Huw Williams is General Manager for SERFILCO, a position that brought him to the U.S. from the U.K. in 2012.
Williams relocated to the corporate H.Q. in Northbrook, Illinois, to head up all SERFILCO's global activities supplying equipment to over 60 countries. He has published and presented technical papers on various fluid handling technologies in UK, Germany, Russia, U.S., China, India, and Singapore.
Williams is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the NASF Chicago Chapter. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Materials Finishing, which he served as International Director from 2009-2012.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
It's a bizarre career path, to be honest. After graduating college with a B.A. in music, I started working for Boosey and Hawkes, the famous brass instrument manufacturer in North London. I joined as an instrument tester and developer, utilizing my general brass playing skills. I moved into manufacturing and, after some additional training, became the finishing manager, which included being responsible for a large copper, nickel, and mainly silver-plating department. SERFILCO, which was my supplier for pumps and filters, asked me if I would like a change; that was in 1998, and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
I love the diversity of applications, the different end products, and I like to surround myself with friendly, smart people. I thoroughly enjoy trade association events both in the U.K. and here in the States. I also love manufacturing; I get a kick out of taking raw material and truly adding value to it. I enjoy traveling and have been lucky enough to visit 60+ countries representing SERFILCO. Finally, there are really cool things happen in our industry. Way back when I was visiting an MRO facility at Heathrow Airport, and the plating manager offered me a coffee – we walked a while to the coffee machine – turned around, and there was a Concord in the same hanger as the coffee machine. How cool is that?
If money was no object, what would you do all day?
Probably the same as I do now, but I take a little more vacation.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1971, the year the British and Irish Lions beat the New Zealand All Blacks. I am a rugby fanatic, and — being a proud Welshman — this was a momentous victory.
How would your friends describe you?
Probably that I talk too much, am entertaining, likes to socialize, am very bad at golf, but in all seriousness, reliable and supportive, I would hope.
What are your hobbies?
Singing. Along with my wife, I sing in our local church choir at Saint Giles Northbrook. It's a small but mighty group. Music has been my lifelong passion. I met my wife studying music in 1984 and, although my earlier musical events were largely playing French Horn, our college choir was lucky enough to sing at various cathedrals including Canterbury, West Minister Abbey, and St. Georges Chapel Windsor. I also sing in the men's choir at the local school, which is made up of dads and others related to current students or alums.
What is the best gift you have been given?
I love seeing my son and daughter perform. My daughter is an actor/singer/dancer, and my son is a drummer. It feels like a gift every time I see them on stage or under the stage.
Two pet peeves.
Drivers who honk and bullying of any description
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would hope to be doing the same as I am now, which is continuing to develop innovative equipment that improves the environment and helps applicators achieve their financial, technical, and environmental goals. I have been very lucky to find SERFILCO as they are a company that values the expertise and has developed a very friendly and hugely loyal team.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would probably carry on with what I am doing, but live lakeside in downtown Chicago, which is an amazing city
What's your favorite zoo animal?
Lions; see the answer to which year I would go back to.
If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
I would have loved to have flown on Concord.
Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?
Definitely, trade looks for intelligence.
What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas by a long shot. We sing amazing music in our choir. I love to cook and have wonderful times with family.
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Moving 4,500 miles from Manchester U.K. to Chicago with 10 and 15-year-old children.
What was the last thing you watched on T.V.?
Inspector Lewis; I am a huge fan of British crime dramas. Thank you Brit-Box
What was the last book you read?
The 20th Victim by James Patterson. I'm a huge fan and just started the 21st book in the Women's Murder Club series.
What's your favorite type of foreign food?
Indian by a mile, followed by Middle Eastern.
Are you a clean or messy person?
I think clean, but not sure my wife would agree.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Jack Nicholson or Anthony Hopkins.
What's your favorite fast-food chain?
I get a sneaky McDonald's breakfast on occasion.
What's your favorite family recipe?
Welsh Cakes; I was born in South Wales, so it is very much a local tradition there. I bake them myself based on my mother's recipe.
What's your favorite family tradition?
We have a fantastic and long holiday movie schedule — and yes, "Die Hard" is on it — but my absolute favorite holiday movie tradition is watching the Alan Menken musical setting of "A Christmas Carol."
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Too many to pick one.
What's your favorite movie?
So many to choose from, but I'll go with "A few Good Men" if you can handle the truth.
