Magnets USA bests Uruguay company for software award

FROM WORST SEAT TO BEST
Way in the back, behind a pole, sat Donnie Martin, Magnets USA chief operating officer. It was the middle of a long day at the SuiteWorld Convention in Las Vegas, and he was exhausted. 

But then he received a text that turned things around. It was from Jay Forrester, Magnets USA IT director, who was also at the convention.

"I have a surprise for you," the text read. "Tomorrow Magnets USA will be announced as the winner of the YourSuite Award." 

The YourSuite Award recognizes a company with "the most innovative and impactful solution using the SuiteCloud platform," according to Evan Goldberg, executive vice president of development for Oracle NetSuite. 

Donnie couldn't believe it. After months of transitioning Magnets USA to NetSuite, a cloud-based business management software by Oracle, the hard work was paying off.  

The following day, Donnie and Jay had front-row seats in the 4,500-person audience. 

"I guess that's what was so funny to me," Donnie says. "[Going from the worst seat to the best] was what much of this project has been like — full of highs and lows."

​DRIVEN BY INNOVATION
As Magnets USA was named the winner ahead of Uruguay company UES, Donnie and Jay took the stage to receive the award. 

"Being recognized by NetSuite against some of the best companies out there lets us know we are heading in the right direction," Jay says. "We've led the way in marketing innovation for the real estate industry since the 1990s, and now we're extending that energy into technology. Not only will we continue to to be the leader in product innovations, but also customer service and manufacturing efficiency."

A TEAM EFFORT
Donnie and Jay will be the first to tell you they can't take credit for the award. This was a team effort. Every department has had to drastically alter what "business as usual" means to them. 

"I am incredibly proud of the work that everyone has done to implement and start using this software," says Jennifer Beishir, Magnets USA programs manager. "Change can be trying, but everyone has stepped up their game and worked so hard to make it happen."

When Donnie looks at the award, he doesn't gawk at the crystal or nice etching. 

"I see the sacrifices so many on our team have made — time away from their families — to make this transition happen."

GOING FORWARD
Earning the YourSuite award isn't an end result for Magnets USA — it is motivation to keep improving.

"The capabilities for growth ... will change the nature of our business," Beishir says. "It’s exciting to think about, and I can’t wait to see what happens."

Donnie presents the YourSuite award to the company earlier this week.