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A Conversation with … Jim Jones Dixie Industrial Finishing Longtime plating veteran and industry advocate Jim Jones has worked for Dixie Industrial Finishing (DIFCO) in Tucker, Georgia, for more than 54 years, following in his father's footsteps. He is retiring from his position of vice president to spend time with his wife, Carol, his grandkids and his hobbies, which include fying. We caught up Jim just before he took fight in his 1946 Globe Swif; you can read a longer and more insightful version of his answers online at pfonline.com. PF: What led to your decision to retire? JJ: At age 72, I am still passionate about the business and industry. I could continue to be engaged consulting and being a mentor for the younger generation at DIFCO. My wife Carol and I will have more time to spend traveling, visiting children, grandchildren and friends. There are still a lot of places in this country we would like to visit. PF: How did you get your start in the finishing industry? JJ: I grew up in the business. My father got his start in the plating industry during WWII when he worked in the plating shop at Warner Robins Air Base. In 1960, he was one of the three founders of DIFCO. My frst summer job in 1958 was at Simmons Plating Works, and I worked on the black oxide pro- cessing line, hot dip tin line and bright dipping of brass line. After about a year of working and attending Georgia State University, I joined the Air Force. Several months before my enlistment was up, my father asked me what my intentions were. I told him I had given thought to making the USAF a ca- reer. When my dad said "I need you," the decision was made. PF: Where do you now see the finishing industry headed? JJ: The industry has changed from operating a plating shop from the seat of your pants with no EPA/OSHA regulations and little knowledge about actual cost per unit produced. I now see successful businesses having a commitment to go beyond compliance on EPA/OSHA requirements, using sophisticated programs and management tools to provide true and total cost for each unit produced on each process line and building a talented and strong team of managers having responsibility for their departments. We need to promote not only our business, but our industry; if we help protect our industry we will better protect our business and our customer base. PF: Tell us about your flying hobby. JJ: I have the airplane I learned to fy in, a 1946 Globe Swift. Over 40 years, it has gone through many upgrades in avionics, engine and other modifcations to improve the performance and safety. I have about 5,500 hours fying time and now average about 100 hours per year. I have fown it to the four corners of the U.S. and to California about 15 times, and to Alaska. I have landed in all but about fve states. PF: What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? JJ: Paper route. Your responsibility is getting that newspaper delivered everyday on time, rain or cold. Customers wanted their paper on time, but did not always pay on time. PF: What was your first car, and what is your dream car? JJ: 1940 Ford Coupe. My dream car was a Red 1959 MG/A. The dream came true, but as a Red 2006 Honda S2000. PF: What leadership traits have helped you along the way? JJ: Practice what you preach. Don't ask anyone to do anything you wouldn't do or haven't done. Empower people to make mistakes; if they do not make mistakes, they are not making decisions. You can let people know what the job or mission is, but you do not need tell them how to do it. PF: If you could trade jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be? JJ: Someone who could change or encourage changes in regulations and trade policy that would reverse the exodus of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., allowing more manufacturing of product and bringing greater opportunities for the metal fnishing industry. Most of those in the metal fnishing indus- try don't make anything, they just make their customers parts look better, work better or last longer. The metal fnishing is dependent on a strong domestic manufacturing base. 56 JUNE 2014 — pfonline.com END OF THE LINE Get to know Jim Family: my wife Carol and I have six children, 11 grand- children and two great grandchildren. Favorite hobby: Flying, biking and going to the ftness center. Favorite movie: "Sound of Music" Favorite books: The Bible, "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand and "Endurance" by Alfred Lansing. What's playing in your car CD/radio: Ultimate Oldies but Goodies Collection of 50s and 60s music. 0614_PF_EndoftheLine.indd 56 5/16/2014 1:52:33 PM