Coatings
Beyond SurFACES – Meet Brandon Muñoz
From Lifesaver to Supply Chain Strategist
Whether it’s managing the daily flow of materials across the global Automotive OEM Coatings operations, managing his busy family of five, volunteering or coaching youth sports teams, Brandon makes it all look simple!
Brandon Muñoz joined BASF Coatings over a decade ago, bringing with him a unique background in emergency medicine and a passion for problem-solving. Now a Data Analyst in the Automotive Coatings Solutions Supply Chain team, Brandon thrives in fast-paced environments – both at work and at home. We spoke with him about his journey, his drive, and how he keeps everything in motion.
Beyond SurFACES – Get to know our winning team
At BASF Coatings, we are driven by passion and science to always go beyond the surface. In our new series, Beyond SurFACES, we introduce you to the talented individuals who make it happen. From developing innovative coatings to creating sustainable solutions, our winning team is at the heart of everything we do. Meet Brandon Muñoz, Data Analyst for Automotive Coatings North America at BASF. Want to be part of the journey?
Join us in going beyond!
You’ve had a couple roles at BASF Coatings. Tell us a little more about what brought you there and your career so far.
While I was a student at Michigan State University, I was a certified lifeguard. From there, I pursued other lifesaving training and certifications which led to a career as an Emergency Medicine Technician (EMT). It involved administering first aid and performing lifesaving treatment. That role was fast paced and unpredictable. My ability to analytically assess a situation and stay calm in crisis helped me excel in that profession. I later worked with colleges across the country teaching aquatic classes and lifesaving skills and served as a team medic for several youth sports teams. As an avid sports fan, those were great opportunities to support young athletes at the college, high school and grad-school levels.
Fast forward, I met my (now) wife and was ready to leverage my education and take my career in a new direction that would provide long-term growth. I had just finished a big project with the Red Cross Management System that was similar to the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system that was being implemented in the Automotive Refinish business and they were looking for a sales growth administrator.
I was lucky to get that position and have been with BASF Coatings for more than 11 years now. I’m currently working on the Automotive Coatings Solutions supply chain management team where I help to manage the daily flow and distribution of materials and finished products between our suppliers, production operations and customers globally.
For me, the daily juggling of work and family is fulfilling. I can’t see myself doing anything less.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your job today? How have you gone beyond?
Navigating the recent migration to a new IT system! Getting the system implemented, transferring all the data and learning how to navigate and update procedures has been a challenge. Thankfully, we’ve had great support – whether it be people and expertise or other resources.
The best part is that through the transition, I’ve been able to interact with many different groups within BASF. By leveraging varying viewpoints and experiences, our processes can be optimized to achieve best results.
Speaking of sharing experience, you volunteer on the Southfield First Aid Safety Team (FASTeam). What is your role on the FASTeam?
I’ve been involved in the FASTeam since 2013 in various roles. Starting this year, I took on the role as co-lead. It’s a good fit with my EMT and instructor background and I enjoy contributing my capabilities in a way that could help my co-workers and the organization.
You’re clearly very active at work…you also have a busy family life. How do you manage it all?
At work, I set daily priorities and goals to stay focused. As you said, we sometimes get the “unexpected” and I work with my team to work through any interruptions or challenges.
My wife and I are the proud parents of three very active sons and our family dog (our fourth child). We like traveling and taking our boys to new places. Being outside is a must for us. The more time we can be outside and let our children play and explore, the better. A round of golf with my wife or friends is also a good way to recharge.
And of course, I can’t let go of my passion – sports. As a life-long sports fanatic (and a three-year state tennis qualifier in high school), I truly enjoy coaching and volunteering with young athletes. I’m fortunate to play an active role in my children’s activities and with their sports teams. Coaching can be very stressful for some, but for me it’s very therapeutic. Helping my sons with their sports, helping them learn and seeing them grow is very satisfying.
My nearly 11-year-old son plays almost every sport, including lacrosse, baseball, basketball, football, golf and track. And my nearly five-year-old twins want to do everything their older brother does, so they are already participating in all the starter sports. Needless to say, between the three boys, sports will be around our family for the foreseeable future!
For me, the daily juggling of work and family is fulfilling. I can’t see myself doing anything less.
