Alex Rogers
Senior Sales Account Representative, Nexeo Plastics LLC
After working as an intern in economic development throughout college, Alex Rogers became interested in the industrial side of the business world.
"When I first heard of the position in plastics, I thought to myself, 'What better job could there be?'" Rogers said. "Working with people and be a supplier in a critical business."
Rogers graduated from Northwood University in Midland, Mich., with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
At The Woodlands, Texas-based Nexeo Plastics LLC, his first job in the plastics industry, he has been promoted from inside sales to strategic account manager and senior sales account manager. June 2022 marks seven years with the global thermoplastic resin distributor.
One of the biggest challenges with the coronavirus pandemic has been not being able to see his customers. "I value my face-to-face time with them," he said.
"As many know, the plastics market is very volatile currently; whether it's material availability or the current economy, it has been a challenging one to two years. I believe we will all come out on the other side much better than before," he said.
Rogers said what surprises him about the plastics industry is the magnitude of business and how products are made. "You 1,000 percent learn something new every day," he said.
"In plastics, you will learn something new daily, whether it's a new resin or a new processing issue," he added. "It is good to surround yourself with people who know different materials and processing methods."
His greatest achievement is "getting those appreciation calls or emails from customers or co-workers," which make the job fulfilling.
"I continue to keep my ears open and offer my help, whether it's the first one to jump on a new project or train someone on a new business practice," he said. "Those steps [and] actions are appreciated in any business."
Q: Who is your mentor or someone you look up to?
Rogers: On a personal level, my father. On a business level, my manager Mike Taylor.
Q: What emerging technology or market most interests you?
Rogers: Automotive, more specifically the electric vehicle progression.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Rogers: Always admit you don't know an answer but you know where to get that answer.