People of Power Adhesives – Francesco Lodeto – Account Manager – EMEA & APAC

We start Q3 with another member of our sales team – Francesco Lodeto.

Franco joined Power Adhesives over 20 years ago, and in that time, has been part of some of the companies biggest milestones. Franco spoke to us about how the business, and his role within the business, has changed and adapted over the years with market trends and what he’s looking forward to seeing in the future.

Background & Journey

1. How did your journey with Power Adhesives begin?

I was working as a store manager for an audio and electronics retailer but was looking for a career change, and free weekends. I saw an advert for a bilingual sales job and applied for it. I’m still here 21 years later.

2. What made you choose to stay with the company for so long?

No day is ever the same here at Power Adhesives. I talk to different people in different countries every day, and that makes my job interesting. Also, I really do believe in the products we make. They are the best of British engineering, and I am confident when I talk to my customers.

3. How has your role evolved over the years?

I started in the sales office, processing orders, organising shipments and doing some translations for brochures and catalogues in French and Italian. As years went by, I started to get more involved in helping and supporting customers with their queries and with technical advice.

4. How would you describe the company culture in three words?

Avant-garde, nurturing and accessible.

Innovation & Leadership

5. What’s one innovation or project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

Though I haven’t been involved in the developing of new products, I did write a piece of music for our company’s telephone system so that if you were put on hold, you could listen to it. It was called “Stick with me”.

6. How does Power Adhesives stay ahead in the industry?

Power Adhesives never stops researching and creating new products. If you look at our range, there’s an adhesive for every application and for different industries, from packaging to wind turbine manufacturing.

7. How have you seen technology or processes change since you started?

We are the first manufacturer in the world to have formulated a biodegradable shaped hot melt adhesive. We also make the best spray adhesives on the market, and we continue to develop new grades for different applications.

People & Teamwork

8. What do you enjoy most about working with your team?

Everyone I work with is accessible and helpful, regardless of their position in the company.

9. Are there any mentors or colleagues who have had a big impact on your career?

When I first joined Power Adhesives, the Export Sales Manager was a gentleman called Gary Greenslade. Though he passed away 16 years ago, he’s still fondly remembered by our distributors for being easy to talk to and fun to be with. I travelled with him a few times and our customers genuinely looked forward to his visits. He was very professional and I learned a lot from him.

Future

10. Where do you see Power Adhesives heading in the next 5–10 years?

In 5-10 years I see Power Adhesives growing even more, with eco-conscious products like our biodegradable adhesives and technical products worldwide.