Dee A Staten
Dee Staten is a Consumer Connections Lead at American Standard Brands, based in Mansfield, Ohio, where she has built a strong career in customer support, technical troubleshooting, and commercial product solutions. Since joining the company in 2019, she has specialized in the commercial product line, supporting sensor faucets, flush valves, and other plumbing systems commonly used in public and commercial restrooms. In her role, she assists internal team members with troubleshooting complex issues, provides real-time coaching during live escalations, and offers clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure both customers and colleagues can successfully resolve product concerns.
Dee works closely with plumbers, contractors, and service professionals, helping them diagnose installation and performance issues with commercial products. She is known for her ability to break down technical problems into practical solutions, often walking others through repairs or identifying why systems are not functioning properly. In addition to her technical support responsibilities, she contributes reporting insights for leadership and has also traveled to the corporate office to support special projects. Her hands-on approach, including independently studying how products function mechanically, has been a defining strength throughout her career.
With approximately 30 years of experience working in call centers on and off, Dee brings extensive knowledge in customer service and operational support. Before American Standard, she worked in ambulance transport services and various customer service roles, including healthcare communication and insurance support. She joined American Standard after initially applying a decade earlier, and after being hired, quickly advanced as her potential was recognized. She transitioned into the commercial department early in her tenure and was promoted to Consumer Connections Lead within three years, continuing to find fulfillment in a role where her expertise, problem-solving ability, and contributions are fully valued.
• University of Phoenix - BS, PSych
What do you attribute your success to?
The most influential people in my life were my mom and my maternal grandmother. They were both single moms before single moms were a thing. My grandmother She was a single Mom before it was accepted. She decided it was in her and her childrens best interest to leave her husband , and raised 4 kids on her own. My mom was young, I think 23 with 2 kids, and she made a life and it worked. For a long time, I didn't have their work ethic, but I definitely learned it from them. Being able to see them raising children independently when single mothers were not as supported as they are today, and being able to overcome adversity and difficult situations has really led to me being as strong as I am today and being able to put my all into my work and really be dedicated to my career. Those women made me who I am today, basically.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The people who have been most inspirational to Dee throughout her life was first and foremost her mother and maternal grandmother who have always been incredible examples of leadership and what hard work can achieve. Even though she admits she didn't have a strong work ethic when she was younger, she sees now that being able to see them raising children independently when single mothers were not as supported as they are today, And being able to overcome adversity and difficult situations has really led to her being as strong as she is today and being able to put her all into her work and really be dedicated to her career and bettering her life for herself and her wonderful wife.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to try something new. Get in there, even if it's a field that is mostly dominated by men. Try something new, especially in a trade field, because women are usually not seen out there, like in plumbing. That was one of the initiatives we had going on here for a while before COVID - getting women in the plumbing industry. Just don't be afraid to try something new, and don't be intimidated by doing something that isn't a norm for women to get out there and do, because we can do it. Just because we've been told for years we can't, WE CAN!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
“I’m inspired by work that has purpose. At American Standard, I’m motivated by knowing that what I do contributes to products people rely on every single day. I take pride in being part of a team that values quality, consistency, and doing things the right way. I’m also driven by growth — learning new skills, solving problems, and finding better ways to support the work. When I can see the impact of my effort and know it helps the team and the customer, that’s what keeps me motivated.”
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I just think being ethical is what I value most. Just doing things in a way that you don't bring harm to others, and being ethical in what you do every day, whether it's at work or whether it's out and about when you're just living your life. Helping others is important too. In my downtime, I really enjoy just spending time with my wonderful wife and my cats at home, enjoying our surroundings and being able to relax together. It's important to me to have that time away from the stresses of work. I enjoy gardening when I can, which is my place of destressing and being able to really enjoy nature and my surroundings. I'm kind of a homebody - I like to stick at home.
Locations
American Standard Brands
Mansfield, OH 44907