Matthew Pankow is the founder and president of Plating International, a global supplier to the electroplating and metal finishing industry.
He started the Illinois-based Plating International in 2010 after working 10 years at Atotech.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
SI started with Magnetic Inspection Labs in 1993 while going to college part-time to be an accountant. I realized I like to spend money more than I like to save it so, I went into plating
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
The impact we have on things we personally use on a daily basis.
Who is your hero?
I’ve been blessed to have been mentored by so many that came before us; they took the time to share with me their knowledge, and I was smart enough to listen. Ed Reimbold, Tom Ferguson, Dorsey Chandler, Charlie Jones, Randy Hauslein, John Salyards, and the late James Sullivan and Don Wright are just a few that had a profound impact on me.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I currently reside in both Las Vegas and Chicago and wouldn’t change a thing.
What is your biggest fear?
Flying.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My parents took me on road trips when I was a kid, so it was nice to go back to Branson, Missouri, with my family a few years ago.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
Where do I start? I’d listen more to my wife.
What really makes you angry?
I believe people buy because it’s convenient, so I’d say inconvenience.
What motivates you to work hard?
I grew up poor in the Midwest, and I remember going to school as a small child without any milk money. The lunch lady felt sorry for me and gave me the milk for free. I’ll never forget the way that made me feel; I’ve been working for the milk money ever since.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
The impact you can have on people; you can change lives, and that’s good stuff
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
Freight companies.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
It’d be easy to say creating this business from a vision I had in a meeting in Berlin, Germany, nearly 20 years ago, but it’s far and away being a father to my three wonderful children. My family gives me a purpose; my work is just a means to make a difference.
What is your favorite book?
The Answer.
What makes you laugh the most?
Definitely my 2-year-old daughter, Arianna.
What was the last movie you went to?
Raya and the Last Dragon.
What did you want to be when you were small?
President.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Hello “President.”
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I’m still playing basketball.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
Ferrari.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
You do not want to hear me sing.
What would be your last meal?
If It was my last, I definitely have a sweet tooth, so going out with a cookie.
Who is your favorite author?
Stephen King.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
I grew up being called by my last name, the same kids that called me Pankow growing up still call me by my last name today.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
Unfortunately, in business, a surprise is rarely good, so I’ll go with dislike.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
I like to read in the evenings but mostly financial news. I guess I’ll always have a little bit of that accountant in me.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job?
It’s a great feeling knowing that you get paid for something you would do for free, so I would choose to be the founder and president of Plating International every time.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
The most beautiful woman on the planet, my wife, Tammy Shin-Pankow.
