RICH CZARNECKI
Vice President, MICROPOWDERS
Could you please share your current role, what it entails, and what excites you most about it?
As vice president of Micro Powders, I lead both our technology and regulatory affairs teams, while also collaborating closely with sales, marketing, production, and R&D. This cross-functional engagement gives me a broad perspective on how the business operates and, more importantly, how to align our resources to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. What excites me most is the opportunity to connect the dots across disciplines to help bring better products to market and improve our company’s performance.
What brought you to the coatings industry? Was it part of the plan, or did you discover coatings along the way?
Like many, I didn’t originally set out to work in coatings. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, I hoped to enter the pharmaceutical field, but job opportunities were limited. I accepted an entry-level role at a small printing ink manufacturer, expecting it to be temporary. Instead, it sparked a 40-year journey in the coatings world that’s been both dynamic and deeply rewarding.
How important has mentorship or a piece of advice from someone been in your career—and have you had the chance to mentor others in return?
I was fortunate early in my career to have an incredible mentor who encouraged me to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and always involve stakeholders in finding new solutions. One philosophy that’s stayed with me is: “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” That mindset helped shape how I work, and now I try to pass that same support and freedom on to the next generation of professionals.
How, if at all, did your educational background shape your path into coatings?
Unfortunately, materials science (and especially coatings) is often overlooked in traditional university programs. That’s a missed opportunity, given how many career paths stem from this field. Unless you attend a school like Eastern Michigan University, the University of Southern Mississippi, or North Dakota State University, it’s rare to even hear coatings mentioned. That said, my chemistry degree gave me the technical foundation to pivot into this field and thrive in it.
What’s one project or innovation you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
I’m particularly proud of a U.S. patent that laid the foundation for our line of nanocomposite wax powders. These materials are now replacing PTFE and PFAS-based technologies, providing a more sustainable alternative that’s achieving great success in the market.
How do you stay current with advancements in coatings technology?
While I always wish I had more time for it, I’m deeply passionate about technology scouting. I stay informed through conferences, journals like the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, and a variety of technical publications. I’m especially excited about how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we identify new materials and process innovations. It’s revolutionizing how technologists synthesize data and innovate.
Have you ever taken a detour or changed directions in your career? What did that pivot teach you?
Absolutely. After decades in the printing ink industry, I found myself in a role where innovation wasn’t valued, and contributions went unrecognized. It was the most frustrating period of my career. But that detour led me to Micro Powders—a place where I could fully apply my expertise with formulations, coatings, and polymers in a culture that embraces collaboration and creativity. That pivot reminded me how important the right environment is for success.
How has the coatings industry changed since you entered it?
When I began in the early 1980s, waterborne coatings were still emerging. Today, they’re mainstream and are steadily replacing solvent-based systems, even in areas like coil coatings. The push for sustainability and low-VOC alternatives continues to accelerate this shift, and I don’t see it slowing anytime soon.
What trends or developments do you think are shaping the future of coatings?
There’s a clear trend toward sustainable materials: biobased, biodegradable, and lower-carbon-footprint options. Soon, suppliers who can’t provide carbon data for their products may find themselves at a serious disadvantage. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s becoming a core requirement.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the industry or considering a career in coatings?
Starting in a technical role is an excellent way to build foundational knowledge—understanding formulations, testing, applications, and product performance. From there, you can branch into sales, marketing, or management with a solid technical grounding that sets you apart. While I never formally switched to sales, my colleagues joke that I’m a stealth salesperson. I love connecting with customers and helping them make their products better.
What’s something people outside the industry might not understand or be surprised to learn about working in coatings?
Early on, I dreamed of working in pharma until someone told me I might work on the same pill for years. In contrast, the coatings industry offers constant variety: new projects, new problems, new solutions. That dynamic nature keeps the work exciting.
What keeps you motivated and eager to come to work each day?
It’s an opportunity to solve real problems. I love it when customers come to us with a challenge, and even more so when we don’t have an immediate answer but know how to create the right solution. Some of our most successful products were born out of that kind of collaborative development. When those projects take off, it’s the best feeling in the world.
How does company culture impact your work and ability to perform successfully?
Having worked in both small and large organizations, I’ve seen how much culture matters. The best environments are ones where your voice is heard, your input is valued, and your work is recognized. Micro Powders checks all those boxes. It’s an organization where collaboration and innovation truly thrive, and I’m proud to be part of it.
Rich Czarnecki joined Micro Powders in 2011 as technical director and currently serves as vice president. He has over 40 years of experience in the paints, coatings, and inks industries and has led formulation and polymer development teams at companies including Sun Chemical, ICI, and Zeneca. Czarnecki holds a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in polymer science from New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is an inventor on over 10 U.S. patents.