Welcome Roger Mefford to the SRSI team!
We are thrilled to introduce Roger Mefford, our newest addition to the SRSI family. With a wealth of experience and a passion for practical engineering, Roger brings a unique perspective to our team. Let’s get to know him a little better.
Roger Mefford was born and raised in New Jersey, and he attended Northeastern University in Boston, where he obtained a BS in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structures. During his time at Northeastern, Roger married his high school sweetheart, and they have been happily married for an impressive 42 years.
At Northeastern, Roger participated in the Co-operative education program, which provided him with invaluable hands-on experience. It was during one of his co-op jobs in New York City that he had an eye-opening moment. When he asked a structural engineer how they connect the first beam to the first column during building construction, he was shocked to find out that the engineer didn’t know. This experience fueled Roger’s determination to be a different kind of engineer, one who understands how designs are fabricated and assembled.
Roger’s career journey led him to the Nuclear Power industry, where he gained essential experience. He also obtained his Professional Engineering License while working long hours in Chicago. Eventually, he moved back to New Jersey, joined a firm designing buildings and bridges, and added two more PE licenses to his name.
Roger’s introduction to the material handling (MH) industry came when he joined Frazier Industrial Company as their Chief Engineer for standard products. Initially concerned that storage rack design might be boring, Roger soon discovered the endless possibilities and challenges within the industry. After eight years as Chief Engineer, he transitioned into sales, a decision that proved to be one of his best. He was given the opportunity to break into previously untapped corporate accounts, including giants like Wal-Mart and McLane.
Roger’s experience took an international turn when he was tasked with salvaging a collapsed racking project in Brazil. This led to the formation of Frazier International and the exploration of partnerships in various countries. However, after the events of September 11th, the company retracted from the international market, and Roger took over the ASRS Group, focusing on selling ASRS racking systems to integrators and end-users for the past 22 years.
In his new role at SRSI, Roger’s niche lies in his extensive experience, exposure to various integrators and end-users, and his practical approach to engineering. He believes in the potential of the RAFT product to revolutionize the MH industry, and his short-term goal is to ensure its reliability and cost-effectiveness. In the long run, he aims to contribute to the sales team’s success and profitability.
When it comes to the MH industry’s future, Roger acknowledges the shift towards automation. However, he stresses the importance of considering the practicality and application of new technologies. Rather than pursuing full automation in all cases, he believes we should focus on solutions that make sense for each unique situation. Ensuring uninterrupted operations is a key priority.
Joining SRSI excites Roger because it offers him the opportunity to make a difference and have a tangible impact on the company’s outcome. He is eager to contribute his expertise and experience to the team.
Beyond work, Roger enjoys spending time at his family’s summer cabin in the Lake George, NY area. Boating on Lake George and playing golf with his sons bring him joy and relaxation.
Please join us in welcoming Roger Mefford to SRSI and connect with him on LinkedIn. We are confident that his experience, practicality, and passion for making a difference will greatly benefit our team and our clients. We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our company and the MH industry as a whole.
