Beth Gotthelf is an attorney at Butzel Long in Detroit and has served as general counsel to the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Surface Finishers since 1990 and Vice President since 2019.
Beth GotthelfIn November, she received the NASF Award of Merit for her contribution to the finishing industry. Gotthelf has counseled the NASF and its members on a wide variety of issues throughout the years providing solid, practical, and timely insight on ever-changing regulations and, of late, COVID issues. She also has guided members through the many challenging PFAS impacts in the facility, air, wastewater, stormwater, and soil, not to mention the financial challenges. Her guidance and timely sage advice has helped members make sound decisions to help them be successful in business.
Gotthelf is Butzel’s Director of Innovation and External Relations, Co-Chair of the Energy and Sustainability Practice, and Co-Chair of the Aerospace and Defense industry team. She has helped auto suppliers diversify into alternative energy and defense, which have been lifelines to those companies.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
I was just starting to practice law, and a new case came in just before a three-day holiday. It was a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (waste) case for a plater. I spent the weekend reading the law then reading the file. I drove to Chicago EPA Region 5 the next week and met with the regulators on why the client was innocent, and I won. Word quickly spread to other platers. The rest is history.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
Camaraderie.
Who is your hero?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg. A brilliant petite woman who accomplished so much when women had fewer opportunities. She was respected and well-liked while on the bench. I am particularly reminded of her special friendship with Anthony Scalia, even though he was often on the opposite side of the decision. Plus, she did planks until her late 80s to stay in shape.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Warm weather with lots of sun.
What is your biggest fear?
To disappoint people.
What is your favorite family vacation?
Italy. I loved the countryside and the food.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
Sing! I love music. I am an excellent groupie, but I would not mind singing along and not chasing everyone out of the room.
What makes you angry?
People telling me what to do
What motivates you to work hard?
I love what I do, and I love getting great results for clients.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Connecting and interacting with people.
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
The pressure to produce the results the client wants and manage expectations.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Biking over 200 miles in 2 days and averaging 19.5 mph.
What is your favorite book?
Hard one as I read a lot. I would say Silverswift by Natalie Lloyd, a story of a mermaid; Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens because I still think about sections of it even though it has been several years since I read it; and The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia, it was written well before COVID and starts with the Spanish flu. Amazing the similarities, but the flu is a minor part of this enchanting story. Ok, so I can’t pick just one.
What makes you laugh the most?
My husband’s stories. He is afraid of everything, and the humor he puts behind his storytelling of his adventures is brilliant.
What was the last movie you went to?
It has been too long to remember.
What did you want to be when you were small?
I wanted to own a business, but at age 12, I changed my mind and decided to be an attorney. I never reconsidered the decision.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Bike the Italian countryside.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I love to watch tennis. I love to play tennis and bike.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
A bike all day long.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Nothing. If I sang, the place would empty out fast, so best I just be the groupie.
What would be your last meal?
Lamb chops, baked potato, and chocolate cake. You got to have the dessert.
Who is your favorite author?
For fiction, David Baldacci, even though I did not list one of his books as my favorite. For non-fiction, Bob Woodward; he does a good job researching the facts.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
My husband calls me Banana Peel. I have no idea why.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
I love surprises.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read
Watch a movie. I get addicted to movies quickly.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
I would rather win the lottery so that I can afford to work at the perfect job.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
Jules Verne. If he can come up with the survival stories of 2,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, and Mysterious Island, I'm certain he can figure out a way for us to survive until rescued.
