Family Business Council

Spotlight is a column that features a different FBC member or sponsor each month. This month, we caught up with Bob DeMent of Kastalon, Inc.

Bob DeMent

FBC Forum: Apeiron

Year you joined FBC: 2003

FBC: What year was Kastalon, Inc. founded and can you tell us a little bit of
the history behind the company?

Bob : Kastalon was founded in 1963 by my Grandfather, Robert Bruce DeMent, Sr.

Our company manufactures a wide range of molded polyurethane products that include everything from industrial roller coverings used in the steel processing industry, to the pressure clamps that seal the disposable cups we use everyday. We make custom components for almost anything our customers can imagine. In my opinion our slogan: "Engineered to fit", pretty much sums up the company's core belief.

FBC: How did you learn about the FBC and what motivated you to join?

Bob : I learned about the FBC from my father, Bruce, a longstanding member of the organization. After attending a few general meetings as his guest, I was urged by some of the members to join a peer Forum. The rest, as they say, is history.

FBC: How has your life changed professionally since joining the FBC?

Bob : My business life has improved in the sense that I have developed leadership characteristics encouraged by my FBC colleagues. I have also made business contacts which I'm sure would not have been available to me in any other way. Personally, I have met some of the finest people.both in my Forum and throughout the general membership.

FBC: What advice would you give to someone considering joining the FBC?

Bob : I'd recommend thinking about why you're interested in joining a group like the FBC. If you've come to the conclusion that you wish to make unbelievable Chicago-business contacts, hear elite business-oriented speakers and entertainers, visit some of Chicagoland's finest lvenues, and gain a deeper understanding of what drives others to succeed both personally and professionally.......then join. This is what you'll get out of membership and the decision to join the Family Business Council is that simple.

FBC: What has been your most rewarding experience since you joined the FBC?

Bob : The people I have met are far and away the most rewarding part of my experience in forum and the FBC. Meeting members' fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, co-worker builds on that rewarding experience even more! It's the people that make the difference for me.

FBC: What do you do in your free time?

Bob : In my free-time I like to play softball (12 inch baby!), bowl with college buddies, attend Mensa meetings, get kicked out of Mensa meetings (as I'm not a member and they frown upon that), ride my motorcycle, try and keep my fiancé and mother-in-law-to-be happy (not necessarily in that order all the time) play cards and do yard-work (true).