Careers at Masco Corporation

Mission

Masco Corporation’s mission is to provide high quality products that enhance the lives of homebuilders and consumers worldwide.

Business segments

Masco Corporation is a provider of home improvement and building products.  The firm operates four reportable business segments:

  • Cabinets and Related Products – Manufactures value-priced, stock, and semi-custom assembled cabinetry for kitchen, bath, storage, home office, and home entertainment applications.
  • Plumbing Products – Sells a wide variety of faucets and bathing and showering devices.
  • Decorative Architectural Products – Produces architectural coatings, including paints, primers, specialty paint products, stains, and waterproofing products.
  • Other Specialty Products – Manufactures vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum windows, and patio doors.

History

In 1920 19-year-old Alex Manoogian traveled from Smyrna, Turkey to the United States, seeking a life free from persecution. After spending a few years in Connecticut, he moved to Detroit, MI in 1924, where he gained employ in a screw machine business. Through the job he learned all about metalwork for automobile parts. He hoped to earn enough money to bring his family to the U.S.

To accomplish this goal, Manoogian decided to launch his own screw machine business. In 1929, only six weeks following the stock market crash, he partnered with Charles Saunders and Harry Adjemian to found Masco Screw Products Company. The name came from the first letters of their last names combined with “co” for company. They had a few thousand dollars and many used screw machines.

Masco’s first few years were challenging. It garnered its first customer, Hudson Motor Car Company, with a $7,000 contract, but at the time could not afford to pay salaries. This resulted in Manoogian holding several positions, including sales manager, repairman, foreman, and press operator. At one point the company’s machines leaked, damaging furniture on the floor below, causing more debt.

In 1931 Manoogian earned enough to bring over his family. As the 1930s passed the company obtained new contracts with Budd Wheel, Ford, Spicer Manufacturing, and Graham Page; that said, most of its work came from Chrysler. Masco manufactured parts based on clients’ specifications, so it differentiated itself more in terms of strong service than product design.

By 1936 things were better and sales increased fourfold since the initial year of operation. In 1937 the company went public and was listed on the Detroit Stock Exchange. During World War II it focused on supplying parts for the war effort and sales grew significantly. By 1942 revenues exceeded $1 million and Masco had attained a leadership position in the metalworking sector.

1954 marked a major turning point. Masco won a contract to manufacture parts for a faucet with a new type of design, a single handle. The faucet didn’t sell but Manoogian identified its flaws and obtained licensing rights so he could redesign and sell it. The result was the Delta faucet, which worked well and became popular. Sales of the line climbed to $1 million by 1958.

In 1961 the firm changed its name to Masco Corporation to reflect its new, broader direction. Over the next few decades it expanded further and further into plumbing and other home and building products. It also grew through a period of aggressive acquisition. In 1984 it spun off its industrial businesses so it could focus on its home improvement and building products.

Business model of Masco Corporation

Customer Segments

Masco has a segmented market business model, with customer groups that have slightly different needs. The company targets its offerings at homebuilders and home-owning consumers.

Value Proposition

Masco offers one primary value proposition: brand/status.

The company has established a strong brand due to its success. It is one of the largest manufacturers of products for the home improvement and new home construction markets. Its portfolio includes several prominent brands, including Behr paint; Delta and Hansgrohe faucets, bath, and shower fixtures; KraftMaid and Merillat cabinets; Milgard windows and doors; and HotSpring spas. It is comprised of over 20 companies and has more than 30,000 employees.

Channels

Masco’s main channels are home center retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. The company promotes its offering through its website, social media pages, and advertising.

Customer Relationships

Masco’s customer relationship is primarily of a self-service nature. Customers utilize its products while having limited interaction with employees. That said, there is a personal assistance component in the form of phone and e-mail support.

Key Activities

Masco’s business model entails designing, developing, manufacturing, and distributing its products to customers.

Key Partners

Masco’s key partners are the suppliers that provide it with the raw materials and components it needs to manufacture its products. These items include hardwood lumber, plywood, particleboard, copper, and zinc.

Key Resources

Masco’s main resources are its physical resources, which include the 60 manufacturing facilities it operates in the United States and the more than 20 it maintains outside the U.S. It also places a high priority on intellectual property, with numerous patents, licenses, and trademarks.

Cost Structure

Masco has a cost-driven structure, aiming to minimize expenses through significant automation and low-price value propositions. Its biggest cost driver is cost of sales, a variable expense. Other major drivers are in the areas of sales/marketing and administration, both fixed costs.

Revenue Streams

Masco has one revenue stream: revenues it generates from sales of its products to customers.

Our team

Keith J. Allman,
President and CEO

info: He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at General Motors Institute and an MBA at the University of Michigan. He previously served as the Group President of Masco and as President of Masco Corporation Of Indiana.

John G. Sznewajs,
VP and Chief Financial Officer

info: He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Kalamazoo College and an MBA in Finance at the University of Chicago. He previously served as Treasurer and VP of Corporate Development of Masco and as Treasurer of TopBuild Corporation.

Kenneth G. Cole,
VP, General Counsel, and Secretary

info: He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a JD at the University of Notre Dame. He previously served as Senior Assistant General Counsel and Director of Commercial Legal Affairs at Masco.

Renee Straber,
VP and Chief Human Resources Officer

info: He earned a B.S. in Management and a JD at Indiana University. He previously served as Group Director of Human Resources for Masco’s Plumbing Platform. She oversees human resource strategy at the company.