Lindsey Boyle leads the sales and marketing efforts at Belco Industries, a Michigan-based family-owned manufacturer of aluminum extrusion and coating equipment.
Boyle is a retired teacher and is also on the board of directors of the Chemical Coaters Association International.
How did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry?
Lindsey BoyleAfter I retired from teaching in 2019, I partnered with my uncle on a project called “We Learn Daily.” I also began receiving inquiries from several companies to come work for them. Belco Industries was founded by my grandfather and is owned by my family. When I received interest from other companies, I figured I should probably use my energy and talents to work with my family. After offering to intern to learn what we did/built and help in any way, they decided to hire me to make sales.
What does your job entail?
My job as a Sales and Marketing Specialist is broad. I handle everything from digital and print advertising/marketing to equipment sales, business development, and communication. There are two divisions in our company: 1) We build aluminum extrusion handling equipment, and 2.) We build finishing equipment for industrial coatings. While we are well known in the extrusion industry, historically, we’ve been quiet on the finishing side for marketing/advertising. Thus, a large part of my responsibilities has been to market, advertise, and develop our presence in the coating and industrial finishing space.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you?
Belco Industries is a Michigan-based family-owned manufacturer of aluminum extrusion and coating equipment.A typical day begins with a moment of gratitude, coffee, then checking my phone and responding to any work calls, texts, or urgent notifications. Mornings are usually dedicated to completing task-oriented work, proposals, meetings, etc. With afternoons dedicated to sales calls, creative work, or prospecting/development.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry?
The best part is seeing how our equipment serves a bigger purpose. Finishing and coatings are niches, while the products and industries we serve are very broad. I’m always intrigued, albeit amazed, to see the manufacturing process of a product, and I’m proud to work for a company that contributes to that.
What preconceived notions about the finishing and coating industry have changed since you started working in it?
That it is a boring industry or that you need an engineering or chemistry degree to be successful.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud?
Coordinating a video shoot of the equipment we installed at Vermeer made me proud of the work our entire team does at Belco.
Why would you recommend to a friend a career in the finishing and coating industry?
Absolutely!
What is the toughest part of your job?
Boyle and her Uncle Doug work on projects projects in his barn.I prefer to be traveling or meeting with customers, so the toughest part of my job is the days when I’m at the office.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it?
I point to a tangible product that they use and let them know that our equipment is what makes that possible. Very easy to do with coatings and aluminum extrusions.
Are you involved in any industry associations or trade groups?
Chemical Coater Association International (CCAI); Women in Finishing; Women in Manufacturing; Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) Finishing Team.
What was the first job you had in your career?
I worked at an ice factory in our small town called “Wonderland Ice.” They provided ice to all the gas stations and major grocery stores in Metro Grand Rapids. I worked in the office but also got to go out on calls and help deliver ice sometimes too.
What type of college, school, or training have you had?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Communication.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Flying my plane to play a round of golf in a remote location.
What is the most humorous day/event you have had in the finishing and coating industry?
Probably participating in the ‘Olympics’ at the CCAI/PCI Annual meeting in Colorado this year. Many laughs and great memories.
What was your favorite subject in high school or college?
Art History
What motivates you to work hard at your job?
I’m motivated by the employees who work at Belco, whose livelihood is dependent on the success and profitability of our company.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests:
Besides spending time with family and my beloved dog, Briton, I enjoy golfing, traveling, reading, photography, and flying airplanes.
What three things do you think of the most each workday?
- What needs to be done?
- How can this be improved?
- What’s next?
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career?
My Uncle Doug
What is your favorite book you have read?
I really enjoyed The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but not sure I have an absolute favorite book. I’m normally reading several at a time. My preference is historical non-fiction and some fiction.
