Paul Werler Receives 2011 Chemical Engineering Alumni Society Award
Last fall my father, Paul, was honored with the 2011 Chemical Engineering Alumni Society Award from the University of Michigan. His business success and commitment to the University led him to receive this prestigious award.
As you may know, Paul founded Chemstar more than 40 years ago. He was instrumental in building the company, steering it through tough economic times and using his knowledge of chemical engineering to diversify our starch-based polymer solutions, which are now used as additives in adhesives, textiles, erosion control and a variety of other industries.
Although Paul isn’t as directly involved with the company as he once was, his advice remains invaluable. I thought it would be interesting to share his thoughts about Chemstar as well as his experience as an entrepreneur:
What is your vision for the future of Chemstar?
I’d like to increase the production capabilities at our Brookhaven, MS plant so it better matches our other facilities. We also need to continue diversifying our technical capabilities so we can enter new markets.
If you were allowed one do-over in your business career, what would it be?
It’s not business related, but I wish I would have learned to play golf at an earlier age. Running a business career and raising a family never gave me a chance to improve my game – I’m just trying to get caught up now.
How did your time in the Naval ROTC benefit you?
The Naval ROTC program was a great help to me financially. At the time, the country was still coming out of the Great Depression, so it provided me with an opportunity to pay tuition and meet many lifelong friends.
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur? How did you get the idea for your business?
Not really – it was simply an opportunity that presented itself. I was hired out of college by Archer Daniels Midland where I enjoyed my responsibilities and overall experience. The division I worked for was eventually sold to a company in Milwaukee. After transferring there I realized it wasn’t a good fit and became a fish out of water. I began talking with customers about other opportunities, found a business partner and things took off from there.
As the recipient of the 2011 ChE Alumni Award, what advice would you give someone aspiring to become a chemical engineer?
I’d tell them to go for it. There’s a strong demand for engineers in the U.S. In fact, I created a scholarship at the University of Michigan that helps 2-3 students each year with tuition costs. I believe we need to train young people in engineering if the U.S. wants to remain an economic leader.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, what do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the success of future entrepreneurs?
One of the biggest challenges I see is increased government regulation within the last five years, which is making it harder to be an entrepreneur now compared to when I started. I’d like to see a government attitude that works to help entrepreneurs, not put unnecessary burdens on them.
Finally, as a Michigan alum, are you willing to make a prediction on the Wolverines’ football game against Alabama to kick-off the 2012 season?
I hope we win! They’re in a strong rebuilding situation and have come a long way in the past few years.
We hope you liked this insight about my father and how he started and grew Chemstar. He isn’t in the office on a daily basis, but he does check messages often. If you’d like to get in touch with Paul, feel free to call 612-722-0079 and ask to leave a voicemail for him.
-Jim Werler
President