Michael Kelly is president at Coventya, a global supplier of specialty chemicals for electroplating and surface finishing. He started his finishing career at Taskem, and joined Coventya when Taskem and Sirius Technology merged to form the new company.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
Bill Saas, the former owner of Taskem. I had just finished graduate school, was jobless and living with his son, Mark. He introduced me to Barry Brown, the former owner of BroCo Products and the rest, as they say, is history.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
The people. I’ve been fortunate to develop friendships that will last long beyond my time in the industry.
If money was no object, what would you do all day?
Travel the world with my family. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to visit so many great cities and countries, but there are so many more on my list.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1990. One more weekend in college wouldn’t stink.
How would your friends describe you?
Good guy with a dry sense of humor.
What are your hobbies?
Golf, skiing and driving my kids to their numerous extracurricular activities.
What is the best gift you have been given?
My daughter Maeve and son Ross.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
A Zoom or GoTo meeting. Haven’t had enough of those lately …
Two pet peeves.
Drivers staring at their cell phones, and having the same conversation 10 times.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Professionally, working with the same great group of people at Coventya. Personally, freaking out that my oldest is a senior in high school.
If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
The ability to fly. I’d be happy to give up the “perks” of being a United frequent flyer.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Depends. How much did I win?
What's your favorite zoo animal?
Monkey Island at the Cleveland Zoo has always been my favorite. Some of what you see there is not fit to print.
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
The mullet I sported in college.
Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?
Trading implies that I possess one. My grades in high school didn’t impress too many ladies, so I’ll go with looks.
What's your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving, by a hair. Our entire family spends the week in Blowing Rock, NC. I’m blessed with great in-laws that I enjoy spending the time with. 1b is Christmas.
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Proposed to my wife, Lindsay. She probably wishes that she took more time to think about her answer
What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Something on Netflix. Waiting patiently for Ozark to return.
What was the last book you read?
The latest from David Baldacci. I’ve read so many, the title escapes me.
What's your favorite type of foreign food?
If I had to choose just one, Italian.
Are you a clean or messy person?
Clean. Not even close.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Tom Hanks. I’ve been told that I look like him.
What's your favorite fast food chain?
Chick-fil-a.
What's your favorite family recipe?
My mom’s pasta sauce. Just the smell of it makes me happy.
What's your favorite family tradition?
Thanksgiving week in Blowing Rock, NC.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Fully engaged and supportive parents.
What's your favorite movie?
A tough one but I’ll go with The Godfather.
