40 Year Flashback 2: Inspiration From Our CEO, Reno Novak

In 1983, during my first job as a chemist at Pierce Chemical Company (now Thermo Fisher Scientific), I encountered a unique book in the company library entitled “EXCUSE ME SIR WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY A KILO OF ISOPROPYL BROMIDE,” authored by Max Gergel. This very unconventionally titled book accounts his experiences running a small specialty chemical business (Colombia Organics) from the 1940’s to the 1970’s. Max’s book is filled with humor and stories of chemical projects—many of which encountered unexpected challenges along with an occasional “thermal event”—it captured the realities and adventures of a chemist navigating the industry and growing his company.

Years later, I was able to meet Max Gergel in person and became fast friends with him. Max was a charming Southern gentleman who skillfully convinced industry leaders to hire him as a consultant. I knew of at least TWENTY companies that paid him a monthly consulting fee. Each and every month, Max would call me, beginning with the familiar greeting, “Reno, it’s always a pleasure to hear your voice,” before offering to sell the surplus chemicals he had come across.

Many companies that Max consulted for eventually became part of an organization he created called “InfoMax.” This group convened annually, where members enjoyed sharing stories—that always included Max’s tall tales.

My interactions with entrepreneurial pioneers like Max were invaluable. Reading his book significantly influenced my early thoughts about starting my own business, taking the leap of faith, and just asking the question, “Excuse me sir, would you like to buy a kilo of Gadolinium Nitrate?” I would recommend Max Gergel’s book to everyone!

https://library.sciencemadness.org/library/books/gergel_isopropyl_bromide.pdf