Associate Spotlight: Michael Dalbom
Learn more about Michael Dalbom, Director, National Accounts, and his experience as part of the PDI Healthcare division.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your role at PDI?
Dalbom: As a member of National Accounts team, I have responsibility for our non-acute & e-commerce strategy and growth. This includes partnering with our TSMs (Territory Sales Managers), Clinicians, marketing, finance, operations and distributor partners to grow PDI’s market share into the non-acute segment and our online presence. Care is shifting and we are building out the strategy, processes, and teams to ensure our people and our organization is successful and continues to grow.
Q. What new skills have you learned while working at PDI? How have you developed personally and professionally?
Dalbom: Working for the leader in infection prevention has taught me things I never thought I would know and it has been fascinating. My knowledge of our industry/portfolio has expanded dramatically while working alongside our marketing and clinical teams, including understanding our products more from a clinical benefit. For example, did you know that C. diff (C. difficile = nasty bacteria) cannot be killed by an alcohol gel alone on a patient’s hands? This poses a greater problem for our customers’ patient population who are bedbound. Although alcohol is not considered to be an effective agent for killing C. diff spores, it can be theorized that the alcohol wipes provide mechanical cleansing of the patients’ hands, which removes organic debris and, potentially, spores from the skin surface. So, a great clinical option for bedbound patients is PDI’s Sani-Hands® Instant Hand Sanitizing wipes beside pack. This is something I did not know and was taught from Amanda Thornton, PDI Clinical Science Liaison.
Q. Can you provide some insights on your team dynamics / working relationships with colleagues?
Dalbom: As a member of the National Accounts team, we have a very close working relationship, built on trust, transparency and teamwork. I call them my “work family” and talk & engage with them more than my own family on many days. We work at a fast pace, and back each other up whenever needed. We are a very close team and know each other’s families/kids/hobbies as well as strengths. Our team is supported by a phenomenal leader who pushes us, but also supports us to grow both personally and professionally.
Q. Have you participated in any charitable programs or events through PDI? If so, which ones and what impact did that program have on our local community
Dalbom: I’ve participated in Be The Difference® Day for the last 2 years. I enjoy the day of giving back to our local communities and believe it is very admirable that the organizations commits to supporting our employees and their local committees through Be The Difference Day. This type of investment shows you the character and commitment from our board and leadership team, and how giving back is important part of our culture.
Q. Do you have any interesting hobbies or fun facts you could share? (personal or work related)
Dalbom: Fun facts: I am ambidextrous with almost all sports. I married my high school sweetheart, Emily of 17 years and we have been together since sophomore year of high school in 1997! Hobbies: I’m an avid Kansas Jayhawk basketball fan, and I love all things outdoors including boating, fishing, hiking with our two kids, Madelyn (11) and Miles (9).
Q. How long have you been with PDI and why have you decided to stay with the company?
Dalbom: I’ve been with PDI for 2 1/2 years. The high quality products we manufacture, and our strong brand presence and respect we have with our customers and in the market. A theme I constantly hear from our distributor and industry partners is “we love your products and your people”.