Blog Post

PackageIt Team Spotlight - Meet Ward Bysegger

PackageIt Team • Sep 22, 2020

Meet Sales Representative, Ward Bysegger

When veteran PackageIt sales representative Ward Bysegger first met company founder Bill Gunning, he had no idea what a happy turn his career would take. Both men were accomplished life insurance agents working out of the same North Seattle John Hancock Insurance office. Inspired by a California, Bill turned his attention to a new venture: business-to-business outside sales of packaging and shipping products. He soon brought Ward onboard. “I was one of the first additions,” Bysegger recalls. “Over time, we grew from there, adding a new person every year or two. Outside sales drove company growth then, and I’m proud to say it still does today.”

Customer-Focused Service, Now Remotely Delivered

PackageIt began in 1974 with a focus on assessing and meeting customer packing and shipping needs. Until the pandemic shutdown, account representatives like Ward regularly made in-person visits to meet with customers, check stock levels and discuss new projects and products. “COVID-19 changed all that,” says Ward. “After 37 years of calling on clients in person, I now work mostly from home—talking on the phone and emailing,” he says. “I go out occasionally, but I don’t think it has been more than a couple times a week since the shutdown in March.”

Northwestern Washington manufacturers and shippers rely on PackageIt to maintain their supply chains and keep B2B and B2C goods flowing. When the lockdown came, the company transitioned to the new reality and, as Ward puts it, “kept on trucking.” Deemed an “essential business” by State of Washington officials, PackageIt instituted safety protocols like work-from-home practices, masks and gloves, social distancing and increased sanitation measures. “They did a good job looking out for the safety and well-being of the employees,” says Ward. The company made changes like splitting shifts to minimize the number of people working at one time and reducing work hours to enable all employees to remain on payroll. “The staff was eligible for some federal and state benefits, too. I’ve been happy with the changes. I think most of us have.”

Ward recognizes the isolation that remote sales reps experience, and COVID-19 brought that isolation to the forefront in even more obvious ways. To continue social and workplace engagement, Ward says PackageIt team members are taking advantage of webinars for training or new product education. education. “We connect with the company through Zoom meetings every other week. Otherwise, the sales reps are pretty much on our own,” he reflects. “Some businesses still restrict visits from outside sales staff, and some of them allow us to visit as long as we adhere to mask and distancing policies. As long as the virus is a threat, I’m going to limit outside exposure as much as I can.” Working from home is quite a change for Ward, who previously spent much of his week driving from client to client. “I bought a new car in December,” he laughs, “but so far I’ve only logged 500 miles in it!”

Family & Leisure Away From the Job

Custom Packaging with PackageIt with Ward

Though he loves his home, Ward says being completely homebound is a novelty. He and his wife of 27 years love to travel and have visited exotic locations like Egypt, China, Panama and countries around the Mediterranean Sea. During non-pandemic times, they regularly make trips to Depoe Bay in Oregon and travel cross-country to see family on the East Coast. “It will really be different this year,” he sighed. “A lot of things won’t happen this year.” Because of COVID-19, the couple will miss a planned visit to see the once-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. “It’s a disappointment, for sure,” says Ward. “But we are safe and healthy, and we have grandkids and other things to focus on. So, we are thankful.”

Ward stays busy in his spare time—reading, volunteering and enjoying family here in Seattle —even if it has to be done remotely. “Our grandchildren call on cell phones to read us bedtime stories and talk about their homeschooling lessons. We’ve even had some drive-by visits and outdoor picnics with them.”

Ward’s regular volunteer activity at Seattle Children’s Hospital has been suspended for the duration of the pandemic. He has manned the Volunteer Office desk and recorded donated hours for over 33 years. Now, his wife is taking up the volunteering mantle. “She has made a lot of face masks—hundreds of them,” says Ward. “She’s used up all her scrap material and is now buying more. She and my sister-in-law give them away.”

The Key to a Satisfying Career

For Ward Bysegger, there is no magic charm for career success—but he does have a few pointers for beginner sales reps. “Success starts by asking how you can help customers do their jobs. I supply ideas and products to help them do their jobs better, easier and sometimes from a different approach. It’s fun to develop a relationship, especially with a long-term client. I see several customers I have been calling on for over 30 years. Bill Gunning, Sr. and I went to look at computers for PackageIt in 1985, and the retailer has been a customer of ours ever since!”

Ward’s passion for his work and loyalty to his employer is undeniable when you encounter him. The internal team at PackageIt loves his team-player attitude and deep knowledge of the company’s product line. As one of PackageIt’s earliest team members, Ward has built quite a legacy at the Seattle packaging and shipping company. “What cannot be said about Ward Bysegger? Thirty-seven years of loyalty to our business! He is a wonderful team member and the model of integrity, professionalism and consistency. He is a great team player and very knowledgeable about our products and services,” says Operations Manager Bill Gunning, Jr. “But what I appreciate the most about Ward is his willingness to explore and accept new ideas, concepts and changes occurring in the marketplace. We have a poster hung in our shop that captures in a few words the simplicity and effectiveness of how he goes about his business. Team members like him are tough to find—and crucial to keep.”

Ward personifies the PackageIt commitment to stay #WashingtonStrong during the pandemic. He knows COVID-19 will eventually be conquered, and the Washington economy will resume its robust pace. Until then, he’ll continue to support his North Seattle customers with the same attentive service by phone and email.

Connect With Our Seattle Custom Box & Packaging Company

Family-owned PackageIt has been designated “essential” since the pandemic’s early days, and we remain open with regular business hours to support your Seattle business. If your retail, manufacturing or industrial company requires customized packing and shipping containers, cleaning and sanitation supplies or personal protective equipment, call 888.743.0907 to speak with a PackageIt customer service representative.

You can also read about our COVID-19 facility update and order online for delivery or contactless pickup by request. To get to know our team better, follow other employee spotlights on the blog!