Tom Evarian is a Plating Engineer at Electro-Spec Inc. in Franklin, Indiana.
Evarian has been with Electro-Spec since 2016 but spent several years with Delphi as a senior electrical engineer. He has four technical degrees, and has also be a math teacher and a college professor.
“It’s ancient and necessary and good for the soul,” Evarian says about his career in finishing.
Electro-Spec specializes in high reliability and function critical plating for many of the world’s leading aerospace, automotive, medical, telecommunication, nuclear, and battery companies. Visit https://www.electro-spec.com.
Tom EvarianHow did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry?
My first experience in plating was operating a large automated Tin/Lead and Acid Copper plating line at the DEC plant in South Carolina back in the early 1980s.
What does your job entail?
It mainly is trying to work harmoniously with other people -that would be key. These days from a technical point of view, it seems to be materials analysis of substrates, plating, and the things that can either interfere with it or enhance it. For me, the nuts and bolts are microsectioning, SEM/EDS, XRF, optical microscopy, and whatever my eye/brain system perceives when it observes what’s going onto and coming off production plating lines. These data and the conclusions I render must be reconciled with the industry experience of others as well as my own.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you?
Never had one.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry?
It has probably made me a more humble and sympathetic person.
What preconceived notions about the finishing and coating industry have changed since you started working in it?
Initially, I was too young to have pre-conceptions. I was told that the world outside of plating views it as black art. That notion probably is still prevalent. On the other hand, my experience with polymer coatings has been that it’s regarded as a loftier science. But physics is physics. It’s just a question of whether or not there are enough equations to go with all the variables. When there are not, then experience and the “craftsperson” in us kick in and, if possible, saves the day.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud?
Not sure “proud” would be the best word. Just being able to extend some kindness to a co-worker is what makes my day.
Why would you recommend to a friend a career in the finishing and coating industry?
Someone needs to do it. It’s ancient and necessary and good for the soul. Our very skin is a testament to that. It can be whatever you want to make of it. If you’re “educated,” it’s good. If you’re “not educated,” it’s good. It does develop character.
What is the toughest part of your job?
At a previous employer having to let people go. There has to be a better way.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it?
I usually avoid this and ask instead about what their vocations are. Of course, if they really want to know, I tell them about my vocations.
Are you involved in any industry associations or trade groups?
ASCP
What was the first job you had in your career?
Plating operator
What type of college, school, or training have you had?
Four technical degrees from regionally accredited colleges.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Teaching.
What is the most humorous day/event you have had in the finishing and coating industry?
Can’t really say, but humor is usually a part of each day.
What was your favorite subject in high school or college?
Physics.
What motivates you to work hard at your job?
People depending on me.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests:
Playing guitar, history, medical and military science. But, I want most to be dancing and making music with my wife.
What three things do you think of the most each workday?
Jesus, the nature of reality, and my wife and kids.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career?
Two: the Holy Spirit and Richard Feynman
What is your favorite book you have read?
The Bible.
