Dallas Cooley is co-owner and vice president of sales at Georgia Powder Coating in Gainesville, Georgia. He started with GPC at its inception in 1999, hanging parts and driving the forklift. Now, he is an equity partner with over 40 employees, Lean Six Sigma yellow belt-certified, and a graduate of the National Institute of Christian Leadership. He also has a blog on leadership at dallascooley.com. He and wife Leslie and have a son, Carson.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
In 1999, I was starving and desperate. Much like the Prodigal son, I asked my father, and he placed me in a little company he and some partners were starting called Georgia Powder Coating. It wasn't quite like the "best robe and ring" at the time, but it was an opportunity for which I am forever grateful.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
The variety of manufacturing we interact with is always exciting, whether it be components for $75 million private jets or $169 push lawnmowers. The opportunity is never boring.
Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
I would say cautiously full. I try to obey God and leave the consequences to Him.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
My wife Leslie, my son Carson, and my dog, Captain. But perhaps that's selfish if we all starved to death. I don't think I would make it on Survivor.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Football.
What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
I tried to eat oysters with my brothers-in-law years ago. Never again.
Do you collect anything?
I like to think I'm building a pretty unique library of books.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I am an introvert.
Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Now at 43, I can't think of a sense particularly to brag upon.
Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
Perhaps Chief Whitepath through adoption on my dad's side, and Billy the Kid on my mom's side. Which doesn't explain my love for pedicures.
What do you do to keep fit?
"Fit" might be a stretch, but I am enjoying kayaking.
Does your family have a "motto" – spoken or unspoken?
"Fear Not" seems to be a reoccurring theme.
If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?
Most likely the Fair Tax, or something similar.
What three things do you think of the most each day?
Whether personally and as a company, that we are operating with excellence, integrity and empathy?
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
"In God we trust; all others must bring data."
What song would you say best sums you up?
Amazing Grace.
What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
I have a deep affection for the late Jim Rohn; I wish I could have had a cup with him.
What's the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?
From my office window, I can see a portion of the conveyor line, so it's always interesting to see what's on the docket in real-time. From my kitchen, it would have to be my wife's bird feeder and what critters it will attract today.
On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?
I would give myself a C+.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, in a position to contribute meaningful influence through giving, teaching and inspiring those around me.
What was your first job?
Running wires in the summer break for one of my father's companies. The first "real" job was delivering Coke machines for Coca-Cola.
How many languages do you speak?
Just Southern American English.
Who is the most intelligent person you know?
Gosh, I know so many intelligent people each in their own right and field. It would be hard to just pick one, since so many valuable parents, grandparents, pastors and authors that speak into my life.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
An intentional sloth.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Drink alcohol. Or karaoke for that matter.
Who knows you best?
My wife, Leslie.
