Real Woman of Spray Foam

Spray Foam Magazine – Winter 2024 – PMC Global, Inc. is a privately-held management company and resource partner with corporate offices in three states and more than 20 subsidiaries in 10 U.S. states and 17 countries. From its roots in the early stages of the plastics polymer modification industry a half century ago, PMC Global has branched out through start-ups and strategic acquisitions to dominate select markets in plastics/chemicals, manufacturing, food service, packaging and finance. PMC Global and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,500 worldwide.

Polyurethane Machinery Corp (PMC) is a division of PMC Global Inc. and is supported by this billion-dollar company. PMC equipment is American Made and a source for all residential and commercial spray foam insulation equipment needs.

Komo Machine, Inc. was acquired in 1999 by PMC and became a subsidiary of PMC Global Inc. Komo Machine produces top-quality computer numerically controlled (CNC) routers and machining centers.

Just like their products, PMC and Komo employees are of the highest caliber, and in every successful company, it takes a leader to recognize a leader. Spray Foam Magazine recently had the privilege of speaking with Jennifer Lynn Dempsey, President at PMC and Komo Machine Inc., to uncover the key factors that contribute to her success in this leadership role and who recognized her talent.

Can you share your journey to becoming a manager in this industry? After working in accounting since college, I was the controller at Polyurethane Machinery Corp since 2009, as well as our sister company Komo Machine, Inc. In 2020, our owner and CEO, Philip E. Kamins believed in my capabilities and gave me the opportunity to take on the leadership of Polyurethane Machinery Corp., as well as our sister company Komo Machine, Inc.

What were some of the key challenges and milestones? One significant challenge we face is continuously ensuring that our production facility operates in a manner that prioritizes both safety and productivity. At the same time, maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with our PMC distributors has been crucial for smooth operations and consistent supply chains. Balancing these internal and external responsibilities requires continuous effort.

What does a typical working day look like for you? My days are extremely busy overseeing these two companies. Whether I am in the office coordinating team operations, addressing client concerns, or analyzing financial data, there's always something demanding my attention. When I’m not behind my desk, I am traveling around the country to meet with distributors, checking on product quality, negotiating deals, or scouting potential opportunities. I attend industry trade shows regularly, keeping up with trends and building valuable relationships. With all the travel, I’m typically on the road at least two to three times a month. By now, I’ve become very familiar with the ins and outs of most airports. Despite the hectic nature of it all, I enjoy the fast pace and the constant challenges that come with running two companies.

Can you describe your leadership style and how it has evolved throughout the course of your career? I work closely with our managers and place a high value on their input, as their insights and perspectives help guide our team's direction. We collaborate effectively, ensuring a strong sense of teamwork and open communication through our daily meetings. These meetings allow us to stay aligned and address any issues proactively. Additionally, I maintain an open-door policy, which all managers are aware of and appreciate. This ensures that they feel comfortable approaching me with any concerns, ideas, or suggestions, fostering a culture of transparency and mutual respect.

How do you cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in your teams? Along with our Vice President, Bryan Minue, we meet weekly with our engineering team to discuss new products and brainstorm innovative solutions to enhance our existing offerings. This collaborative effort ensures we stay ahead of industry trends and address any emerging market needs. Each morning, we also hold meetings with department managers to review daily operations, ensuring any concerns or issues are resolved swiftly. This structure not only fosters ongoing improvement but also creates a cohesive approach across all departments, enhancing our overall efficiency and adaptability.

What role does mentorship play in your leadership, and how do you develop future leaders within your organization? We believe in guiding our employees not just to succeed in their current roles, but also to develop the skills and confidence needed to advance within the company. Through guidance, ongoing feedback, and development opportunities, we ensure that employees have the tools and support they need to grow. My own journey from controller to president is a testament to PMC’s commitment to internal growth.

How do you navigate and overcome gender biases in a male-dominated field? Being a female president in a male-dominated industry is indeed rare, but I’ve never seen it as a limitation. I consider myself tough and resilient—attributes that have served me well in breaking barriers and thriving in an environment traditionally shaped by men. Growing up as a true “Jersey Girl,” I’m confident in my ability to hold my own with the “boys.” While there are challenges, they’ve only strengthened my resolve to succeed.

How do you manage stress and maintain your mental well-being? I love the beach, probably because I grew up on the Jersey Shore. I enjoy spending weekends on our beautiful New Jersey beaches with my family. I am a working wife and mother with a highly stressful career, yet my family is my everything. I also enjoy traveling, shopping, and watching football (Go EAGLES!!!)

What is a book or activity you recently enjoyed that you would recommend to others? I enjoy reading autobiographies, especially those of celebrities, musicians, or historical figures. There’s something captivating about getting a glimpse into the lives of interesting people, their journeys, struggles, and successes. It’s both inspiring and insightful. I’m also a huge fan of BravoTV and love watching their reality shows. They offer me a fun escape from my busy life and allow me to unwind and enjoy some drama-filled entertainment. One day, I’d love the chance to meet and chat with Andy Cohen!

What advice would you give to other women aspiring to leadership positions in similar industries? Work hard and listen to others. Women are different from men in terms of our human nature. We women need to be tough and not show our emotions.

What are your long-term goals and visions for your career and the industry as a whole? My goal is to drive continued growth for Polyurethane Machinery Corp. and Komo Machine, Inc., ensuring PMC remains a leader at the forefront of the industry.

Anything else you would like to add? I am a mother of triplets! They are 18 years old and are amazing. I hope I have made them proud of my journey and my career!

I would also like to say that I am deeply grateful to our owner and CEO, Philip E. Kamins, for believing in my abilities and providing continuous encouragement. My heartfelt thanks also go to President Gary Kamins and President, CFO, and Director TC Cheong for their unwavering support and motivation throughout this journey. It has been an honor to receive this incredible opportunity.