Gloria Da Ros is CEO of Tecnoplast USA in Anderson, Indiana, which manufactures manual plating, pickling, anodizing and galvanizing systems.
She is a third-generation owner, and her father started the company in Italy. Da Ros came to the U.S. in 2012 to start the division here.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
I was born in it. My grandfather started the company with my father in 1969 in Italy. My parents' home is on top of the company, so the workshop was my playground. I used to run around the shop, play with the bridge crane with my brother. Some of our associates and customers have known me since I was born.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
It is a small world, and it is always evolving. There is always something to learn. I get the chance to see how things are made. I absolutely love it!
If money was no object, what would you do all day?
Travel the world, go on hikes on every mountain, snorkel around every island, boat the seas. Visit and explore every corner of our planet.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1800.
How would your friends describe you?
Ambitious, sarcastic, straightforward, driven. Fun and goofy when I let my hair down.
What are your hobbies?
Go on hikes, swim, travel the world.
What is the best gift you have been given?
I do not know what being envious feels like. I think that is a gift that my parents gave me.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Seeing my daughter and cover her in kisses; and my morning cappuccino.
Two pet peeves
I can be bossy. My face says what my mouth does not.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I will be exactly where I am right now: at my desk, solving problems. I will just have more because Tecnoplast USA will be bigger.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I would love to have the power to bring joy into everybody's life.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Buy a private jet.
What's your favorite zoo animal?
Elephant.
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
I would not change one thing in my life. I have always made it a point to live my life with no regrets.
Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?
Looks for intelligence.
What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas.
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Expending my family business in the U.S. in 2011
What was the last thing you watched on T.V.?
I do not watch much T.V., and when I do, I either watch the news or something completely clueless. To answer your question, I watched the news this morning.
What was the last book you read?
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
What's your favorite type of foreign food?
Japanese food.
Are you a clean or messy person?
Super clean! I cannot stand a dirty/messy house. It stresses me out.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Monica Bellucci.
What's your favorite fast-food chain?
I do not eat fast food.
What's your favorite family recipe?
Oh gosh, my mouth just got watery! My mom makes the best lasagna and amazing tiramisu.
What's your favorite family tradition?
I love to spend Christmas with my family. My grandmother used to cook. She is 89 years old and still is the best cook. We would all go to my grandparents' and around 11.30 a.m. on Christmas day and spend the whole day eating and laughing. I miss those Christmas now that I am far away from home.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Every summer I use to go to Sardinia with my parents. That still my favorite place in the world! We would spend a month there, and almost every day, we would get on our boat and go to a different beach. It was the best. You do not have much room on a boat, so you have to spend time with each other. My mom would get some sandwiches ready, and we would spend the whole day out in the water. I have the best memories of our family's summer vacation.
What's your favorite movie?
Braveheart.
