photo by steed media service

When Randell McShepard first arrived at RPM International, Inc., one of the world’s leading chemical coating companies, he had ambitions of moving into an officer’s role. Now, just six years later, as the vice president of public affairs, McShepard can proudly say he’s a top-level executive at a company that does $3.3 billion in sales a year and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Based in Medina, Ohio, RPM International is a holding company that owns 40 different paint product manufacturing companies. McShepard’s role consists of managing the corporate philanthropy program, maintaining government relations and overseeing $32 million in company purchasing. The Baldwin-Wallace College and Cleveland State University graduate admits his transition into the new role wasn’t easy.

“When I first arrived [at RPM International], I was the only person of color at the corporate headquarters. That was a new experience for me, I’d never been in that kind of an environment before,” says McShepard, adding that he hopes he can use his success to open doors for others.

“[Bringing people in is] important because when you talk about a globally competitive environment, that means companies need to find the best and the brightest and we ought to know that the best and the brightest also include[s] people of color,” he says. “I’ve never been shy about that and I think if all of us in these positions can do that, we’ll see some pretty significant change in corporate America. But if we sit idle and get comfortable with the fact that we’re the only ones and take pride in that, that really benefits no one.” - gavin philip godfrey

For more information, visit www.rpminc.com.

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