Faces of Lubricants: Tevin Proctor
Sep 28, 2018
Gregarious, light-hearted and extremely motivated are words that come to mind when describing Tevin Proctor, associate chemist for Ingevity’s oilfield and lubricants team. One of the youngest chemists on the oilfield and lubricants team, Tevin is always eager to learn and help others. A member of the research and development team, he provides technical support for our lubricants projects and customers. Tevin’s role allows him to perform analytical testing, design and execute experiments, and try to optimize our current portfolio to expand business reach. A Charleston native, he attended College of Charleston and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
What led you to your job here and how has this role evolved?
Prior to working for Ingevity, I worked for a pharmaceutical manufacturing company as an analytical chemist. I decided that I wanted to pivot my career more toward research and development, and was hired by Ingevity as an associate chemist in 2017. My role has evolved into one that constantly challenges me and has helped me develop leadership qualities in many different aspects.
What’s your idea of happiness?
*Deep sighs* Happiness for me is a state of being that is dependent on having peace and balance. My idea of happiness is being happy about being myself, and because I am happy with who I am I can send positive vibrations to everyone around me.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive it, would be Barack Obama hands down. He was such an inspiration to me growing up as a leader. Obama showed me that I can be and do anything but more importantly, he taught me that the only limits are the ones that are placed on oneself.
Where would you like to live?
If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Dubai. Although I’ve never been, everyone I know who has visited said that it was beautiful. It seems like such a different yet fascinating place to live and I think I would love to live there.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I draw and paint. I’ve always been into the arts and it comes natural to me.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of graduating from college. I am the first person in my family to attend college and the fact that I can represent my family in such a positive way is a huge honor.
Who are your heroes in real life? Who is the most courageous person you have ever met?
I have a few for various reasons:
- My mom
- My mentor Evelyn Nadel
- Barack Obama
- Will Smith
What’s a hobby you’d like to begin?
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar but I never took any steps to learn. But now that you pose the question, today is a great day to start I suppose.
What’s your favorite quote / words you live by?
There are two phrases that I try to live by every day: “Hakuna Matata” (no worries) and “Take everything day by day.” I try to be as tranquil as I possibly can and I’ve found that taking things day by day works best for me.
Name one thing about your work that gets you out of bed in the morning.
One thing about my work that gets me out of bed is that my work is never boring. Working in R&D gives me a lot of freedom for innovation and opportunities to be creative. I’m always learning something.
What does success mean to you?
I believe people who are truly happy in life embody the meaning of success. I think it can be dangerous to attach success to any monetary amount, career position or tangible items. I choose to look inward for such self-validation on success and being successful.
What does your average day look like?
When not working at Ingevity, a normal day for me involves spending time with my girlfriend, friends, family or a combination of the three. I’m a laid back person so it normally doesn’t take much for me to be happy!
Do you have a hidden talent?
For those who haven’t heard me singing in the hallways at Ingevity, I’ve enjoyed singing since childhood. Although I have horrible stage fright, I’ve been in several talent shows in high school and college.
How would you spend your time if you were independently wealthy?
I think I would spend my time getting my family and friends to a place where they are independently wealthy as well. Traveling the world and taking lavish vacations is great but I can’t share those experiences with people I love, then it’s not as meaningful.
What do you look forward to most with your current role?
I look forward to the future opportunities that will continue to guide and shape my career. Transparency, authenticity and integrity are all values I live by and those are the same values that I believe will continue to propel me forward professionally.
