United Gilsonite Laboratories was founded in 1932 by Gerald B. Payne, a man with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, the essence of which still drives the company today. Mr. Payne once stated:
“The real difference between people is energy. A strong will, a defined purpose and invincible determination can accomplish anything.”
James Tates, UGL’s fourth President and Chief Executive Officer, agrees, “As we work to create a more successful and profitable future for our great company, we continue to embrace and be inspired by Gerald’s philosophy.”
James Tates, President and CEO
“We invest in our people, our technology and our brands to provide consumers with high-quality products to protect and beautify homes and businesses.”
In 2016, James Tates took the helm of our Leadership Team, bringing with him a strong background in Consumer Packaged Goods. Mr. Tates has a proven record of transforming business operations, enhancing market penetration and growing profit across a variety of consumer-driven businesses, ranging from PE-backed start-ups to industry-leading global CPG companies. His career trajectory has included stints at Philips Lighting Company, Newell-Rubbermaid, and Novartis Consumer Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to joining UGL, he was the President of U.S. West and Latin American regions at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company in Houston, Texas. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York in Cortland, New York.
Jim Hartman, CFO
In January 2017, Jim Hartman was named Chief Financial Officer of United Gilsonite Laboratories. Jim is a Senior Financial Executive who brings more than 25 years of business unit, corporate accounting and management experience to UGL.
Historically, Hartman is known for developing and implementing financial and operational controls that improve profit and loss scenarios and competitively position organizations for growth.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from The Catholic University of America and has completed Graduate Level courses at LaSalle University.
Vice President of Science and Technology: Paul Cheetham
Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations: Dave Jolie
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives: Joe McGraw
Vice President of Marketing: Michele Margotta Neary
Vice President of North American Sales: Jim Novinsky
Vice President of Purchasing: Brian Reap
Director of Global Sales: Ralf Schueler