Crain's 40 Under 40: DANA ANTOUN, 37
It’s Crain’s 25th anniversary of honoring 40 metro Detroit professionals who have made their marks before age 40.
Photo by Jacob Lewkow. What Dana Antoun would tell her 25-year-old self: “I’d tell myself to not take everything so seriously. That money will come, so go for the opportunity and experience. And to keep networking!”There are business success stories, and then there is Dana Antoun.
Hired at Rochester Hills-based WABCO Holdings Inc. as a project manager, Antoun has been promoted twice within her first year at the company for the unexpected value she has delivered.
Her first major achievement was to revamp the company’s electronic data interchange system and processes. The revamp eliminated sales and logistical failures that had plagued the business for years, according to Jonathan Stone, WABCO’s director of big data. It also improved delivery, accounts receivable and customer satisfaction.
Antoun’s efforts impacted the auto supplier’s bottom line by nearly $10 million in a matter of months.
“I’ve gotten really lucky here,” Antoun said. “All of my past experience and skill sets are the perfect fit.”
Her latest promotion to IT manager, Americas has Antoun developing new and challenging talents, including helping to build a manufacturing facility and managing people.
“The people aspect is very difficult because of catering to each personality,” said Antoun, who went from managing zero to 18 people. “I really want to be a great leader. I’ve had great mentors, and that’s what I want for my employees.”
As a manager, Antoun said she believes she can really make a difference in her employees’ lives and show them what they are capable of.
“I believe you should always train your replacement, and I am building my team to be able to replace me,” Antoun said.
Antoun is responsible for $900 million in business.
What’s next?
“I love the acquisition portion of business, building the new location, the global aspects; the opportunities are here!”
Crain’s teamed with Crowdrise to help this year’s 40 Under 40 winners raise money for their favorite causes.
Dana’s Charity of Choice:
Forgotten Harvest