A Conversation with…Brad Majoy, Pavco

Brad Majoy is Pavco’s North American sales manager, and a recipient of the 2014 NASF Award of Merit. When he isn’t preaching the gospel of hex chrome replacement, he can be found on a lake somewhere with his trusted lab, Lilly, or pounding golf balls on a course.

 

PF: How will the acquisition of Plating Process Systems benefit Pavco customers?

BM: The PPS acquisition rounded out our decorative product offerings, enabling Pavco to provide the most diverse decorative options available in the industry.

 

PF: Pavco’s Technology Pilot Center that opened in 2013 was another in a series of big capital improvement projects. How has it improved your technical department operations?

BM: Our tech staff refers to the pilot lines as their “playground.” Having the capability to take products from the R&D chemist bench to mini production scenarios enables us to perfect the release of products to the field. Another huge benefit is being able to process customer’s parts for their evaluation and process approval.

 

PF: The company rolled out the Hex-A-Gone trivalent line as a chrome replacement. Are platers gravitating to these impending changes?

BM: I think your choice of word “impending” says it all. The continued regulations restricting hex chrome usage will make the change away from hexavalent chrome plating inevitable. Pavco is fortunate to be in a position to offer the sulfate based Hex-A-Gone, along with the chloride-based TVC systems. Both technologies are field proven alternatives for the finisher to replace decorative hexavalent chrome plating.

 

PF: What’s the best piece of advice you were given, either personally or professionally, and who gave it to you?

BM: Louie, an older Italian warehouse employee I was training with, pulled me aside my first day working with him and told me, “Son, you can’t learn it all in one day, but you can learn something everyday.” That advice has stuck with me for 30-plus years.

 

PF: How do you motivate people?

BM: Success in motivating people requires you to learn what drives them. We all respond to different forms of motivation. At one point, I truly thought money was the biggest motivating factor in the work force, but have come to realize we all respond to different types of motivation.

PF: What was your first car, and what is your dream car?

BM: My first car was a 1966 Mustang. My dream car would be 1967 Shelby GT 500 Super Snake; I think you can pick one up for $1.5 million—might as well dream big.

 

PF: What leadership traits have helped you along the way?

BM: First, trust. It takes a long time to earn, and can be lost in a minute. If you gain your employees trust they will strive to perform for you. Second is empathy; if your employees know you have genuine concern for them both personally and professionally they will work harder knowing their efforts will be rewarded.

 

PF: Where would we find you on a typical Saturday?

BM: Outdoors somewhere: golfing, canoeing, biking or whatever the weather allows.

 

PF: How do you motivate yourself?

BM: Would have to credit my parents with instilling a work ethic in me when I was young.

 

PF: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?

BM: Always remember to keep things in perspective. Will what you are dealing with today really matter much tomorrow or a week from now?

 

PF: Word that best describes you:

BM: Dependable. 

 

About Brad Majoy

Family: Liane, my lovely wife of 32 years, and three great kids: Brian, 26; Lauren, 24; Calli, 21.

Favorite hobby: Golf

Favorite book: The next one I read.

What’s playing in your car CD/radio: Eclectic mix from country to classic rock.

Originally published in the January 2016 issue.