Duane Fudge is a Senior Director of Product Marketing at BASF Chemetall, as well as President of the National Board for the Chemical Coaters Association International.
Duane FudgeFudge has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Drexel University. His first role out of college involved the formulation and technical support of specialty paints and coatings. Shortly thereafter, he took a job in the surface treatment chemicals business working in areas of field technical applications support, process and system design, product management, and marketing.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
My first job out of college was formulating paint/coatings, and from there, I got involved in surface treatment.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
I love manufacturing and seeing how so many items are made and made better by the products we produce.
Who is your hero?
My wife, Marlene.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Drop me somewhere free of bitter cold, throw in ample fishing opportunities, and I am there!
What is your biggest fear?
The Eagles won’t win another Superbowl in my lifetime
What is your favorite family vacation?
Touring the rainforest of Costa Rica and watching a volcano erupt (from a safe distance)
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I would be 10 years younger.
What really makes you angry?
Dishonesty or a lack of integrity
What motivates you to work hard?
The greater the contribution that I feel I am making, the harder I strive to exceed expectations
What is your favorite thing about your career?
The many sights and people that I have met all over the world
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
Too much time being a desk jockey, not enough time interacting with our customers
What is your proudest accomplishment?
The substantial role in developing new greener, more sustainable surface treatment processes supporting our single largest global customer
What is your favorite book?
The collective works of Stephen King
What makes you laugh the most?
British humor (e.g. Monty Python)
What was the last movie you went to?
Jaws
What did you want to be when you were small?
A racecar driver
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Feed and clothe the poor, cure the sick, and then go skydiving
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I absolutely love to watch Curling
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
Give me a car with 1,000 horses and cover two bases at once
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
The Devil went down to Georgia
What would be your last meal?
A nice, rare steak
Who is your favorite author?
Stephen King
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Gumby
Do you like or dislike surprises?
Good surprises keep life interesting and positive
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
If I am not spending time with friends, I would likely watch a movie
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
If I won a major lottery prize, I could spend my time volunteering in ways that help others in need, which would be a perfect job
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
I would definitely take my wife; after 35 years of marriage, she is my closest companion in everything.
