What IFS employees say

Working at IFS is like being part of a family.  People come to us in many different ways and from different backgrounds. Check out what some of our team members have to say - most of these employees are in their 20'sand 30's. 

Kieran's thoughts

"I've worked in powder coatings for around 8 years now - even though I'm in my mid twenties! I have a marketing degree and was interested in the coatings industry. You could say I did the SOAR program before it was invented as I've worked in every department - from shipping, to learning to make powders to marketing, so I have a great understanding of our business and our products. I am now part of our technical sales team and I love it. When I first heard the word "sales" I instantly thought of door to door sales or retail sales, so I was wary. But that is not what I do at all! In my role I get to travel around the US, meeting new people and working with our customers to support their coating needs. I can be presenting to architects one day and working with a powder line manager the next helping them to improve their business through using our product. Every day is different, and I think this is more of a technical role - I have to understand the chemistry and the application parameters, as well as the colors and how to deal with people. There's also a great opportunity to make some real money! What's also great is the powder coatings market is really growing, so it's a great place to be. IFS is also growing and there are many opportunities for growth here. It's a great place to work - I love it!"

Joey's thoughts

"With my BS in Chemistry and a minor in Biology I've always had an interest in science. College is a place to get a basic knowledge in your degree area, but it mainly teaches you how to think critically.  Most of the day to day things that I do, I have learned on the job, which makes me wish there'd been a SOAR program when I started as to have that experience up front would be very beneficial. I now run the bonding department at IFS - it's where we make the metallic, sparkly look powders through a process called bonding. And I love working at IFS. The best thing about working at IFS is the ownership you are given for your department.  I don’t have a boss breathing down my neck every five seconds and that is very important to me.  The other thing that I really like is that the management does an exceptional job of giving you what you need to succeed.  Whether that be equipment, or extra training, if it will help you get the job done, it usually happens."

David’s thoughts

"I didn’t know what powder coating was until a friend explained it to me. Now I work with it every day! I graduated college in the summer of 2013 with a Bachelors in International Business and a minor in Spanish.  I have worked in our labs and in our bonding department, which has given me a sound knowledge and background in our product. I have now graduated to working in technical sales in California. I’m fairly new at it but I’m determined to succeed, and with my college education and the practical background I gained at the site, I’m feeling confident.  While working in the lab I saw that our sales people were not what I typically thought of when I pictured a salesman! They are incredibly knowledgeable, practical, confident and can really make a lot of money. They’re also great with people.  I decided that was a great career opportunity and the nice thing about IFS is the opportunity to grow from within. So here I am. It’s an exciting place to be – working with huge brands and customers that I use or hear about every day, meeting real characters and learning every day.. I find myself surrounded by awesome people who only strive to be the best. We have a great group of people who are willing to teach and show you the necessary skills and fundamentals needed to succeed.  When asked what I’ve learned so far, I’d say that nothing is handed to you on a plate! In the real word, you have to work hard, but if you do, then the rewards can be great. So far with IFS they have been."

Cody’s thoughts

"I’ve been a part of IFS for a while now, but its flown by! I answered a local ad and before I knew it I was interviewing at IFS. I have two associate degrees from the local community college and I’ve taken engineering courses at Kansas State University and the University of North Texas. I have learned a lot in my time here – practical applications of the math and science that I love, as well as dealing with people and customers in a confident, professional way. I've worked my way up and I love that IFS supports me in whatever I do. I basically get the freedom to run the color lab as I see fit.  The management has great confidence in my abilities to get the job done and supports me in every way possible.  We are a fast moving company, which definitely keeps things interesting and I never feel bored. I wish there’d been a SOAR program to take part in when I started  It takes a while to become proficient in what you do in the work environment, so getting a few months in each department to understand how the company works and get a great introduction to the important areas is awesome. You just don’t realize how each department is connected and supports each other until you’ve lived it!"