Since its inception, Altek Supply has been dedicated to breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a reliable partner. As a second-generation family-owned international Master Distributor of industrial products, the company understands the importance of following a framework that continually puts the customer first. By ensuring that it has the progressive technologies needed to make its processes as efficient and effective as possible, the Altek name has become synonymous with trust and dependability.
Valve World Americas had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Atema, CEO of Altek Supply, to discuss his enduring commitment, driven by enthusiasm for innovation and philanthropy, to change the traditional approach to the supplier-distributor relationship.
By Angelica Pajkovic and Shopia Ketheeswararajah
Where it all Began
Altek Supply opened its doors to the public in 1999 after its founders, Fred and Debbie Atema, recognized the need for a better approach to addressing the pain points affecting the industrial supply market. Having experienced firsthand many of the challenges and constraints faced by oilfield supply stores, the Atema’s chose to launch their own company, founded on trust, to provide a strong, loyal customer journey.
Established on this set of core values, the company has continued to grow and expand over the last 24 years. In 2008, Altek Supply acquired Premier Valve, a DHV distributor, which enabled the company to pass exclusive DHV rights to Altek Supply; this in turn unveiled new opportunities to source inventory for the industry.
“The company had the ability to grow its market share from this acquisition; it expanded our team and created meaningful relationships,” said Mike. In 2010, Mike began to invest more time into the company and took over operations from his father. “I was bitten by the personal development bug and I realized that I was going to have to grow myself in order to expand and bring more value to the company,” stated Mike. It was only a couple of years later that he chose to purchase Altek Supply, becoming owner and CEO.
“Our team’s objective, both now and then, has been doing whatever is necessary to provide essential products to end users as quickly, safely, and responsibly as possible,” explained Mike. “The relationship between the end user and supplier can become increasingly strained if there is a constant need to overcome challenges, such as unreliable customer service or lack of product support. My goal has therefore always been to invest in new innovative processes, to address these potential pain points before they have a chance to become an issue.”
In 2015, the company further strengthened its distribution offerings by localizing and rebranding. This decision showcased the company’s dedication to support the supply store network, rather than competing against it. “Following the first phases of the COVID-19 pandemic we began prioritizing the company’s expansion into the U.S.. We launched Altek Machine, built an in-house modification center, and acquired a second company, EDI Ball Valves, in Oklahoma City, USA.” Today, Altek Supply is well-recognized as a leading global distributor of a wide range of products.
The Foundation of a Trusted Company
As a family owned and operated enterprise, Mike is dedicated to maintaining an environment that cultivates both growth and dependability. To do so, he works together with his team of passionate individuals who continually strive to provide innovative solutions to the industry with no hassle. The combined 500 years of experience, coupled with out-of-the-box mindset of the team creates an open-door experience for all clients.
“Altek Supply is not your typical supplier; we operate with different intentions. The company’s fresh approach to core operations creates an advantage, and it changes the way business has been done for several decades. Altek Supply continues to implement similar frameworks from great companies that have a strong customer response,” said Mike. “We are always working to improve on over-delivering on what we call the baseline expectations.”
Ultimately, the company’s reputable customer satisfaction rate is the result of a reliable and resourceful team that strives to provide the highest level of service.
“My goal is to continually invest in new innovative processes, to address potential industry pain points before they have a chance to become an issue.”
Modern Solutions
The company’s innovative approach to modernizing process systems has also allowed Altek Supply to succeed at exceeding client expectations. The use of proprietary techniques and enhanced services provides customers with accessible information that can streamline the workflow, reduce lead times, and eliminate redundancies.
“By investing in improved processes and utilizing ‘smart’ technology modifications, we can ease the customer’s journey. With our client in mind, we are innovating every day processes that will significantly increase their value to the customers. It will do so by increasing efficiency, removing redundancy, and increasing accuracy of the entire bid/ buy/receive process. A growth mindset is at the heart of the company and we work tirelessly to create an increasingly successful customer response.”
Building Relationships
Another practice that elevates Altek Supply above other suppliers, is the manner in which it engages with manufacturers. More specifically, it is the company’s choice to limit the number of partnerships it establishes. “This is done intentionally so we can perfect the products that are offered,” explained Mike. “We have earned the trust of our end users through our guarantee that the products we supply are of the highest quality.”
With an extensive quality management system in place, and thorough inspections conducted on both inbound and outbound products, Altek Supply takes pride in its ability to deliver quality products, consistently.
Building long-term trusting relationships with leading manufacturers that are committed to upholding the company’s core values of growth, trust, and impact, allows Altek Supply to deliver a truly world-class customer experience.
“My father had a great reputation, it became automatic for me to live up to that, that was truly a gift I only recently realized was bestowed upon me, I worked hard to live up to that reputation, then grow it, to continue the Altek legacy.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Mike’s dedication to helping individuals facing challenges stems beyond the company’s efforts to mitigate issues in the supply industry. Altek Supply continues to drive positive impact through philanthropy and giving back to various communities. “We support a lot of organizations that are important to our team or our customers, however, Altek’s passion for philanthropical impact is more weighted to kids and breast cancer.”
Having lost his mother, and co-founder of the company, to breast cancer three years ago, Altek Supply’s commitment to supporting breast cancer research has dramatically increased. Mike recently founded the Atema Cancer Foundation with the aim of creating a bigger impact for the cause. The Atema Foundation will operate a ‘100% donation model’ where 100% of donations received will reach the intended causes. His loyalty to philanthropy, and the dedication he portrays in continuous personal and business development, influences the way internal operations are performed at Altek Supply.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company worked diligently to ensure it did not have to resort to mass layoffs. In an attempt to go against what many companies were doing at the time, “we made a commitment to avoid layoffs at all costs, and we were successful in that. We did not lay anyone off during this downturn, our people stepped up amazingly,” stated Mike. “Everyone took reduced salaries, some took a month off to be with their young family and came back at 80%, others worked three or four day work weeks, it was heartwarming to see the commitment from our people.”
Altek Supply powered through this downturn, and once the worst was over, worked on acquisitions, ordering inventory, and creating new opportunities.
The company’s perseverance during this uncertain time brought success to the forefront by pushing for modernization and finding improved solutions to meet client expectations. Mike’s optimistic perspective towards serving the people and Altek Supply’s personable approach to distribution, reveals its commitment to redefining relationships.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The distribution industry is currently undergoing a transitional period. The call for innovation is driven by the expectation of enriching existing processes to improve the supplier’s interaction with clients and the rest of the industry. Altek’s low tolerance for mediocrity and its desire to supersede expectations pushes the company to strive beyond the baseline.
The company’s approach to exceeding the needs of its clients, employees, and community reflects its strong ties to family values. Mike’s ongoing efforts to ensure he fosters the right environment for anyone that interacts with Altek Supply creates the company’s unwavering impact towards the industry. The trusted distributor will continue to bring a fresh perspective to the industry through a highly experienced team, extensive product knowledge, and a commitment to upholding the family legacy. “My father had a great reputation, it became automatic for me to live up to that. It was truly a gift I only recently realized was bestowed upon me, and I worked hard to live up to that reputation, then grow it. Now it is to ensure that my little girl is extremely proud of her dad, what he was able to accomplish, and what he stood for.”
