Membership Memo—Three Generations of PCI Members

Joining PCI provides a wide range of benefits helping businesses, and individuals within those organizations, thrive in the powder coating industry. I have been active in PCI since 2019 and my employer, Bulk Chemicals, Inc., has been a member for many years. PCI membership is a gateway to gaining industry recognition, professional growth, and access to invaluable resources.

Networking is a cornerstone of PCI membership. I have been to events and conferences and connected with industry leaders, suppliers, manufacturers, and peers. Through these interactions early in my career, I was able to gain knowledge from seasoned industry veterans. Now, many years in, I am excited to give back some of my experiences to the industry newcomers.

A fun story on how I joined PCI: While networking at a PCI Powder Coating 202 Workshop in Minnesota, my father, Marty Korecky, who worked at AkzoNobel before retiring in 2022, was talking with John Anderson from Bulk Chemicals, Inc. John shared he was looking to hire in the eastern Pennsylvania region but was having difficulty finding the right person. I had expressed interest in a career change from the financial industry to powder coating and, like any good father would, Marty recommended John talk to me because it just so happened I live in eastern Pennsylvania. Long story short, I met John and our company president for formal interviews, and the rest is history! Now I am proud to say that I am a third generation PCI member, reflecting a total of 85 years of family experience in the industry.

For those who have your own shop, a unique advantage of PCI is the opportunity to achieve PCI Certification. Businesses can become PCI 3000 certified (custom coater) or PCI 4000 certified (OEM). Certification assures customers that the coater has the processes in place to produce quality powder coated products. PCI Certification is a recognized benchmark of excellence in the industry.

For younger professionals, I highly recommend PCI’s Young Professionals group. I joined on day one and it has been well worth it. This group cultivates the next generation of industry leaders by providing networking opportunities and resources tailored to early-career professionals. We are a close group and never miss an opportunity for a networking event.

PCI members gain access to tools, relationships, and recognition that can propel their businesses and careers forward. Membership offers a competitive advantage that empowers long-term success and provides an opportunity to build friendships which can span a lifetime.

Brian Korecky is district sales manager at Bulk Chemicals, Inc.