More than a dozen years into a successful business career, Stephen McGuff wanted to find a place that reflected his values and management philosophy. When Reflexite Corporation came calling, he saw the light.

Reflexite, which designs and manufactures micro-structured reflective products for safety, optical display and solar applications worldwide, prospers from a blend of product quality, innovation and a focus on its customers. Another essential ingredient, McGuff believes, is the total buy-in of its employees: Reflexite employees are also Reflexite shareholders.

“When you capture the heart and soul of the work force, treat them with respect and give them an opportunity to share in the profits, you have a good formula for success," he says.

The employee-ownership concept has helped grow sales more than fivefold since McGuff signed on as general manager, U.S. manufacturing, in 1993. His role in the company has expanded significantly as well. He became a division president in 1995 and was named to his current position in 2007 as director of Global Manufacturing Innovation.

McGuff attributes much of his career success (prior to Reflexite, he spent 13 years with Mobil Chemical Co.) to a strong mix of academics; he has a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from UNH in 1985. His MBA program helped develop skills essential to business management and his concentration in organizational behavior helped shape his management philosophy.

Beyond the job, McGuff’s values translate into involvement in an array of community organizations in Avon, Conn., where he and his wife have raised their three children. Over the years, local programs promoting recreation and youth sports, scholarships, water pollution control, the United Way, and business and commerce have benefited from his time and leadership.

Posted Spring 2010