Joshua McClellan is a Business Development Engineer at Hubbard-Hall.
McClellan joined the company in 2020 as an Application Engineer and was promoted to his current position in August 2023.
He holds a chemistry degree from Winthrop University and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.
With a degree in chemistry, McClellan is a big bourbon-tasting fan.How did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry? I used to work for PCC Chemax, where we made surfactants for Hubbard-Hall's products.
What does your job entail? The goal is to educate and develop new opportunities for new and existing customers.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you? Every day is different, which is one of the things that I love. It keeps me on my toes and my brain alert. My job allows me to talk to my friends and make new friends while helping them with any issues they may have.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry? Honestly, the people. I get to meet a lot of cool people and learn from them.
What preconceived notions about the finishing and coating industry have changed since you started working in it? I need a couple more years under my belt to give a good analysis on this question.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud? One of our ammunition prospects contacted us via web chat, and the request was sent to me. I gave them a call and listened to their issues. By the end of our conversation, I could identify the real culprit of their issues in their process. This resulted in a reduction in their chemical usage. In that interaction, Hubbard-Hall gained a great customer, and I gained a new friend.
The McClellans are always a hit at most weddings they attend.Why would you recommend a career in the finishing and coating industry to a friend? It is where all the cool people work.
What is the toughest part of your job? Not having all the resources or tools to solve an issue for a customer. I don’t like saying no.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it? I tell my wife I am just a cute face that solves problems all day. This can occur at the customer site, dinner, or golf course. The way I see it, anything made of metal, you can thank me.
Are you involved in any industry associations or trade groups? Board member of the NASF Palmetto Southeast Chapter
What was the first job you had in your career? My first chemical job was at Viance, but TJ Maxx is where I began to understand the value of customer experience.
Joshua is called “The Lobber” on the pickleball court for his specialty shots.What type of college, school, or training have you had? Chemistry degree with a master’s in business. On-the-job training is the best and where I learned the most.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? This is a challenging question; however, my best answer is only time will time.
What is your most humorous day/event in the finishing and coating industry? All the golfing events.
What was your favorite subject in high school or college? In high school, it was math, but in college, it was inorganic chemistry.
What motivates you to work hard at your job? My friends, aka the customers. I love it when I can help them solve their issues.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests: I love playing pickleball; they call me “The Lobber.” I play third base in competitive slow-pitch ball. I love going to Braves games and doing bourbon tasting with my wife.
The McClellans out on a nice evening in the hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.What three things do you think of the most each workday? 1. How can I be a better person today? 2. Should I get pizza for lunch or dinner? 3. How to get rich quickly and retire.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career? My college professor, Dr. Jason Hurlbert.
What is your favorite book you have read? The Harry Potter collection.
Visit www.hubbardhall.com
