From the Paint Line to the Front Line of Customer Success
At Troy Chemical, the best solutions don’t start in a lab—they start on the plant floor. That’s exactly where Kaleb Stewart built his foundation.
As Troy’s newest sales representative, Kaleb brings something that can’t be taught in a classroom: firsthand experience running and managing coating operations inside a manufacturing environment. Before stepping into sales, he spent years working directly on pretreatment systems, E-coat lines, powder operations, and wastewater treatment—eventually leading those functions for a large global manufacturer.
That background shapes how he approaches every customer conversation today.
Built on Real-World Experience
Starting as a co-op in industrial automation, he was immersed in coating operations from the outset, gaining hands-on experience with pretreatment systems, automated paint lines, and environmental compliance. Over time, he advanced into a leadership role, managing technicians, overseeing system performance, and serving as the technical bridge between operations and suppliers.
He also led major system upgrades—including the transition from traditional iron phosphate chemistry to newer zirconium-based pretreatment technology—coordinating contractors, managing downtime, and ensuring compliance across wastewater systems.
That experience matters. Because when Kaleb walks into a facility today, he’s not just seeing equipment—he understands the pressure behind it.
- Production deadlines
- Quality expectations
- Environmental requirements
- And the reality of keeping everything running
A Different Approach to Sales
At Troy Chemical, sales isn’t about pushing products. It’s about solving problems.
Kaleb embodies that philosophy.
“I want to be an aid to their success,” he explains. “I want to listen, understand their pain points, and come alongside them as a partner.”
That mindset shows up in how he engages customers:
- He walks the line—not just the office.
- He studies the full process—not just one issue.
- He listens first—before recommending anything.
For Kaleb, the goal isn’t a quick win. It’s helping customers improve their operations in a way that lasts. That often starts with a simple but powerful step: seeing the process firsthand.
Understanding the Industry’s Biggest Challenge
Having worked inside a manufacturing plant, Kaleb has a unique perspective on one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the loss of experienced knowledge.
“A lot of that old-school knowledge is retiring,” he explains. “And there aren’t as many people coming up behind it.”
This shift creates real risk for manufacturers:
- Inconsistent process control
- Gaps in troubleshooting expertise
- Increased dependence on outside support
That’s where strong supplier partnerships become critical. Kaleb sees Troy Chemical playing a key role in helping customers bridge that gap—not just with products, but with knowledge, training, and hands-on support.
Why Troy Chemical
For Kaleb, joining Troy wasn’t just about a career move—it was about finding the right team.
He points to three things that stood out immediately:
1. People – A collaborative team with deep industry knowledge and a willingness to help each other—and their customers—succeed.
2. Capability – From lab support to a broad chemistry portfolio, Troy has the tools to solve complex problems.
3. Culture – A shared commitment to integrity, partnership, and doing what’s right for the customer.
What Drives Him
At the core, Kaleb is motivated by progress. Not just closing a deal—but helping a customer solve something meaningful.
“It’s rewarding when you can help turn a problem around,” he says. “When you get that win and see the impact—it’s a great feeling.”
That drive, combined with his technical background and customer-first mindset, makes him a strong addition to the Troy team.
