Throughout 2022, PMA celebrated its 80th anniversary of service to the metalforming industry. Each month we have highlighted a staff member to feature those who have played a part in PMA’s success.
As we wrap up our celebration, we hear from PMA President David Klotz on his history and relationship with PMA. David is celebrating four years with PMA this month.
Name, title and time at PMA.
David Klotz, president of PMA, the PMA Educational Foundation and PMA Services Inc. (PSI). I have been working for PMA for the last four years.
What made you want to work at PMA?
I had been part of the association as a manufacturing and associate member for nearly 30 years. In those years, I have been involved in and supported the East Michigan District in various roles and then also served on the national PMA board. During the time on the national board, I served on two executive committees.
Metalforming is in my blood. I have always respected all of the members and employees that are, and have been, involved with the association over the years to help each other grow and support the industry in networking, learning and leading.
I have really enjoyed my time working for the association. We have such an incredible team and I am excited for the future of the association and our members. We have such a strong “community,” and our goal is to continue to grow that community and help serve the industry.
How has PMA changed over the years since you started?
Well, it has been a short time, but we have changed quite a bit even during the pandemic. We continue to grow membership, adding more benefits such as a 401k plan for members, cybersecurity services, tailored insurance protection through Federated Insurance, economic intelligence from ITR Economics and much more. Our team has changed a bit and we have improved some internal processes to make it easier for employees to work, and we will continue to make processes better and more efficient for them.
We completed a huge renovation of the building and updated it with the latest technology, including a great training room for attendees both in-person and online.
First event/meeting that you worked on/attended.
My first event was an East Michigan District event in Farmington Hills, MI, while I was with Dallas Industries. I can’t remember the topic, but after the event, during the networking and social time, I was asked to be the assistant treasurer for the district. So, I attended my first event and came out of it volunteering for the district and that is where it all started.
Joe Gentilia, my boss at the time, really valued PMA membership and wanted me to get exposed to the association. It was one of the best things he did for me and for my career. I have met so many wonderful people and seen some amazing companies over the years.
Favorite PMA memory?
Forming great relationships and friendships over the years.
What does PMA mean to you?
I think the words from our marketing – Networking, Learning and Leading – say so much of what PMA does – more than 60 events a year that bring associates together to network. Education from the shop floor to the executive level is huge. And finally, leading our industry, our advocacy arm of the association is so important and makes sure we are fighting for our members at the state and federal level.
What is your favorite part of your job? What excites you about working at PMA?
I love serving the members and the industry. I am always thinking of ways to assist our members so that they can be successful and profitable. We want our members to be leaders of the industry and if PMA can help with that, then we have succeeded.
What has been your biggest achievement/success while at PMA?
There are two:
The recent the building renovation – it was needed and it helped position PMA better and created opportunities for more revenue for the association.
Second is growing membership since I have started and especially during the pandemic. Not many organizations can say that they grew during the pandemic. Our staff and partners really stepped up to help and guide our community during this time of need.