HomeWork features AHAM members’ and partners’ insights into careers, success, life outside of work, and AHAM membership. This month, we spoke with Patrick Bellamy, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Danby.
How did you get started in the home appliance industry?
My background in electronics enabled me to secure my first full-time job in 1981 at W.C. Wood Company in Guelph, Ontario. They needed someone to build, service and calibrate lab and production line test equipment. My other lab technician duties involved materials and component testing (paint, urethane foam, tubing, thermostats, etc.) and daily checks and servicing of vacuum pumps, charging machines, hi-pots and leak detectors.
What early experiences and mentors had the biggest impact on your career path?
My earliest mentors were the most impactful. At that time, my immediate boss was the head of R&D (a post I would later take over in 2002) and the director of product development. Both individuals were very calm, thoughtful and pragmatic. I was a very good self-learner, but on the rare occasion I sought support it was never just laid out on a plate for me. Thus, their best management skill was providing just enough input and guidance to set me on the path of discovery to solve issues myself. It also became quickly apparent that some further education in HVAC/R would direct my career path toward successive promotions. Wood was very supportive of furthering employee goals. Over my nearly 30 years at Wood, my path included the following roles: general lab technician, QA lab technician (testing refrigerators and freezers), R&D specialist, and finally R&D manager.
What is a common misconception people have about your job or your field?
For the last six years at Danby my role has been regulatory compliance specialist. Danby participates heavily in just about every appliance category going which is a lot to take in. Add to this the explosion of additional regulation that has happened in recent years, and you have the recipe for a very busy job. Until recently, I believed the most common misconception was that this role can be filled by just one individual. Thankfully, I am now able to report that we have another 2.5 people assisting with the regulatory overload.
What professional achievement are you most proud of — and why?
My move into R&D in 1988 fits this bill. In this role I became exposed to all the regulatory and standards-based influences on our business. There was exponentially more responsibility and direct influence over the design and performance of the product. This role also started my relationship with AHAM.
What does your company gain from AHAM membership?
As for other members I’m sure we all benefit from AHAM’s commendable ability to collect, analyze, and promote discussion on future rulings that will directly impact our operations and products. AHAM also plays a key role in gathering consensus from all our stakeholders while formulating effective approaches to help eliminate, or at least reduce, some of the unfavorable side effects of certain regulations. We certainly appreciate AHAM’s ability to fight our corner on the political stage.
Outside of work, what hobbies or activities help you recharge and bring fresh ideas to your work?
As an event planner and tour leader for my MX-5 sports car club I am able to keep my organizational and leadership skills sharp. My fondness for craft beer certainly helps me relax, socialize, and recharge – that in itself is important in terms of arriving to work rested and ready for action. Playing on a pub darts league helps with fostering teamwork. Practicing and playing drums helps with focus (and with releasing frustrations).
