We’re back with another edition of Q&A by the Coffee Machine, where we get to know the different faces of Shelving Inc.

Today’s feature is Jim Aiello!

Jim is our vice president of strategic initiatives, providing space optimization and solutions for larger, key industrial accounts. 

He started at Shelving Inc. around 1984, working part time in the warehouse. Climbing his way up the ladder, he worked in inside sales, as an estimator for new construction projects, and manned his own territory before becoming a co-owner in 2000. 

He’s lucky enough to spend the day with his wife Joan Aiello, our founder’s daughter, who works here in accounts payable. 

On a typical day, Jim first responds to his texts and emails before hitting the road for appointments. While at the office, he makes sure to check in on our outside and inside sales staff, reviewing their whiteboard of current long-term projects. He also coordinates with our installers on projects, visits possible job sites, and other various tasks. 

To date, his most memorable job is a three-way-tie between Workplace Integrators and two installations at FANUC America. As each tackled large, complete warehouses, the massive scale of these projects (the three totaling around $5 million) made them an undertaking. Having to project manage through completion, keep safety at the forefront, and eliminate customer concern by staying in constant contact with all parties, Jim is proud of their successful execution. 

When he’s not configuring pallet racking, he’s playing rhythm guitar and singing in a band, The Jello Shots. Joining two years ago, he says the best part is watching people have fun at gigs (as he clarified they are not doing this for the money). 

Rapid Fire:

• Funniest TV show: Last Man Standing
• Something that always cheers you up when you think about it: His band/music
• Breakfast, lunch, or dinner: Dinner
• Biggest pet peeve: Jim says he has OCD, so everything is a pet peeve – especially clutter
• Awful movie you love: Payback 

Jim most enjoys traveling with his family to spots like Florida or Mackinac Island. They also plan the occasional mystery trip, where Joanie and Jim alternate taking their three daughters on surprise outings to places like the Motown Museum and Frankenmuth. 

Once it’s warm out, you can catch him golfing, fishing, or cruising in their 1970 Chevelle SS. 

While working here, Jim is overall most proud of the great relationships he’s developed with customers that he now considers friends. 

That’s all for now! Keep an eye out for the next Q&A in the coming weeks.