Meet the Team – Alejandro Patino
A Bittersweet Changing of The Guard.
When you have had a valued and talented father and son team that has overseen your manufacturing plant you count yourself as fortunate.
In late 2021 our Los Angeles plant manager, Armando Patino, was facing retirement due to health concerns. As Armando worked to share his knowledge of producing quality fluid applied roof and pavement products Western Colloid was blessed by his oversight and commitment to making sure we had the best possible replacement, his son Alejandro. After college Alejandro was drawn into the family business and was able to transition to plant manager. For decades Armando was an important part of our growth and success. He is now fully retired but is still an important part of the Western Colloid family legacy.
As the new plant manager, we are asking Alejandro a few questions.
Meet Alejandro Patino…
Q.) How long have you been working for Western Colloid?
A.) I have been with the company for 4 years. Starting my 5th year in January 2025.
Q.) What are a few words of wisdom your father passed on about your new role as plant manager?
A.) Care about what you do day in, and day out and that there is always a solution to a problem.
Q.) What surprised you the most about this position?
A.) That everyday can be something different. One day I can make a product while others I must diagnose a truck, diagnose a pump and take things apart. You must stay on your toes and make sure you try and catch out of the ordinary things before anything serious happens.
Q.) What are the most valuable lessons you learned about customer service since working for Western Colloid?
A.) Customers complete our cycle. From making the product to finally installing it. Yin and Yang, two forces that are always changing but in full balance.
Q.) What are the most valuable lessons you learned about managing people since working for Western Colloid?
A.) Creating a safe and enjoyable environment is important for people to succeed and bring out their best qualities. Every person thinks differently so take the time to get to know the person and see how you can help them become more efficient in the system you are trying to implement.
Q.) Now that you are in the plant manager role what service do you provide our customers that you feel is important?
A.) Any customer, from small to large jobs, is equally important. They get the Western Colloid treatment. Unconditional support to install good roofs for the building owners.
Q.) What is the thing you like most about Western Colloid as a Company?
A.) The people, Western Colloid has created a great group of people that get the job done.
Q.) What do you want our customers to know about you?
A.) Los Angeles Born and raised. Me and my wife Claudia have a 3-year-old. Sebastian, who currently thinks he’s spiderman. I grew up playing soccer. I still try and get out on the weekends but to save my knees I have taken a passion for Golf. Whenever I get a chance, I like to tinker around the house.
Q.) What makes you smile when you think about your job?
A.) That I get to continue to work in a place where my dad gave his whole career to.
Thank you, Alejandro, we are glad you are here.
Armando thank you for leaving us in such capable hands – God Bless You!
