Meet Erum Alvi, Technical Account Representative in Atlanta, GA
Erum joined Bakelite two years ago, transitioning from a lab career to a customer-focused commercial role that drives innovation in phenolic solutions and performance materials.
Her passion for building strong partnerships and delivering technical service has made her an integral part of Bakelite’s commercial team. Want to learn what inspires her, her proudest project, and why she believes Bakelite stands out in the industry? Keep reading for Erum’s story.
Erum’s Story
Q: What brought you to the company and the commercial team?
A: I really wanted to step away from my career in the lab and move into a commercial role. I was always encouraged to go into sales from my previous colleagues, but my only commercial experience was a small family business growing up. The biggest thing I was looking for was a team and company that worked cohesively and encouraged growth through support. I was inspired to join after interviewing my current manager and the Bakelite team. I haven’t looked back since!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the commercial space?
A: We all want the same outcome, and Bakelite strives to do so with trust and consistency. Every department and associate works with the genuine goal to do the right thing as a team.
Q: What makes Bakelite stand out in the industry?
A: We care about the people we work with and lead with . It’s the people inside the organization and who we build relationships with. Beyond that, our technical service team meets customers where they are—whether on the plant floor, in the lab, or virtually—to deliver the best possible support and solutions tailored to their needs.
Q: Can you share a recent success story or project you’re proud of?
A: I’m very proud of the working relationship and goal my customer and I have in development within composites. They are equally eager to develop a path that’s growth-focused, and the desire to succeed is mutual.
Q: Do you have a favorite Bakelite Story?
A: My favorite story is the experience of going to a trade show with my colleagues. We all planned diligently and cohesively to follow up with customer dinners, and leadership was willing to help me and other account managers meet with our customers. The customer I’m developing new technology with had their business director there, and I was able to introduce our VP of Sales to them. The level of access, connection, and support was impactful and reaffirmed that Bakelite sees me as a part of their team and wants to ensure success on all our ventures.
Our Customers & Industry
Q: What do customers appreciate most about working with us?
A: We follow up and communicate in a timely fashion. Most customers feel Bakelite is a business resource and not just a vendor.
Q: What business trends excite you the most right now?
A: Improvements within electronics. I can’t speak specifics, but conductive improvements within phenolics are very cool.
More About Erum
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I can encourage people to open up easily. I’m very personable, and I feel it’s important that people feel seen, so I genuinely ask people about what they care about—especially when they aren’t given a chance to talk about it.
Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
A: I really love movies, music, and Indian classical dance. I love being home and having an easy day with a good show and making a homemade meal to share with loved ones.
Looking Ahead
Q: What are you most excited about for the future of Bakelite?
A: I’m really excited to see Bakelite become known for a solid work culture as well as a respected supplier that cares about each industry.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at Bakelite, what would it be?
A: Never hesitate to ask for help. People want to help you here and we have great mentors.
Stay tuned for our next My Bakelite Story.
