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Issue link: https://pf.epubxp.com/i/866825
A Conversation with … David Gasparovich MacDermid Enthone David Gasparovich describes his job as "solving OEM coatings challenges," and he happens to be very good at it. He is the business development manager for the Americas for MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions and is based in Chicago, where he is also studying for his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. David also currently is vice president of the Chicago Surface Finishing Foundation, having served as its president for the previous three years. PF: What's the biggest difference between your role as business development manager and when you were in sales? DG: In sales, we support platers. In business development, we support the customers of the platers. OEMs and Tiers have had to rely on random, disjointed coatings resources, if anyone, to become educated about surface finishing, validate root causes for quality issues and determine suitable applica- tors for new programs. PF: What challenges do you see most often with commercial vehicles, heavy equipment and agricultural equipment? DG: The two biggest issues we see are global coatings consis- tency and increased demand for zinc nickel. Supplier qual- ity teams are challenged with monitoring quality from each region of the world, doing their best to achieve consistency in coatings performance (and friction characteristics for fasteners). The demand for zinc nickel is increasing more than anything else due to heightened performance expectations of new programs and ever-increasing warranty terms. PF: How do you balance a successful career, family and the time needed to earn your MBA? DG: Managing a full life isn't about trying to do a million things at once, but rather never doing nothing. Stress can creep up on me every so often, but it helps that I enjoy what- ever I'm doing, whether I'm presenting at a customer, grilling steaks or reading a case study. PF: What's the best advice you were given? DG: A mentor of mine once passed along some advice I will never forget: "Stop selling and help someone." I have built many meaningful relationships in this business. PF: What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? DG: Dairy Queen when I was 15. It was the first time I learned the importance of customers, the importance of showing up on time and my hidden talents for decorating ice cream cakes. PF: What was your first car? DG: I drove a Jeep Wrangler in high school and college. Traffic is not so bad when you have the top down on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, enjoying the sun, listening to music. PF: What leadership traits have helped you along the way? DG: The best leaders are those who work to enable their teams and lead alongside. The traits I've adopted from my favorite managers are things I've watched them do, not things I've heard them say. PF: What did you want to be when you grew up? DG: I wanted to be a pro golfer. I thought I had the same swing as Colin Montgomerie. PF: Night owl or early bird? DG: When I have the luxury of deciding, I am an early bird. Nothing beats that first sip of coffee. PF: What is your favorite place to have lived? DG: In 2007, I lived in the Swabia region of Germany. It was historical and beautiful, and the people were wonderful. PF: What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago? DG: Slow down. Stop talking. Listen. PF: Where would we find you on a typical Saturday? DG: On Saturdays, I practically live at the University of Chi- cago, working on my MBA. When school is over, I'm looking forward to sleeping, watching college football and playing golf again. Read more about David at PFonline.com. 56 SEPTEMBER 2017 — PFonline.com END OF THE LINE Get to know David Family: Girlfriend Rachel in Chicago, family in Michigan. Favorite hobby: Trying things outside of my comfort zone. Favorite movie: "Good Will Hunting." Favorite book: The Age of Spiritual Machines by Ray Kurzweil. What's in your car CD/radio: '90s alternative rock and grunge.