We Are ALPOLIC: Meet Chad Patterson
After a successful career in fabrication, especially in the areas of estimating, installation, field measurements and drafting, sales manager Chad Patterson finds that his customers are “receptive that I’m coming from their side of the table.” Joining ALPOLIC in 2022 and training under the mentorship of the now-retired industry veteran, Tom Ratway, Chad has stepped into the role of architectural sales manager for the South-Central US territory with confidence.
Having worked with ALPOLIC MCM for years, now that he’s part of the team, he is impressed by the sophisticated manufacturing process he hadn’t been fully aware of previously. “It’s all orchestrated very well. More than just the actual machinery, the production team, the scheduling team… it all works seamlessly.” Chad considers having an exceptional level of support from the Chesapeake, VA headquarters a strength out in the field and enjoys working with those he considers friends.
Thinking about what mattered most when he was the customer, Chad reveals, “being timely is key. I do my best to get people an answer as quickly as possible to help them in their given situation.” He contends that along with a quality product, it’s ALPOLIC’s reputation for being nimble that sets it apart. “Such low minimum quantity for custom finishes, 1000 square feet, that’s a real advantage. We’re able to process a little faster, get materials out the door and accommodate those tight lead times. In the field, setbacks happen, so things like that, and our stellar customer service and production team, they matter. We can help create solutions."
Chad is very service oriented and hopes to approach sales as an educator and resource for his customers. Fabricators are often focused on material availability, and he walks them through the differences between stock and custom color orders, finding the products that fit their timeline and budget. “I also speak to architects and general contractors on the application of our materials, the warranty terms and duration that set us apart, and help put them in touch with local fabricators for their specific project needs.”
Born in Indiana and raised in Kansas, Chad attended Tri-State University. A certified road warrior, he spent three years caravanning the entire continental United States with his family and pup while working for a national design and engineering company. Since starting with ALPOLIC, his family has planted roots in Texas, just in time to welcome their third child.
Looking back at his career and the impact he’s made in his region, Chad is proud to have had a hand in contributing to the design and aesthetic of this swath of America. “I can look back on it and say, I helped on that!” And he stands ready to contribute more to the architectural community in his territory.