Global Product Director, Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings
Global Product Director, Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings
Professional title: Global Product Director, Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings
Career field: Paint and Coatings
Degree(s) earned: BS In Chemistry - U of Mn 1996, MBA UNC Chapel Hill - 2013
What's your story?
Started my career as a chemist in the lab, developing paint and coatings for industrial wood markets for the Valspar Corporation. Moved from Mn to Nc in 2003 where I became the Technical Manager of our Building Product (doors, siding, trim, flooring, etc). in 2007, transition from Technical into Sales for Flooring, Entry Doors and Window Fashions. In 2012, I became the Global Account Manager for John Deere, selling green and yellow paint all over the world. In 2017, I moved from sales to a Segment Marketing Director for Ag / Construction Equipment. In 2020, I moved into my current role as Global Product Director, responsible for our product portfolio around the world.
What are your primary job responsibilities?
Innovation process, product lifecycle, simplification, cost savings and technical resource allocation.
What is a typical work day-in-your-life like?
Leading and managing a number of projects, also daily troubleshooting for sales and manufacturing.
How did you find your first job?
Intro to Chemistry, 1 credit class taught by Stephanie Statholoupos, brought in the HR Manager for Valspar Corporation. Talked to him after class, had an interview a month later.
What level of education (Bachelor's, Masters, PhD, etc.) is required to do your job?
Current role, Bachelor’s degree required, MBA preferred.
What is your work schedule like? Do you ever work weekends or nights?
Depends on the week and what is happening. I have global responsibility, there are meetings and calls at all hours. Also, I travel globally and will start traveling on weekends.
Do you travel for work? If so, in what capacity, and how often?
Yes, 10-15% all over the world.
What is your work environment like? Do you work mostly with a team or mostly independently? Do you stand, sit, or move most of the day?
I work in an office 3 days a week, at home 2 days a week. Primary with a lot of different teams in our divisions and multiple other divisions.
What do you like most about your job?
Innovation process, bring me back to the lab.
What's the best career advice you've ever received? What career advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
If you don’t ask, you will never get it. Be in control of your career, be open with your manager, apply for opportunities.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at the University of Minnesota?
Undergraduate research was a lot of fun and I learn a lot about working in a laboratory setting.