Women in Coatings: Yvonne Haley Leads by Example

Our latest “member profile” podcast features an extended conversation with Yvonne Haley, president and founder of Commerce, Calif.-based Haley Industrial Coatings & Linings, Inc. 

More than 40 years ago, Haley graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) with degrees in business and dance. She initially worked as a professional dancer, but, within a few short years, Haley went from dancing on floors to creating them! Soon after, she pulled off an even more impressive feat by starting her own business, which, at the time, was quite a rarity for a woman in the world of coatings contracting.

Today, Haley Industrial’s website says it is a “proud, woman-owned small business with ‘large business’ capabilities.” The company specializes in areas such as resinous flooring and wall systems, waterproofing, green concrete, and vapor transmission flooring, with end markets ranging from pharmaceutical clients to chemical plants to battery acid installations. It’s no surprise that the “Battery Queen” nickname has stuck with Haley over the years.

In our podcast interview, Haley shared perspective on her time with the company and in the coatings industry, along with insight on how it has changed over the past four decades. She also offered her views on the recent merger of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International and opportunities for the future with the newly merged organization known as the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). 

CoatingsPro’s longtime readers might also recognize Haley from previous profiles in the May 2005 and July 2011 issues.