Matthew Long’s work ethic pays off for himself and customers in his role as product support coordinator of the crane division

Matthew Long was bit by the hockey bug at an early age. “I really don’t remember it, but my dad took the family to a hockey game here in Oklahoma City when I was about three,” recalled Long. “They say I was ecstatic and went home wanting to play.”

During the next couple of decades, Long spent nearly every minute he could on the ice. He was offered scholarships to play in college and grew up playing with and against some future National Hockey League standouts. One of his coaches was Mike McEwen, a former three-time Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders.

“He was a big figure in my life because he taught me life lessons, including that nothing comes free. You have to work for it,” said Long. “I believe that, along with my parents as models, instilled in me a great work ethic. When I realized that hockey was done for me, that was a great attribute to have.”

Long put his skills to use by starting a cleaning business with his future wife, Elizabeth. The couple built it during the day, and he worked nights at a freight company. Eventually, the nearly nonstop work took a toll, and they sold the business about 10 years ago.

“We took a two-month vacation to California,” Long said. “I knew that I needed to get back to work, and on the way home I saw an ad for a warehouse position at Kirby-Smith’s Oklahoma branch. I talked with Bob Williams, the parts manager at the time, and told him what I wanted to do. He said there were no guarantees other than if I worked hard and prove myself, that I would have the opportunity to grow and move up.”

Moving up

Armed with his work ethic and willingness to learn, Long quickly took to the position and moved up to an expeditor for all of Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc.’s branches. He was promoted to the Crane Rapid Response Team, then into his current role as a product support coordinator of the crane division. His responsibilities include helping with warranty items, expediting parts, training technicians, assisting with work orders and more.

“I’m really a customer advocate,” stated Long. “My job is to look out for their interest and go the extra mile to ensure they are taken care of. Honestly, I feel like that’s everyone’s goal at Kirby-Smith, as well as our manufacturers. That’s why I really enjoy working here and hope to be here the rest of my career. We are all on the same page when it comes to taking care of and finding solutions for our customers, as well as looking out for each other. There is a great family atmosphere, and top to bottom, everyone cares and wants the best for each other.”

Matthew and Elizabeth love spending time with their four children, such as going to movies and traveling. He also still occasionally plays adult league hockey.