Tell us, what brought you to Nicopress?
I’ve had three or four different jobs in my life. I started in sales, worked in the fastener industry, and spent years traveling as a rep for seven different manufacturers. But with all that traveling every week, I was ready for a change. That's when I found Nicopress. Everyone was kind and down-to-earth so I knew it was a fit. I knew about fasteners, and that they hold things together—that’s what I always think about.
What industries are you most excited to work with?
Entertainment’s my favorite but I love the wire rope applications, the fencing, the utility applications, the whole nine yards. We work with big names, like Cirque du Soleil, and they come to us because we have a strong reputation in the industry. You can’t beat that.
On the agriculture side, I love working with vineyards and orchards. Vineyards have to go through maintenance after the harvest season, and our products play a big role in making that happen. Some growers come back to us and say, ‘I refuse to use anything else,’ because they’ve tried other brands and just see the difference with Nicopress. That’s rewarding.
How does Nicopress stand out in such a competitive market?
The personal approach is a significant. A lot of companies are big and impersonal now; you can’t get a real person on the phone. But at Nicopress, we’re known for a family atmosphere. You can pick up the phone, call one person, and know they’ll take care of whatever you need. When I first started, my territory already had business but people weren’t being visited as often. So I started calling, talking to customers directly. I love referrals—because they come from people with whom I already have a good relationship. But I don’t mind cold calling either, though I always like to make sure I have an appointment before stopping by. For me, it’s about building genuine connections.
What are your guiding principles in sales?
I’ve been told, ‘never say never,’ and to keep pushing forward. You can’t take things personally in sales. You’re going to hear ‘no’ a lot, and you just have to go on. My gymnastics coach taught me to never say ‘I can’t,’ and that’s stuck with me. You can get frustrated, sure, but don’t even put ‘can’t’ in your vocabulary.
I treat every customer like they’re our only customer. I want them to feel like they’re getting real attention and that they matter because they do. Relationships are everything, and I want them to feel confident that they can call me with any issue.
What should people know about Nicopress?
At Nicopress, you get the connection behind the connection. It’s not just about making connectors; it’s about the people, the relationships. We’ve been around for a long time, and when customers realize that, it reassures them that they’re working with a trusted, reliable partner.
We’re not a huge company, but we’re mighty in terms of influence and quality. There are people who have been with Nicopress for decades, and that says something. We make sure every customer feels taken care of, and we don’t forget anyone. I want every new customer to deal directly with me at first so I can make sure everything goes smoothly. Eventually, they can go through our sales team, but I want to make sure they’re set up efficiently from the start.
It's important for me to know I’ve helped a customer solve a problem or do their job better. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. I want customers to feel confident that they have a trusted partner. Every interaction is a chance to make someone feel taken care of and supported.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love the ocean, love being by the beach, and I recently moved out to a lake, so I’ve picked up fishing! I’m a catch-and-release type—I just throw them back. I also love baseball and spending time with friends and family. Add some fresh air and a little adventure—that's my perfect balance outside of work.
Through her expertise and enthusiasm, Tracy McAnear embodies the Nicopress philosophy: quality, trust and dedication to each and every customer. Her passion and commitment shine through in all she does, making her an invaluable member of the team and a true asset to Nicopress clients.
Thank you, Tracy! Connect with Tracy via email.
