ICTA ‘Spotlight Interview’ Randy Boze from Brainerd Chemical

I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with my wife and family. I have two children, and both live in the area. Most of my extended family lives in Oklahoma but one as far as eastern Washington state. I have many hobbies, but the one that holds the most interest for me is golf. I started 3 years ago, and I love the challenge of working on my game and trying to get better every round. I also like to ride my road bike and working out. I served in the United States Air Force, joining when I was nineteen. While active duty in the United States Air Force, I completed the college coursework necessary for degrees in Transportation Management and Human Resources through the Community College of the Air Force. I retired from military service after 23 years.

 Q: How did you end up working in the chemical industry?

As I said earlier, I started my career in the United States Air Force. My career field of Air Cargo led me to work with chemicals. I became a hazardous material certifier and inspector and traveled the world with those qualifications, traveling globally to inspect and certify materials for air and surface transport. This was my introduction to chemical handling and transport and laid the foundation of working within the chemical industry. Shortly after retiring from the service, I was hired as a Transportation and Logistics Manager for a chemical manufacturer. Later, I was given the opportunity to interview and was hired by Brainerd Chemical Company, as a General Branch Manager for their Tulsa manufacturing and distribution facility.

 Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?

I am very proud of my military service and what I accomplished, earning 23 medals and awards over the course of my career. I am also very proud to have been given the opportunity to lead talented employees here at Brainerd in various ways. As an example, I have had the opportunity to lead several large construction projects at the facility I had managed, allowing for Brainerd to expand our capabilities, explore new markets and strengthen our position within others.

Q: What inspires and motivates you to do your job every day?

I am truly inspired every day by working with highly talented people across the company. I have transitioned into a new role within Brainerd, becoming the Senior Manager, Corporate Business Systems. This position allows me to have a direct, positive impact across the company. I am responsible for the execution, training, and modifications of our new computer system. Working through problems and giving users the tools to be more efficient in their jobs is hugely rewarding and inspiring. Additionally, I collaborate with various departments to ensure that the system meets everyone’s needs and continuously improve its functionality. This role has also provided me with opportunities to lead training sessions, where I can share my knowledge and help others grow in their roles. The support and encouragement from my colleagues and the leadership team make this journey even more fulfilling.

 Q: How do you contribute to a positive work environment?

Fostering a positive work environment is quite simple yet takes constant work. My responsibility to ensure that the channels of communication are open to all team members and that their ideas and voices are heard. Effective communication between divisions within Brainerd is key to our success and a primary reason why the work environment is enjoyable. Each team member has their own set of responsibilities and challenges, but clear and concise communication and direction allows divisions to assist one another when needed, leading to positive outcomes. This collaborative approach not only enhances productivity but also builds a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among employees. By maintaining open lines of communication, we ensure that everyone is on the same page, which helps in resolving issues quickly and efficiently.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your company and how you feel about working at Brainerd Chemical?

It is great to be part of Brainerd Chemical. Brainerd provides an environment where input from the employees is valued, and personal growth is encouraged. The senior leadership teams’ vision and the company goals are clearly aligned, and objectives and growth are understood throughout the company. Brainerd Chemical’s commitment to our industry and consistent chemical stewardship set us apart. Brainerd Chemical has a great culture, and an environment of continuous improvement, innovation, and top-level support is always a top priority. This commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our operations, from the way we handle customer interactions to the innovative solutions we develop to meet industry challenges. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional development, Brainerd Chemical not only attracts top talent but also retains it, creating a strong and cohesive team that drives our business forward.

Q: Can you describe an occasion where you have gone above and beyond your regular duties?

As the General Branch Manager, I often handled urgent orders from customer facilities facing imminent shutdowns. My team and I adjusted production schedules and made timely deliveries, ensuring uninterrupted operations. In my new role, I developed a process to store and access key delivery data within our new computer system. This system ensures that site delivery information and approvals are obtained before orders are entered and deliveries scheduled, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

Randy as perceived by Management:

Randy Boze is currently the Senior Manager of Corporate Business Systems at Brainerd Chemical, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has been a long-standing member of the Brainerd team, having spent 10 years as the Tulsa Branch Manager before transitioning into the Business Systems area 2.5 years ago.

Randy’s extensive background in operations and his process-oriented nature make him exceptionally effective in integrating technology solutions with Brainerd’s business needs. Some of his notable qualities and achievements include:

• Operational Expertise: Randy’s deep understanding of operations has been instrumental in optimizing business processes and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Cross-Departmental Leadership: He is highly effective in leading cross-departmental teams, leveraging his comprehensive knowledge of Brainerd to drive collaboration and achieve common goals.

• Innovative Solutions: Randy excels at identifying and implementing innovative solutions to address complex business challenges, ensuring that technology and business strategies are seamlessly aligned.

• Respected Leader: He is well respected by all for his leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to inspire and motivate his team.  He is a patient trainer and wants all to perform at their best.

• Dedicated:  Randy has a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve goals to benefit the organization.  He has worked on key projects, like the implementation of a new ERP and the creation of a maintenance program, on his own time for the benefit of others.  This type of work ethic proved he was a talent that could not only help us in a local operation, but at the corporate level as well.

Randy’s dedication, strategic vision, and ability to drive positive change make him an exceptional member of the Brainerd Chemical team.