Before he joined his father at ATC Plastics Inc., a Houston-based toll compounder and supplier of black color concentrates, Chad Stevning worked for a startup software company called Fore! Reservations.
The job was his first out of college, and he worked there for 10 years — Stevning helped build the firm to the point where it was sold to a major corporation.
Age: 35.
Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing from Indiana University.
Family: Married with three children, ages 7, 5 and 2.
What was your first plastics job and why were you interested in the industry? ATC Plastics has been my first and only job in the plastics industry. I joined my father Tom Stevning, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years. He worked for Formosa Plastics before joining ATC Plastics and now is an owner with his business partner, Rich Mejia.
Greatest achievement? Becoming vice president of ATC Plastics. I have worked hard to grow our business over the last five years!
Biggest failure and what it taught you? Losing out on a big contract a few years back. However I ended up earning the business the following year from hard work and dedication to the customer.
What market most interests you? The automotive industry. Over the next couple of years there will be a lot of new rollouts, and that is good for us being in the black color industry — there are a lot of black automotive parts.
What about the plastics industry surprises you? It was very surprising how big the plastics industry is, but also how small it is, meaning everyone seems to know everyone. I feel this is a huge plus because once you get in the industry you seem to stay in it.
Best advice you've received? Work hard, and always listen to your customers' needs.
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in plastics? This is a very fast-moving industry, and there are a lot of opportunities for new entries into the market.
If you were CEO what would you do first? I would make sure all of my employees were comfortable with the work they are doing, and make sure everyone is working to their full potential.
Who is your mentor, or someone you look up to? My father. He has been in this industry for a long time, and has a very good reputation in the plastics business. I like to sit in on meetings with him to learn from him. His experience has taught me a lot.
What job do you really want to have in the future? I would like to eventually take over the business
What do you do to relax? I like to spend time with my family. I like to work out, swim and bike.
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