Spotlight on Volunteers by Skip Kay, C.P.M. Communications Chair
December's Interview Joe Polance , C.P.M. NAPM-OC Secretary

This month we are proud to “spotlight” Joe Polance, C.P.M., A.P.P. Joe was elected to the Board of Directors and installed in June of 2002. The Directors then elected him to the Executive Board and to the office of Secretary where he records the minutes of the monthly NAPM-OC Board of Director’s Meetings.

Joe has been a purchasing professional for over 17 years, mostly in automotive manufacturing. He is currently employed by American Suzuki Motor Corporation as Purchasing Manager, a position he has held for nearly two years. He is married to Margaret, has a twenty-one year old son, Jason and a “Super-Dog” named Roxy.

When asked about his other interests, Joe cited his love for cycling, baseball, home improvements and deep-sea fishing. His proficiencies in fishing have enabled him to catch the larger game fish such as Yellow Tail, Blue Fin and Albacore. In a recent trip to Cabo San Lucas this last September, Joe caught (and released) two Blue Marlin in a single day! The prize catch weighed in at 227 lbs. and the other was a mere 220 lbs. We venture to guess that night, his arms felt like two lead weights! It’s no wonder that one of his favorite web-sites is “All-Coast Sport Fishing”. Along with the sport fishing web-site, Joe’s other favorite sites are CNN and NAPM-OC.

Joe began his career in the retail business where he managed inventory. The company he was with at the time published an ad for a purchasing position. Joe, who likes obtaining value, enjoys solid negotiations, had worked with and liked purchasing systems and techniques, expressed an interest for the position. He was turned down on the first attempt. But, when the ad appeared again, Joe persisted in his effort and was given the opportunity. So perseverance does pay off! Since then, he has achieved his Purchasing Certificate from Coastline Community College, was awarded his original C.P.M. in 1988, has recertified twice and also received his A.P.P. Joe says the certifications are respected by his employers; they legitimize you as a professional in your field and of course, they gain you more than the average salaries.

He has been a member of NAPM-OC since 1986, when at the time, we were known as PMAOC. The first meeting he attended featured buyers from Chrysler, one of whom, Thomas Stallkamp, would later rise to run that company. A couple of recent NAPM activities that he has been involved in include: June Forum, now known as “Forum” and the NAPM-OC/IE Joint Golf Tournament. Joe says of the golf tournament, “The intent is to develop the Golf Tournament so that we can take the cash proceeds and use them for educational reimbursement to help fund part of the costs associated with C.P.M. exams.” The Board is currently reviewing ideas as to where the proceeds will be used.

We asked Joe to recall his most interesting purchasing experience and he responded, “I processed a purchase order and check request for comedian Jay Leno to speak at a Suzuki function. It was interesting because he called his contact at Suzuki directly about the engagement and the receptionist told him, “You’re not Jay Leno.” Well surprise, it was.”

We asked Joe about his mentors and how did they help guide him, and he answered: “Merle Roberts, Chuck Ayres, Sara Arhlen, Howard Leonard, Carol Sigler have all helped greatly over the years, probably more than they realize.

Finally, we asked, “Do you have a message for the Membership?” Joe responded by saying. “Communicate your needs, go to the dinner meetings and participate in shaping this organization for the next 10 to 20 years!”