Justin Guzman is president of Aircraft X-Ray Laboratories in Huntington Beach, California, and is also the president of the Metal Finishing Association of Southern California.
Guzman started at AXL more than 35 years ago, working on the loading docks and driving a forklift, and worked himself up to become president of the company.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
I stumbled into it as a summer job 35 years ago, and I have not looked back.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
As president of the Metal Finishing Association of Southern California, I have the opportunity to collaborate with the Board of Directors and share in the wealth of knowledge their passion, defending and promoting our industry on issues such as government relations, AQMD, DTSC, EPA, OSHA. It is very cool. Just as much, to be president of a company that’s been around for over 80 years and continue to pioneer technology in metal finishing and a leader in digital x-ray is a great honor.
Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Definitely half full, because tomorrow when I wake up, I get the opportunity to fill it.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Water, my wife, and some hand tools. If there are materials, I will construct them.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Anything with a lab. I’m definitely hands-on.
What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
Not sure whether it was a snake or an armadillo.
Do you collect anything?
I’ve collected many things but lose interest quickly.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Growing up, I was definitely an introvert. Now I’m a little bit more self-confident — and not as dumb as I thought I was — and now more of an extrovert.
Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Definitely sight. When you see something that inspires an idea, you get butterflies in your stomach that helps solve a problem.
What do you do to keep fit?
Martial arts for many years; now it’s golf and walks
Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
If it’s time to work, work.
If you were ruler of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce?
Be responsible for your actions
What three things do you think of the most each day?
How blessed I am, my family, and to better myself and what I do.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Warning: Self-Propelled.
What song would you say best sums you up?
That’s Life by Frank Sinatra. “I’ve been a puppet, poet, a pawn, and a king.” A must on your playlist.
What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Sorry, I wouldn’t waste my time with a celebrity; but I did have a nice conversation with Larry Elder, who is running for governor in California.
What's the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?
Looking into my backyard, I am grateful to be able to provide a place of leisure for my friends and family.
On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?
I would say an 8; I love to make people laugh.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Continue to champion technology and environmental for our industry.
What was your first job?
Cutting lawns on my street when I was 10 years old
How many languages do you speak?
Two: Spanish and English.
Who is the most intelligent person you know?
This is a tough question. For as long as I can remember, I would always hang out with older, more mature people. I love listening to their stories, their experiences, and their knowledge. To this day, it is something I enjoy very much.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
A horse; a calm demeanor, a friendly willingness to please, and ready to work.
What is one thing you will never do again?
I’ll never take for granted the time that I have for loved ones.
Who knows you the best?
The easiest answer yet, of course, is my wife; but in a very close second is my daughter.
