Chrissy Pullara is the decorative business development and product manager for the Americas at MacDermid Enthone, and is recognized as an industry expert in decorative finishes throughout the automotive supply chain.
Her job is to Promote MacDermid Enthone’s decorative product line throughout the automotive, motorcycle, plumbing, appliance and consumer goods supply chains.
Pullara has over 20 years of industry experience, including research and development, technical service and marketing. She joined MacDermid after getting her chemistry degree from Bucknell University. During the following five years, she accepted increasing responsibility in applications while achieving her master’s in chemistry.
Pullara grew to take on management of the entire decorative product line, and also assumed responsibility for business development for the decorative portfolio of technology.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
MacDermid exhibited at a career fair at Bucknell during my senior year. I interviewed with them both on campus and then at MacDermid’s headquarters in Waterbury, CT. I was offered a job as a research chemist in their Electronics Solutions division. After working in research for 5 years I left to teach high school chemistry for two years. In 2007 I came back to MacDermid on the Industrial Solutions side of the business and have been involved in decorative finishes ever since.
What do enjoy best about the industry?
I like that it’s a pretty small world – it gives us the chance to get to know each other well. I also appreciate all the collaboration we can partake in on some of the key topics that are critical to the industry.
Who is your hero?
My son Christian. He was born severely premature (29 weeks) and had to fight so many times to stay alive. At 6 years old he is the strongest and most resilient person I know. He amazes me.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
My brother lived in Colorado for 12 years. I loved it out there.
What is your biggest fear?
I recently discovered I’m afraid of heights.
What is your favorite family vacation?
I love the beaches in Turks and Caicos. I’m hoping to get back there soon.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
Patience. I’d have a lot more patience.
What really makes you angry?
I’m not really an angry person. I have pet peeves though. I’d say people that don’t know how to go through TSA precheck at the airport is probably pretty high on the list.
What motivates you to work hard?
My kids. I want them to understand that everything is earned, nothing is given. They can have anything they want if they work hard enough for it.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I love the people I get to work with. I travel quite a bit so it’s nice to have good people to spend that time with.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
It’s hard to pick just one. I just completed a half marathon which I never thought I could do so I’d say that’s my most recent proud moment.
What is your favorite book?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. So good.
What makes you laugh the most?
Getting tickled. I’m super ticklish.
What was the last movie you went to?
Frozen 2, I think.
What did you want to be when you were small?
A Rockette; my mom owned a dance studio and some of her friends were Rockettes. Other career aspirations included teacher, astronaut and orthodontist. I knew it would ultimately be something science related. Science was always my favorite subject.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I’d love to be a sideline reporter at an NFL football game.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I love football. When I was growing up we didn’t eat Sunday dinner until the 4:15 games were over.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
Ride a bike, no question.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I wouldn’t.
What would be your last meal?
My nana’s meatballs and eggplant parmigiana.
Who is your favorite author?
Picking one is pretty difficult. I like Nelson Demille, Dan Brown. Lately I’ve been reading a lot by Liane Moriarty. Depends on the mood, I guess.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Yes - Tink. My maiden name is Hnetinka.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
Not a fan.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
Read. I love to read.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
Work at the perfect job. I imagine that would feel like you’re winning the lottery every day.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
My husband Joe. Between work and the kids, we definitely don’t get enough time to spend with each other. It would be amazing to be with him without life getting in the way.
