One of Progressive Materials’ core values is that our team members are encouraged and empowered to achieve greatness. Today’s blog looks at our new employee training program Progressive Materials University (PMU) and how it’s building a better company.
About PMU
In January of this year, PM leadership introduced PMU, an internal employee training program that’s dedicated to creating the most educated and well-rounded workforce in the coatings industry. While our team members are experts in their respective fields, PMU expands employees’ knowledge into other areas of the company.
PM team members lead each session and help co-workers better understand each area of our company and overall industry. Team members share their strongest attributes with one another in this peer-to-peer teaching format and create an even better company.
The sessions include informative presentations on all aspects of our industry. In addition, each session features an interactive period when team members get a hands-on role in learning more about topics that are discussed.
The Sessions
PMU started on the ground floor as Director of Research & Quality TJ Flick and Certified Technician James Lutz delivered the inaugural lesson, “How Is Silicone Made?” Their presentation included a range of topics such as “What Silicone Is Composed Of” and “What Do The Liquids Do?” TJ and James then helped participants mix a batch of basic food ingredients that mimicked the production of silicone.
PMU continued in later weeks with Regional Manager Josh Rudometkin leading a session on roof assessments and Director of Technical Services Jay Mitchell detailing the proper application of silicone coatings.
This week, PM National Sales Director Tony Knoebel presented on “How To Sell.” He praised silicone as “a great product when it’s done right.” However, he emphasized that it takes much more than basic product knowledge to be a good silicone sales rep. It takes an understanding of where silicone coatings work and, just as important, where they don’t work.
Conclusion
PMU was introduced this year but has already had a big impact. It promises to continue to sharpen and widen our team members’ knowledge of PM and the roofing industry. It’s the latest step toward encouraging and empowering our team to achieve greatness. We know our customers will experience the results of that.