Family Matters | Tom & Tyler Fitz

Meet Tom and Tyler Fitz, father-son sales duo, both sales associates at ASB. In this blog, we’ll explore how their familial dynamics blend seamlessly with their professional roles, offering insights into the world of sales through the lens of a unique, multi-generational partnership.

What was your first job and how old were you?

Tom: My first official job was a paper boy when I was 12 yrs old in 1972. I shared a 60+ residential route in our neighborhood with my older brother. We delivered weekdays and Saturday in the afternoon, and early morning on Sunday. We rode our stingray bikes in the summer and walked when the snow got too deep. It remains my favorite job and holds some of my fondest memories as a kid.

Tyler: Chores around the house, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and landscaping were a family routine at the Fitz house. My first official job was when I was 14 bussing tables at a high-end tropical restaurant. Looking at my first check, I was angry at the government for all the deductions they took. For a teenager, it was a good reality check of what was to come.

Have you gotten the opportunity to work together before American?

Tom: Tyler worked with me for the summer after he graduated from SDSU before he began teaching American History at Roosevelt High School here in Sioux Falls.

Tyler: When I was in school, my dad would often help my sports team or club with apparel and hard-good orders. That was where I first started to learn about the print world and American.

What’s your favorite memory from Tyler’s childhood?

Tom: Tyler really enjoyed reading a couple of books every night before going to bed. He often asked to read The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. Reading it together and talking about it never got old. I can see Tyler as a young boy when I hear or think of that wonderful story.

Tyler: Every summer, we all go out to the Black Hills as a family. From hiking through the mountains to simply relaxing around the campfires, we’ve made a lot of lasting memories out in the Black Hills together.

When did you both start working at American?

Tyler: After graduating from college, I worked for my dad in the summer of 2013 before going into education. After teaching American history for the last 10 years, I packed up my classroom in May and officially joined American this summer. So far, I have no regrets!

What are some of your favorite sales projects?

Tom: I enjoy teaching Tyler about the custom print business that dominates our book of business. It’s where I came from starting in 1985 with Moore Business Forms.

Tyler: I’ve enjoyed presenting new promotional products to customers and helping with new ACES stores. My dad has both vendors and customers who he considers friends, and I think when a person reaches that point in sales, it’s rewarding work. Being new with American, it’s my goal to maintain the strong partnerships my dad has built over his career, while also building my own. With my own connections, my dad has helped provide both his knowledge and experience to help me build new accounts.

What’s the easiest thing about working together?

Tom: Tyler is a great teacher, which makes him a great student.

Tyler: We understand each other, and we also have straightforward and honest communication.

What is the hardest part of working together?

Tom: Letting go of the bike and watching my son steer and pedal on his own.

What’s a fun fact about the two of you?

Tyler: We have a family tradition of hiking to the top of Black Elk Peak together in the Black Hills every summer.

Why do you recommend working with family?

Tom: Whether you’re working together and building a swing set, putting together a puzzle, packing a lunch box for school, playing catch in the back yard, helping with homework, packing the truck for college, or joining the family business, it’s the time spent with those we love most that makes for an abundant and fulfilling life.

Tyler: When I was young, people would ask me what my dad did; I told him he sold paper and print like in the TV show, The Office. Working with my dad has given me the opportunity to see him in a different way. Tom Fitz is no Michael Scott or Dwight Schrute. With almost 40 years’ worth of experience in print, my dad is incredibly knowledgeable. I wish my younger brother and sisters could also have the opportunity to work with him and learn from him the way I have so far. My respect for my dad has only grown as I’ve realized the workload it takes to maintain the level of success he’s achieved.

To learn more about American Solutions for Business, visit http://www.americanbus.com.