HPA is very proud to introduce our latest team member, Nick Lowis, who has taken on the role of Surgical Business Development Manager in Queensland. Despite joining us recently, Nick has wasted no time, actively engaging in table trials, and jumped right in at the Day Hospitals Australia Conference. In our quest to familiarise ourselves with Nick, we subjected him to a rigorous session of probing inquiries, aiming to uncover his insights and perspectives. We welcome Nick to the HPA team and look forward to seeing him grow and thrive in his new role.
Could you briefly describe your role and responsibilities within the company?
As a BDM my role encompasses all aspects of business, however I can narrow it down to three key points – Maintain existing business, grow existing business and bring in new business. Mindray’s Surgical portfolio is in its infancy in Qld, so to grow the business I need to give our customers the things they value most – trust, reliability, value, integrity and honesty.
How did you get started in this field? What led you to your current position?
I was a Warehouse and Procurement Manager for a medical company, the medical industry was very different back then. At that point of my life, I had only been on a plane a handful of times, I drove a VC Holden that often didn’t feel like starting in the morning, and had taken on my first mortgage and started a family.
It seemed like every Monday; I was hearing the sales reps discussing the amazing conferences they’d flown to over the weekend. They were staying in amazing hotels, drove company vehicles and seemed to have a fantastic lifestyle.
Eventually I decided to apply for a Medical Sales role and was lucky enough to land the position. The rest as they say is history.
What do you enjoy most about your job and the company culture?
I love selling hospital infrastructure. Knowing I’ve helped provide a solution for a customer that will assist surgeons, support staff and help patient outcomes for many years to come, is honestly what excites me the most.
I’ve only been with HPA for a month, however in that time I’ve experienced a culture I haven’t felt part of before. From my first day people have been made to feel welcomed, but more importantly it’s HPA’s customer culture that excited me about joining the business. All the feedback I’d heard from customers before coming onboard was incredibly positive. Since joining the business, the company’s response to our customers needs has reassured me I made the right decision.
What advice do you have for fostering positive working relationships with teammates?
Speak less, listen more and collaborate whenever possible.
How do the company’s values align with your personal values and work ethic?
Respect, collaboration and innovation are all qualities I value, along with integrity, reliability and trust.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about?
I’m a musician, I’ve been writing music and playing music for more than 30 years. I play drums and sing in my original band Wishbone (we’re on FB and Insta, happy to pass on the details haha). I love boating, camping, and fishing too.
Are there any books, podcasts, or resources that have had a profound impact on your personal or professional development?
The Art Of War and The Slight Edge
What advice would you give to someone starting in a similar role or industry?
- Listen more and speak less.
- Be respectful to everyone, this industry is small and people have long memories.
- This industry is not for everyone, if you’re unhappy make a change.
- Have patience and be brave, it’s only through failure that you’ll truly learn and grow.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing your career goals?
I set goals in both my career and personal life, to help drive me and keep focus. My career goals help me to plan and prioritise, while my personal goals give me something to look forward (like a holiday). Success in both brings balance and a sense of achievement.
