Chuck Mobley is president of Mobley Industrial Services, a well-respected, maintenance-driven company with an excellent safety culture, great customer relationships and a track record of performance. Until recently when it joined Safway® Group, Mobley Industrial Services was the largest, independently owned industrial painting and coatings company in North America. BIC Magazine recently visited with Mobley to learn more about the company’s growth.
Q: What led to your position at Mobley Industrial Services?
A: I began working in the industry for my father, Jack Mobley, when I was 13. Often while my friends were off having a good time, I was working hard unloading trucks. My dad instilled the importance of a strong work ethic.
In 1979, while I was attending college, my dad started Mobley Industrial Services. When I went to work for him, he made it clear I had to earn whatever role I wanted in the company, the same as any other employee. I had years of experience in hiring, purchasing, estimating and sales before I became a vice president and eventually president. I feel grateful to have been able to work with my family — my mother and two brothers as well as my father — for more than 35 years.
Q: What is the biggest news in your company right now?
A: On Aug. 26, Mobley was acquired by Safway Group. Over the past 10 years we had experienced amazing growth. In 2014, we had $100 million in annual sales, and we now have more than 1,400 employees. We had reached a point where we needed to consider how to get to the next level. By joining forces with Safway, we were given the opportunity to become its expert coatings business. Safway clearly values our team and capabilities — our people, professional expertise, customer reach and locations. Mobley’s 35-plus years of experience and proven track record of performance is a great fit for Safway. By combining our resources, we will be able to deliver enhanced access, insulation, coatings and asset management services expertise throughout the Gulf.
Q: Are you looking to grow in new markets or expand in current ones?
A: With the projected growth in the Gulf Region, we are definitely looking to expand. Mobley is ideally located to serve this important market. We have locations in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and our headquarters is in La Porte, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Safway and Mobley leaders are working together to develop a comprehensive strategy by evaluating our business on a customer-by-customer basis and looking at personnel and resources. We are committed to continuing to strive to understand and support our customers, co-workers and communities — just as we always have — as we move forward.
Q: How do you plan to address the changes in the market in the coming year?
A: As we all know, 2016 will be an especially busy year. An important focus for us will be recruiting, training and retaining qualified craftspeople. To do this effectively, we will do everything we can to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, teamwork, personal commitment, systems thinking, participative problem solving and responsible communication. I believe this is essential to attracting and retaining the best employees. Showing our employees they truly are our most important asset is critical. By focusing on both customers and employees, we will always remain competitive and continue to meet the demands of a constantly changing market.
Q: What is a fun fact about you most people do not know?
A: I am always up for adventure! I’m a private pilot. I also scuba, sky dive, ride Harleys, hunt and enjoy horseback riding.
For more information, visit www.mobleyservices.com or call (281) 470-9120.
