An Interview with Jarrod A. Kaltenbach about the Surfactants Sector
September 30, 2020
Leadership in any business category takes teamwork on the part of very special individuals. It’s why we were happy to add Jarrod A. Kaltenbach to the Coast Southwest team, serving as Vice President, Surfactants.
We sat down with Jarrod to ask him what drew him to Coast Southwest, and what developments he sees ahead in the surfactants category.
Can you tell us a bit about your background, especially in the industry?
I started my career working in quality control at PPG working in a paints and coatings facility. Since then, I have worked for some of the leaders in the surfactant industry including Cognis/BASF, Stepan, and Lubrizol.
Most recently I was with TRI-K Industries working to launch their mild surfactants business. All told, I have worked in the chemical industry for 28 years with a focus on personal care.
What’s involved in your new role at Coast Southwest?
I am charged with building and executing the strategy for surfactants at Coast Southwest. I will be working closely with the sales and other teams to grow the surfactant business via expanding the product offerings and geographical reach.
What attracted you to the company?
I previously worked with Coast Southwest while at Lubrizol. I was always impressed with the people who made up the organization. Working closely with Joe Cimo and Kevin Sathre, it was clear the organization was built on integrity and finding win-win solutions for customers. I also found the customer relationships to be among the best in the industry.
Has there been any one thing that’s stood out for you the most about Coast Southwest?
The team atmosphere really stands out. Everyone has been eager to help me personally and also jumping in to offer solutions for the organization.
Has the surfactants marketplace or how surfactants are being incorporated in products changed in any significant way over the past several years?
With the advent of New York’s new regulations on 1,4-dioxane, there has been more uncertainty on the use of ether sulfates on top of the existing trend of sulfate-free formulations. This has led to an increased focus on sulfate-free technologies. Coast Southwest has embarked on solving this challenge with the launch of Endinol® MILD B-SF65A.
What qualities or methods do you think Coast Southwest possesses that prove its leadership in surfactants?
The customer focus organization allows us to really define our customers’ unmet needs to build next-generation solutions to meet the challenges of today’s market.
Do you have any early impressions about how Coast Southwest works with its suppliers and customers?
I have been impressed with how Coast Southwest really strives to build mutually beneficial partnerships with both customers and suppliers.
Where do you see the surfactants category headed in the future?
I see a continued investment in internal capabilities with the construction of the new Texas facility. From a chemistry perspective, I expect us to grow our sulfate-free offerings, as well as more focus on antibacterial quats for use in hand soaps and cleaners.
