Jim Toth is a CEF and president of Jim Toth Solutions, an electroplating consulting business.
Toth has over 40 years of experience in chemical and metallurgical processes, including all aspects of electroplating, from direct, hands-on management of a high volume plating operation to process research and development and management of an R&D technical center. He has been a member of the AESF and NASF since 1980.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
My first job out of school was at Harshaw Chemical in Cleveland at the old fluoride plant. My boss said I was too good of a chemist to be there, and he introduced me to his friend who was the lab manager at Imperial Clevite and needed a good chemist. After being at Clevite for six months, my boss told me that Joe was retiring, and I had a month to learn everything he knew about analyzing the plating baths because only Joe had ever analyzed the baths. It was a challenge because Joe had always worked by himself and was difficult to talk to; plus, he was 65, and I was 22. I dug in, asked questions in different ways, and got the real answers. Within six months, I’d taken over all aspects of controlling the process, and the plating department wanted me to work directly for them rather than the lab. In a year, I was asked to move to Iowa to run the new plating shop. The rest, as they say, is history.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
There are so many opportunities to help people improve their operations. My job looks simple until you realize that it took me 40 years to get where I am. I have been troubleshooting and installing processes and have had the opportunity to travel the world via plating shops. I’ve been to places all over the world that I dreamed about as a kid but never figured I’d over get to see. I’ve been to China and Korea, all over Europe, South America, and even South Africa.
Who is your hero?
My middle son. He could do sports without effort, and he gave his all. He joined the U.S. Army right after finishing high school. He did jump school, and I was able to see him jump and pin on his Jump Wings at his graduation ceremony. He served his time overseas in Italy and was sent to Afghanistan while he was in the National Guard. Tough as nails. And he’s a great dad to my two granddaughters.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
It would be out west where the night sky is clear and full of stars. My wife and I would be in a cabin near a good fishing stream. We’d have internet so I could still work when I wanted to. The nearest neighbor would be a long walk away.
What is your biggest fear?
What kind of world my granddaughters will be inheriting from us. We need to face the difficult issues facing us today to make the world a better place for them and my great-grandchildren.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Spending a week with my wife, youngest son, and his partner out at the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park. I had my camera outfit and rented him everything he needed to take pictures with me. The two of them did a great job and really learned a lot about photography on that trip. We have a bunch of their pictures on our wall and a pile of great memories.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
To be less introverted and more outgoing.
What really makes you angry?
How divided this great country of ours is right now.
What motivates you to work hard?
I enjoy working hard – solving issues, starting up new equipment, seeing success.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I really enjoy fixing issues and helping people in the industry better understand what they are doing. I always stress the five Ws: what, when, who, where, and most importantly, why. I understand why. Most people don’t.
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
People who don’t want to take advantage of what I can offer them. You can’t do the same thing and get a different result. Something has to be changed. I suggest changes, “But we’ve always done it this way” is what I’m told. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that, I would be in my cabin out west.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Having found the love of my life to enjoy every day with. She’s given me three great children who have grown up and are good people.
What is your favorite book?
I don’t have a single favorite one. I enjoy the genre of historical war books, especially on our Civil War.
What makes you laugh the most?
My wife when there is no one else around. She waits until there are no witnesses.
What was the last movie you went to?
It was pre-Covid and not that good.
What did you want to be when you were small?
A chemist; I was always asking for new chemistry sets.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
The temperature would be perfect, it would be early fall, and my wife and I would be on a salmon river during the run.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I really enjoy football. Living in Ann Arbor, we root for the University of Michigan. Go Blue! Pro team: the Cleveland Browns are my favorite, followed by the local team, the Detroit Lions.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
I’ve never really ridden a horse, so I’d like that. It would be a great way to get to that remote great fishing spot on the fishing stream by my cabin out west.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I have sung Creedence Clearwater Revival in Korea, otherwise Bob Dylan; my voice isn’t that great either these days.
What would be your last meal?
A nice freshly-caught salmon filet, grilled on an open fire, with a nice mixed salad. Cap it off with a nice slice of homemade cheesecake.
Who is your favorite author?
I read ferociously while in college. Robert Heinlein would be my choice.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Jimbo from James Robert. One of my closest friends still calls me that.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
Surprises can be fun, but preferably not while traveling.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
You’d probably find me in front of a movie or a football game.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
I’ve got a great job, but winning the lottery would come in handy to make sure that cabin out west has some nicely furnished guest rooms.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
My wife, Karen, of 44 years and counting. She’s been my rock. We’d survive or die together.
