With 35 years of experience in multinational manufacturing environments, Patrick Jermain has seen his share of business and financial challenges. He says adaptability is key to success.
“I have managed through company restructurings, downsizing, IT system implementations, significant growth and leveraged refinancing, to name a few,” he says. “I’ve learned that overcoming these challenges requires a team working together toward a common goal, being open to change, and listening to and respecting one another.”
Since 2014, Jermain has served as chief financial officer for Plexus Corp. and serves on a committee distributing funds through the Plexus Charitable Foundation, which contributes more than $1 million to nonprofit organizations in the community.
Jermain encourages new finance team members to maintain positive attitudes, recognize they can always learn something new and be a teacher to others. “After nearly 10 years of being our CFO, I’m still learning to be a better leader for Plexus,” he says. “Be humble regardless of the role you are in. Recognize that you do not have all the answers. To be successful, you will need to rely on others.”
