E. Jennings Taylor is Chief Technical Officer and Intellectual Property Director at Faraday Technology Inc., an electro-chemical engineering company that he founded in 1991.
Dr. Taylor and his colleagues at Faraday were recognized by the NASF for contributions to the field of pulse/pulse reverse surface finishing with the 2008 Blum Scientific Achievement award.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
E. Jennings Taylor, PhD.My graduate degree is in electrochemical kinetics and I founded Faraday Technology, Inc. to develop novel electrochemical processes based on pulse electrolytic principles. The AESF published a classic work on “Pulse Plating.” So, SUR/FIN was the natural conference to attend where surface finishing problems met practical solutions.
What do enjoy best about the industry?
The meetings and relationships established.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
Always half full; I am very blessed in family, profession and country.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
My wife, although she is not an item; a golf club, presumably sand wedge, and ball; a laptop with internet.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Chemistry and math.
What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
Pigeon at a real Chinese restaurant.
Do you collect anything?
Chess sets.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Initially introvert then extrovert.
Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Taste.
Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
James Anderson Burn aka Burns of the Mountains, founder of Oneida Institute in 1900 to provide an education to kids in Appalachian Kentucky. He was instrumental in peacefully resolving the raging feuds at that time.
What do you do to keep fit?
Walking and yoga.
Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
“The harder you work, the luckier you get!”
If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?
Like Mark Twain’s “Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court,” intellectual property rights and tangible property rights.
What three things do you think of the most each day?
What can I accomplish, what can I do better ,and who will I see?
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
“Be prepared to engage.”
What song would you say best sums you up?
“You Make Me Smile” by Dave Koz
What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs.
What's the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?
A waterfall and pond.
On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?
I think I’m very funny as I always laugh at my own jokes; others not so much.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Providing strategic guidance to young technologists.
What was your first job?
Painting houses for myself.
How many languages do you speak?
One.
Who is the most intelligent person you know?
My colleagues at Faraday; the creativity and problem solving is inspiring.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
Cheetah.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Sky dive.
Who knows you the best?
My wife.
