Member Spotlight: Meet Tony O'Lenick
Member Spotlight is a regular INFORM magazine column that features members who play critical roles in AOCS.
| Name | Tony O'Lenick |
| Joined AOCS | 1996 |
| Education | M.Sc. in chemistry from Rutgers University (Newark, New Jersey, USA) |
| Job title | President |
| Employer | SurfaTech Corp. (Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA) |
| AOCS involvement | Session chair and presenter for multiple surfactants and detergents sessions. Member-at-large, Governing Board (2015–2021). Winner, Samuel Rosen Memorial Award (1996). |
Professional
What’s a typical day like for you?
Our business develops solutions for customers looking to solve specific formulation problems. We are concentrating on natural products and products derived from them, so topics vary widely. There’s never a boring day!
My favorite part of my job is…
Dealing with people who have an interest in technology. We tend to think of mentors and educators as the “old people” and students as the “young generation.” This is a very narrow view. We can all be mentors and be mentored.
Flash back to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grew up?
It was about that age when I developed my first interest in chemistry. I was forever mixing things together and enjoying seeing the result. Shortly thereafter, my parents bought me my first chemistry set; I have had one ever since.
Is there an achievement or contribution you are most proud of? Why?
Over my career I have written eight books and I am listed as an inventor on more than 300 patents. Nonetheless, I am most proud of teaching and mentoring associates. The chance to give knowledge back to others is tremendously satisfying. No knowledge is ever wasted; it may take time until it can be used, but one simply needs to be patient. I am also very proud to have had the opportunity to develop a family business in which I work with my wife and three sons daily.
What event, person, or life experience has had the most influence on the direction of your life?
I was fortunate to meet my wife very early in my career. She was the one who suggested we start our own company and who believed in the possibility of its success more than I did.
Personal
How do you relax after a hard day of work?
By reading and enjoying time with my wife, three sons, three daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Family contacts, meeting with associates, volunteering for associations like AOCS, solving technical problems, and inventing new products.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months or years?
I have decided that when you enjoy what you do you never need to retire. Work becomes pleasurable.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to your peers?
We live in interesting times. We can either complain or do something about it. The best of technology has yet to be discovered.
