In this special episode, Eric O’Connor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Derco USA, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.
Eric talks about his upbringing, family, and education, as well as the work he did before entering the belting industry. He shares the story of how his dad inspired him to join the business, what it’s been like working alongside both his father and his brother, and what he finds most rewarding about building a family-driven career.
We’ll also hear about Derco and Derco USA—the markets they serve, their product lines, and their unique capabilities. Eric reflects on how NIBA and other organizations have supported the company and its growth.
Outside of work, Eric opens up about the best advice he’s ever received and offered, some of the hardest lessons learned, and a few nicknames—both good and bad. And because no conversation with Eric would be complete without it, we dive into his passion for music, especially his love for Pearl Jam, and what music has meant to him throughout his life.
Links:
Listen on other platforms:
Apple Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13
iheart radio
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/
Pandora
https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb
Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber
RSS
https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/
Podcast Index
https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600
Listen Notes
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/
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