Charles P. Klass
Charles P.
Klass
Lifetime Member
Redington Beach, FL
With more than 50 years of TAPPI membership (since 1958) and numerous Local
Section and Committee Chairmanship activities to his credit, Charles (Chuck)
Klass has more than earned the designation of Lifetime Member. Having
begun his relationship with TAPPI while just a junior in High School, it was
his chemistry teacher who steered him toward a very successful and rewarding
career in the paper and pulp industry. Since then he has been an active
and vigorous supporter of TAPPI, saying that membership, particularly in his
work as a highly successful consultant, conveys the professional credibility
needed in a global economy.
As President of Klass Associates Inc., Chuck provides consulting services within
the paper, pulp and allied industries. In addition, since 1999 he has
served as an Adjunct Professor of Paper Engineering and Imaging at his alma
mater, Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, MI. A prolific, published
author, Chuck is a veritable source of valuable information and resources for
his fellow TAPPI professionals. He received his BA in Pulp & Paper
Technology and Mathematics from WMU and an MBA in Marketing Management (with
Distinction) from Pace University in New York.
Q. Why Did You Decide To Join TAPPI?
A. I joined as a paper technology student at Western Michigan University – planning a career as a paper industry professional
Q. Please describe your involvement with TAPPI over the years.
A. I have actively participated in both local sections and TAPPI, including:
Local Sections
Ohio TAPPI – served in several offices in the early 1970s
Kalamazoo Valley TAPPI – in the 1970s
Lake States TAPPI – in the 1980s – spoke at several meetings
Gulf Coast TAPPI – spoke at a number of meetings in the 1980s and 1990s
TAPPI
Papermakers Committee – since 1976
Multi-Ply Board Committee – Chairman 1974-5
Papermakers Conference – one of the original organizers in 1972 – Technical Program
Chairman in 1976
Paper and Board Manufacture Division – Chairman in 1980-81
Coating Process Committee – Chairman 1988-89
Board of Directors – 1986-1989
Publications Committee – 1975-1995
Exhibits and Meetings Committee - Chairman – 1983 – 1994
Management Services Division – Chairman 1990-1991
Coating Conference Technical Program Committee – since 1990
TAPPI Awards
TAPPI Fellow – 1984
Paper and Board Manufacture Division Award – 1984
Distinguished Service (Joachim) Award - 1994
Coating & Graphic Arts Division Leadership and Service Award – 2001
TAPPI Courses Chaired and Taught
How to Successfully Market to the Pulp & Paper Industry – Developer and chief instructor – 1984-1992
Blade Coating Course – Chairman and Instructor – 1986 – 1994
Coated Paperboard Course – Co-chairman (with Dale Dill) and Instructor – 1992 – 2004
Metered Size Press Symposium – Developer and co-chairman (with Dale Dill) 1998-2006
Paper Machine Audits – Chairman and Instructor 1999 – 2003
Paper Machine Optimization – Chairman and Instructor – 2004-2006
Sizing Course – Instructor various years
Q. How has TAPPI helped you in your career pursuits?
A. TAPPI provides networking opportunities and also facilitated development
of interpersonal and management skills including project management and mentoring.
I developed lifelong friendships through TAPPI. Speaking at TAPPI conferences
and publishing articles have improved my communication skills. I have been a
consultant since 1986, and my TAPPI activities have been a key part of marketing
my consulting services. Much of my work has been overseas, and recognition as
a TAPPI member and Fellow helps to facilitate relationships with TAPPI members
in other parts of the world. Other TAPPI members have joined my group as Klass
Associates.
Q. Tell us about some of your interests outside of TAPPI and your professional life.
A. I have been a trustee of the Paper Technology Foundation at Western Michigan University since 1993. I have been honored as a Paper Technology Foundation Fellow (2002) and elected to the Paper Technology Foundation Hall of Fame in 2008.
I play golf but not well, and enjoy cruising in a classic car - my fully restored 1957 Ford Fairlane Sunliner Convertible w 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special v-8 with 4-barrel carburetor.
Q. Can you share a unique or fun fact about yourself?
A. I try to take my work seriously but don’t take myself seriously. I have a sense of humor and also enjoy being the butt of a joke.
Q. Closing sentiments?
A. The industry needs to capitalize on some of its inherent advantages but not forget about its past. We don't gain a lot by focusing only on the rearview mirror and doing things how they used to be done. But it's amazing how things come around that have been tried before can be the key to new products, improved processes and increased profits.