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A Conversation with … Matt Akin TrueLogic Co. Matt Akin is president of the plating soƞware firm TrueLogic Co. but previously had a hugely successful first career in the oil and gas industry. For the past two years, he has been chairing the Sur/Fin steering committee, leading it and the annual conference to Atlanta last year and to Cleveland this summer. We spoke to him as the 2018 conference grows near. 48 APRIL 2018 — PFonline.com END OF THE LINE Get to know Matt Family: The boss for 31+ years, wife Laura Lee; daughters Ellen and Ashley. Favorite hobby: Previously golf, then raising two wonderful girls on the lake and on the tennis court. Favorite movie: "Blazing Saddles" Favorite book: "The Richest Man in Babylon." For high school graduation, my maternal grandfather gave me the book and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Dale Carnegie sales course. What's playing in your car CD/radio: Robert Earl Keen PF: This is your second year as chair of the Sur/Fin steering committee. How is this year different from last? MA: Having the event in the southeast for the first time in many years was a bit of an unknown. It ended up being a being a great success. Sur/Fin 2018 will be in Cleveland, which is a super lo- cation, as evidenced by very successful events in the recent past. We are committed to expanding the NASF and Sur/Fin brands. PF: Why is it important for finishers to attend Sur/Fin? MA: It is the premier industry event for anyone involved in or associated with surface finishing. It is "The Event" for renew- ing old relationships, forging new ones, attending leading- edge conference sessions and receiving face-to-face time with industry experts from all areas of surface finishing. This is the place to get answers to questions you have as well as answers to questions you didn't know you had. PF: What's the best piece of advice you have been given? MA: My father taught me by example: "Treat others how you wish to be treated." PF: What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? MA: Sun Oil Co. showed me I could love what I do and make a living doing it. PF: What was your first car, and what is your dream car? MA: A 1972 Mercury Marquis station wagon, a hand-me- down from my older brother who had it handed down to him by our oldest brother. My dream car is a Range Rover. PF: What leadership traits have helped you along the way? MA: Lead by example and be willing to do anything you ask another to do. PF: What organization or company do you most admire? MA: Dell. Michael Dell took pieces and parts to build personal computers in his Jester dorm room at the University of Texas, and turned customized, made-to-order personal comput- ers into a business with a model that was the modern-day equivalent of Henry Ford's assembly line. And Dell was flex- ible enough to successfully change the model as consumers' wants/needs changed. PF: Where would we find you on a typical Saturday? MA: At the office Saturday morning, then anywhere with my wife of 31+ years for the rest of the weekend. PF: What's the best way to keep a competitive edge? MA: Keep growing by looking forward and helping others do the same. You can't run your fastest looking back. PF: Who are your personal heroes? MA: My father, Henry D. Akin Jr.; Mel Brooks; and President George W. Bush. You may not like everything he did as presi- dent, but he put our country first and was true to his word amidst unimaginable circumstances. PF: How do you motivate people? MA: Hopefully by example and by rewarding missions accomplished. PF: What are your three greatest passions? MA: My wife, my children and trying to make someone else's day! PF: Best business decision? MA: Picking good partners and surrounding myself with people smarter than me. Read all of Matt's answers at PFonline.com.