Two "Polychromers" Reunite 50 Years Later.... a letter from Don Leo

In my first job in Corporate America I started as a Lab Technician working for Ken-Ici Shimazu, Director of R&D, Polychrome Corp, Yonkers NY in the Special Products Laboratory. During that two year period I learned how to formulate new products, scale them up in the pilot plant and conduct plant trials at co-manufacturers. The valuable experience I gained in those two years provided me with the skills and knowledge to further advance my career as a Food Chemist at General Foods and PepsiCo over the next ten years. I leveraged that technical expertise to advance my career for next thirty years in Sales and Marketing at Givaudan Flavors and Fragrances. In addition to providing the valuable skills I needed to succeed in business my colleagues at Polychrome became my friends , mentors and team mates. The collegial atmosphere and the diverse backgrounds of my colleagues influenced me in positive ways that stayed with me my entire career. Ken was a great boss and his mentorship means so much to me to this very day. Ken and I had a fantastic lunch ( sushi of course) and talked at length and shared memories about the "good old days" as well as both of our families. Ken invited me into his home where we sipped green tea and sampled Japanese sweets and treats. It was a wonderful reunion in every aspect. Fifty years is a long time for sure but being with Ken that day felt like it was yesterday. I am so thankful for my two years at Polychrome. It laid the foundation for a long happy career in chemistry and business.... Donald Leo Laboratory Technician Special Projects Lab Polychrome Corp Photo: Ken and Don conducting a Chrome Guide plant trial in Millerton NY Spring 1974