VP of Marketing for the U.S. Division of the Score Group

Lewis (Lew) Babbidge, graduate of the USM School of Business with a BSBA (’71) and an MBA in 1973, now resides in Houston, Texas.  Born in Blue Hill and calling Bar Harbor, Maine home for his first thirty years, Lew describes himself as being attracted to opportunities that offer a challenge. 

Lew considered a teaching position at the USM School of Business after receiving his MBA, but on advice of one of his professors went out to get some real world experience before considering teaching.

In 1992 he sold out of a valve manufacturing company with the intent of teaching at the local community college system.  Before the first class convened, he was asked to re-enter the valve industry to introduce a new product line and he has not returned to the idea of teaching since.  He currently is VP of Marketing for the U. S. division of the SCORE Group.  The company is headquartered in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and provides engineering and aftermarket services to the international oil and gas industry.  They recruited him to develop the customer base in North America.

Lew is enjoying a successful career in the demanding energy market, which has made him a very marketable and sought after corporate team member.  He has earned an excellent reputation for getting the job done, which has enabled him to work in many exciting ventures.

1. What comes to mind when you think of the USM School of Business? 

My first thoughts are always of the exciting times spent with a group of faculty and students that changed the direction of my career.  The power of group dynamics is one of the most underrated forces in the learning process of life and the classroom environment during the early 70’s was a great setting for my learning.

2. What has your life been like since leaving USM?  It has been like a dream.  From the start in Houston as a financial analyst, to training salespeople and end users on product use, to establishing joint ventures around the globe, and being involved with mergers and corporate ownership has been exciting.  But even more dream like has been having a great family life at the same time.  With a beautiful wife and two wonderful children I have been blessed both at home and in the workplace.

3. Have you kept up with any of the faculty since leaving USM? 

In the early years I was traveling a bit in the New England region and was even able to attend a couple of events back on the Portland campus, but as my responsibilities changed and time was spent more in the international markets, I lost contact with the area.  I did talk to Dr Bay and George Higgins a few times over the years. 

4. What benefits have you experienced as a result of your education at USM? 

I believe the ability to enter a new situation with an open mind, while understanding that the most powerful tools you have at your disposal are the ability to listen well and ask “why” have benefited me the most.  These traits were fine tuned by my interaction with the USM faculty members, both in and outside the classroom, which challenged student thinking.

5. Can you name a few favorite professors or classes at USM? 

I cannot think of a single professor or class that was not high on my list of favorites at the time, but the ones that still hold a place in my hall of fame include; John Bay, Joe Chandler, Phil Jagolinzer, E. G. Plowman and Harry Waters.  These individuals made a major impact on my thought process by making the time to challenge me on many plans, not just the field in which they were experts.  I owe a great deal to the USM faculty for my success, but these particular gentlemen made the difference in my basic business success.

6. What has been one of your most rewarding jobs and why? 

During the mid 80’s a friend and I identified a small company with a long history and an excellent brand name that was on the edge of bankruptcy.  We bought the company and turned it around.  This included growing from 37 to 99 employees.  Sales grew over 800% in six years, and it goes without saying profits went through the roof.  The rewarding part of it all was the increased benefit to the 99 individuals that were generated by the turn around.

7. Where do you see yourself in ten years? 

If the “Good Lord” is willing I will be retired, in a warm sunny location with my wife and playing golf on a regular basis.

8. How do you feel the USM School of Business can best serve its students and the business community? 

The class that integrates the text book with the real world results in the most knowledge being gained by the student.  Class assignments that allow the student to see the real day-to-day operation and human interaction make a lasting impression.  Instructors that have a career behind them are better for the student than a freshly minted PHD.

9. What are the highest priorities you have for your life both personally and professionally?  My highest priority is my family and personal integrity.   This is true both personally and professionally.  I have been lucky enough to travel the world, get to know many cultures, see many wonderful sights.  But outshining all of this is your family life and your integrity.

10. What advice do you have for the USM School of Business student? 

Keep an open mind; there is always room for change.  Learn how to ask the question “Why” without being combative.  Learn to listen well; a lot is said that is not heard.

Click here to read the interview with School of Business Alumni, Joe Kumiszcza, Jr.

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