ALUMNI PROFILE The ABCs of a Career—A Formula for Success John Thackrah ‘53 “You have to know what you do really well, and what you really like to do,” explained John Thackrah as the secret to success and fulfillment in a career. “Everything in your whole life helps you answer those two questions.” This sounds very simple, but it is more elusive than many realize. Thackrah defines success as, “Achieving a sustained, high level of interest in your work and being satisfied and proud of what you do over many years.” A 1953 Philadelphia Textile Institute alum, Thackrah thrived in several different positions during a 42-year career at DuPont with guidance from these simple words of wisdom. After learning All about you, you have to follow through with good Behavior choices and be a strong Competitor. This formula for success, known as The ABCs of a Career, has proven helpful for generations in Thackrah’s family. He has spent many retirement hours passing along the 100-year old wisdom of the ABCs to young people starting their careers, and is anxious to share them with students at PhilaU, his alma mater. The ABCs, taught to him by his uncle, an alum of Philadelphia Textile School, were communicated by word of 10 • SPRING 2014 mouth until 1998 when Thackrah wrote them down. “In my later years at DuPont, I had many people approach me about being disappointed with their careers and wanting to make a career change,” said Thackrah. “There is nothing worse than working every day on something you don’t enjoy. That’s such a waste of skills and talents.” Thackrah began his own career as a tech rep for DuPont dyes, and later sold dyes to the textile industry. “I was a good salesman and I loved to sell,” he said, which fulfilled the first requirement of the ABCs. When DuPont sold their dye business, however, Thackrah found himself without a job—until he obtained a marketing management job in the DuPont’s Colored Pigments Business, which was also sold in 1985. As it turned out, DuPont offered Thackrah a sales management position in the specialty chemicals division. “This was completely different than anything I knew,” he said. This didn’t stop him from accepting the position, after referring back to the ABCs. He knew he was a good salesman and loved to sell, and was confident in the new position. He advanced to Business “You have to know what you do really well, and what you really like to do.” Director of the Performance Products Division of Specialty Chemicals, and approached the promotion with a similar confidence. This position provided many opportunities for Thackrah to help people with their careers using the ABCs. During his last three years at DuPont, Thackrah worked as the Sales and Marketing Director of Specialty Chemicals. After a successful career, Thackrah coauthored a book about his experiences in the dyes business. His career is a testament to the effectiveness of the ABCs. Since becoming happily retired, Thackrah consulted for several Wilmington, DE companies, started a wooden toys business, and has remained committed to communicating the ABCs to those starting their careers. John Thackrah challenges you to read The ABCs of a Career, available in the PhilaU Library. Our Sincerest Apologies, Joe Lynch! We mistakenly reported that Joseph W. Lynch ’52 had passed away. We are pleased to share that he is alive and well residing in Wilmington, DE. Joe and his wife, Joan, recently moved to a retirement home, and are now trying to determine what to do with their impressive collection of 3,500 wine books! Joe continues to enjoy his retirement from DuPont, but shares his vast knowledge of wine by working part-time at Total Wine in Claymont, DE. He is especially pleased to report that his granddaughter will be following in his footsteps by enrolling in PhilaU as a member of the Class of 2018!
Alumni Update Spring 2014
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