Meet Paul McClellan,
Global Marketing & Technology Director
Name: Paul McClellan
Region: Global
Position: Marketing & Technology Director
Years of Service: 26 years
Nationality: British
Can you tell us about your current role and responsibilities
My team and I connect what Clear Edge does to the customers and employees. As a globally recognized brand, we have a powerful and relatable mission that we want to amplify by getting more employees voices to tell our story. We focus each day on promoting the products, technology, capabilities, and material science that add value and attract customers.
Can you tell us about your journey at Clear Edge
I joined the business in 1997 and have seen first-hand how Clear Edge constantly innovates their products and technology to meet their customers ever changing needs. I’ve worked in product design, operations management and technical support, so I have a deep understanding of what we do. My career has taken me to our facilities in England, Poland and America, where I have met many great people along the way. Most recently, I led the Technology Team in the Americas where we focused on product quality and design, operational efficiency and providing technical support to our commercial team in their efforts to win new 80s customers and stabilize the 80s we have.
What is the driving force behind everything you do… what keeps you motivated and driven daily?
The industry we are in impacts so much of the way the world works. Contributing to the improvement of so many businesses and seeing how that impacts everyday life inspires me to keep getting better.
What’s something you do to start your workday
After resisting the temptation to check emails, I open my to-do list and check my commitments for the day. I block time on my calendar to help maintain my focus so I can deliver on what I’ve promised.
Tell us about your biggest achievement/proudest moment at Clear Edge to date
I am proud to have worked in three different Clear Edge facilities and getting to know the people and the cultures that make each facility special. Those experiences have made me a better employee and leader, and I’m grateful for the strong friendships I’ve made along the way.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your professional career and what was the most important lesson they taught you
I could name a few. When I started working I vividly remember my first boss telling me to turn up on time, do your best every day and treat every penny like it’s your own – I’m still following those principles today.
What advice would you give to new employees joining the organization
Our people make the difference. Be confident and vulnerable as you introduce yourself to your colleagues so that you really get to know your teams. You’ll be surprised how much faster and more rewarding the wins come. Oh, and remember to have some fun!
If you could sit down for dinner with anyone, who would it be and why
Sir Alex Ferguson. For almost two decades he was a serial winner that rebuilt different teams for different challenges to stay ahead of the competition. Adapting and remaining on top for that long is an incredible achievement. He’s also renowned for his knowledge of wine, which would make dinner even better!
What is one thing that very few people know about you?
In 2005 I thought filtration might not be the right career path for me and I embarked on a career in hospitality managing an award-winning, family-owned restaurant. While it stirred culinary passion in me, destiny prevailed and I returned to the filtration world and Clear Edge 3 years later.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work
I have an amazing and supportive wife (Alex), a two-year-old daughter (Madeline), a newborn (Amelia) and two miniature schnauzers. They all keep me busy, but we still enjoy family vacations, exploring the Texas hill country by car, foot or bicycle, and trying new recipes.
What do you feel is the company’s biggest strength and how is Clear Edge contributing to the making the world safer, healthier, and more productive
The wide variety of talent we have. Our people and the skills and experience they bring to Clear Edge. We’re a global company that requires a diverse set of individuals to make the impact we have worldwide.
Provide an example of Clear Edge’s customer first mentality. Please quote a specific customer.
Our business model has given us the freedom to focus on our key customers and offer them products and a level of service that is unrivaled in the industry. With key customers in every region, we are hyper-focused on listening (VOC) to their needs, so we can give them what they want not what we think they need.
How will you use your skills and experience to shape the future of Clear Edge?
For 20 years I have worked with and got to know our products. In my new role I hope I can better highlight our products and impact and provide valuable guidance to our customers. I hope to enable my team and the rest of the company with the tools and knowledge they need to promote Clear Edge in their own roles.
Where do you see the company in 5 years?
We aim to be the undisputed leader of process filtration solutions to the mining and chemicals market. We already have the products and people, so by building on our customer focus, we can be the envy of our competition and a thought leader in the industry.
