellent customer service. Balancing these challenges is crucial as we plan to expand.
How does your extensive experience in technical sales and managing large accounts translate into the successful expansion of a family-owned business like Big D Print & Logistics LLC?
My experience in technical sales taught me the importance of understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions. This customer-centric approach is critical as we expand into the UPS Store franchise. Managing large accounts also honed my skills in building and sustaining long-term relationships, which will be vital in fostering loyalty among the community. Additionally, the financial acumen I developed will help us make informed decisions that drive growth without compromising our family values.
Given your background in leading communication efforts from the shop floor to the C-Suite, how do you plan to ensure effective communication within your team during this period of growth?
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful operation. I plan to establish regular check-ins and clear communication channels across all levels of the business. Transparency is critical; I want everyone to be informed and aligned with our goals. We can address challenges quickly and keep the team motivated by fostering an open environment where feedback is encouraged. Leveraging my experience, I’ll ensure that everyone, from frontline staff to management, feels heard and valued.
The Denton community will be crucial to the success of your new UPS Store. What strategies do you have in place to engage and build strong relationships with local businesses and residents?
We plan to engage the Denton community through active participation in local events and collaborations with nearby businesses. Supporting the Denton Chamber of commerce is just a first step towards this. Offering personalized services and creating a welcoming environment in our store will help build trust. We’re also looking into community-focused initiatives, like sponsorships and partnerships, to embed ourselves in the local fabric further. Our goal is to be more than just a service provider; we want to be a valued community member, contributing to its growth.
Business expansion often requires significant capital investment. How are you balancing the financial pressures of expanding the business with maintaining operational efficiency?
Expanding requires a careful balance between investing in growth and maintaining operational efficiency. We’ve planned our budget meticulously, ensuring that we allocate resources where they’re most needed with a focus on delivering maximum customer value. I’m leveraging my financial background to analyze costs closely and identify areas where we can optimize. It’s about making smart investments that will pay off long-term while ensuring our operations are smooth and efficient and not sacrificing on quality.
With your experience negotiating long-term agreements, what key factors will you consider when forming partnerships and contracts for the new UPS Store?
When forming partnerships, the key factors are alignment of values, mutual benefit, and long-term potential. I’ll seek partners who share our commitment to quality and customer service. It’s also essential to ensure that agreements are flexible enough to adapt to future changes and sufficient to provide stability. I’ll draw on my experience to negotiate terms that protect our interests while fostering positive, collaborative relationships with our partners.
The success of a new venture often hinges on thorough market research. How did you approach market research for this expansion, and what insights did you gain about the Denton area?
We approached market research with data analysis and direct community engagement. We studied local demographics, business trends, and competition to understand the demand for our services. Additionally, we spoke with local business owners and residents to get a feel for their needs and preferences. The insights we gained reinforced that Denton is a growing, vibrant community with a demand for high-quality, reliable services—precisely what we aim to provide with our new UPS Store.
Given the competitive nature of the logistics and printing industry, how do you plan to differentiate your UPS Store from other similar services in the Denton area?
Differentiation will come from exceptional customer service, community involvement, and a commitment to quality. We’re not just offering standard services; we’re going the extra mile to customize solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers. Additionally, our deep ties to the community will allow us to offer a personal touch that larger, more impersonal chains can’t match. We want to be known as the go-to place in Denton for reliable, friendly service.
What role does your academic background in organizational leadership and materials science play in your strategic planning to expand Big D Print & Logistics LLC?
My academic background provides a strong foundation for strategic decision-making. Organizational leadership has equipped me with the skills to manage teams effectively, drive change, and create a positive company culture. Meanwhile, my technical background in materials science helps me approach problems analytically and develop innovative solutions. These skills are critical as we navigate the complexities of expanding our business and maintaining high service standards.
How do you envision the growth trajectory of Big D Print & Logistics LLC, and what steps are you taking to ensure sustained success beyond the opening of the new UPS Store?
I envision steady, sustainable growth for Big D Print & Logistics LLC, with the new UPS Store as the first of many successful ventures. To ensure this, we’re focusing on building a solid foundation—hiring the right people, delivering excellent service, and maintaining financial discipline. We also want to continuously adapt and innovate based on customer feedback and market trends. By staying true to our values while embracing change, we’ll position ourselves for long-term success in the Denton community and beyond.