Akriti Agarwal is the global paint and coatings manager at Mercury Marine in the Greater Milwaukee area.
She has a Master’s degree focused in polymer and coating technology from Eastern Michigan University, and landed her first job at Apple before joining Bombardier Recreational Products as a coatings engineering specialist working on their Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Rotax, Can-Am Off-Road and Can-Am Spyder brands.
In 2019, Agarwal joined Mercury Marine as a painting and coating engineer, and in June was promoted to global paint and coatings manager. She specializes in surface treatment, electrocoat and liquid coatings.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry? My introduction to this industry was through my first job at Apple Inc. as a Manufacturing Design Engineer – Coatings that I scored through campus recruitment. I have always had a passion for Paint as my father has been in this industry for over 40 years. .
What do enjoy best about the industry? It’s a small and a niche industry that never stops innovating. There’s something new to learn every day. People know each other and everyone is always willing to help. .
If money was no object, what would you do all day? Work in the world of paint. I truly love what I do.
What are your hobbies? Hiking, travelling; pretty much anything that gets me outdoors.
What is the best gift you have been given? My family.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? Coffee. I can be a grumpy monster without one.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I’d like to keep building my career as being an integral part of the finishing industry and take on new challenges over time. .
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? Total Recall. To have a photographic memory.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Stop saying I wish, and start saying I will.
What's your favorite zoo animal? Lion. King of the jungle. .
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be? I would never want to go back in time and do things differently. I would never want to undo my failures, as it’s those experiences that have shaped and molded me the most. Not my successes.
Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence? Beauty fades, intelligence stays forever.
What's your favorite holiday? Anything that involves being with my family.
What's the most daring thing you've ever done? Move to a different country to learn a new culture .
What was the last thing you watched on TV? Trump’s daily briefing on COVID.
What was the last book you read? The Legend of Mercury. What a great story about an American icon that left such a big impact in the Marine industry.
What's your favorite type of foreign food? Indian. Hands down. .
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? Jennifer Anniston. Love her sense of humor.
What's your favorite fast food chain? B-Dubs.
