Metalfab Fire Trucks is proud to announce the addition of Paul Marks to our team as Territory Sales Manager for Ontario. With a well-rounded background in fire apparatus sales, firsthand firefighting experience, and a foundation of discipline and leadership from years spent in the Canadian Armed Forces, Paul brings unmatched insight to his new role supporting fire departments across the province.
Experience And Leadership
Paul started in the sales industry seven years ago, selling Metalfab trucks through a dealership based in Ontario. From there, he transitioned to a different company for the last four to five years. After a short hiatus, Paul has returned to the field, this time, as a direct member of the Metalfab team.
On-The-Ground Support
Based just south of London, Ontario, Paul is positioned strategically to respond quickly to customer needs and provide on-the-ground support for departments across the region. Alongside his sales role, Paul serves as an Acting Captain and paid-on-call firefighter with Central Elgin Fire Rescue, where he has been serving for 15 years and continues to do so.
His experience in sales is backed by a portfolio of more than 35 custom apparatus designs and sales, as well as the ability to guide fire departments through each step of the customization process with close attention to detail.
Read-World Expertise
Before entering the fire service and sales industry, Paul served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a combat engineer. He said the structure, mentality, and self-discipline he gained while serving in the military helped him in his future roles because he now has the skills to drive these projects—such as aiding departments with custom fire truck design—which can take two to three years to complete.
His tactical mindset, combined with real-world firefighting experience, gives him a unique perspective that adds significant value to his customer relationships. Paul also serves as an adjunct fire instructor for the province of Ontario. Last year, he conducted Live Fire Training and travelled around the region to instruct fire departments on the best tactics, training, and survivability within live-fire scenarios. Much of this work is done on weekends or during Paul’s spare time, which helps him build connections and stay current with best practices on the ground.
Consultative Approach To Apparatus Design
This connection between operational knowledge and apparatus design allows Paul to approach sales from a consultative standpoint.
“I understand fire trucks and operations, so it works when I’m helping design a truck. I can say, ‘Hey, that’s not really feasible,’ or I like to challenge [their] questions. Instead of always just saying, ‘You have money, let’s just buy this or spend this,’ [I ask] ‘Why do you want to spend this and why do you need that piece of equipment and here’s some better solutions or here’s some other solutions I’ve seen or done in the past,’” said Paul.
Being the Ontario Sales Manager is an ideal role for Paul because he can relate to both sides of the customization process.
Building Relationships Based On Integrity
Throughout his career, Paul has developed and maintained strong relationships with clients across Ontario.
When working with new customers to build long-term partnerships, he emphasizes integrity, respect, and trust.
“If you’re honest, you’re respected, and you can trust me, and it works both ways, then we’re going to build a long-term lasting relationship,” said Paul.
His knowledge and understanding of both the fire service and fire apparatus will greatly benefit him in this role, and he will be able to build upon that foundation to help Metalfab expand in Ontario.
Metalfab is excited to welcome Paul to the team, confident that his unique blend of experience will lead to stronger partnerships and deliver unmatched value to fire departments.
