Posted on January 31st, 2025

How Devon Francis found his home away from home at Victaulic by embracing his true self.

In 2021, if you had asked Devon Francis where he saw himself in two years, he couldn’t have imagined where he’d be today. He was happy in his job at a prominent local university and loved working with students. When Devon accepted a job interview, he only did so because his friend was adamant he should give Victaulic a chance. Little did Devon realize, his friend’s advice would change his life. He and Victaulic clicked immediately, which Devon credits to how unapologetically real and honest both he and the company were during the interview.

A New Chapter Begins

Devon became a father in his teens, so he went straight to work after high school, forgoing college at the time to provide for his family. He accumulated a lot of experience, even becoming a manager, but realized further advancement would require a bachelor’s degree. So, as a father of two with his oldest in high school, Devon went back to school. Just months away from graduating in 2022, Devon walked into Victaulic for what he thought would be a quick in-and-out interview for a job working in the company’s R&D department.

“I was expecting the interview to take one hour, maximum. It took four,” he shared. “It was one of the most comprehensive interviews I had ever experienced. The entire leadership of their R&D team was there, taking the time to really get to know me.”

As someone who believes it’s always better to be up-front, Devon didn’t hide anything about who he is, his background, or his aspirations for leadership. He was shocked by Victaulic’s response: “They didn’t flinch. They loved that I was going back to school and immediately started talking about all the different ways I could move up in the company.”

A Culture of Openness and Support

This told Devon a lot about the company, its openness to different perspectives, and its eagerness to cultivate leadership. Devon took the job, and one year later, Victaulic made good on its promise and promoted him. As Technical Lead for Customer Experience, Devon sees his future at Victaulic, now pursuing his MBA with the company’s help so he can advance further. Victaulic sees its future in him as well.

“The openness I felt in the interview has only grown. Victaulic encourages me to be my authentic self, whether it’s by pursuing my personal passions or voicing my opinion,” Devon added.

Devon was worried that by accepting the position with Victaulic, he would miss out on being able to work with students. But with the company’s volunteer program, he has the opportunity to continue to give back to the local organizations he loves.

Leadership That Cares

One day early in his career, Devon was feeling frustrated about something with his work, when Susan Schierwagen, Vice President, took immediate notice and stopped everything she was doing to speak to Devon and support him.

“We passed each other in the lunchroom. I didn’t say a word, but she knew something was wrong simply because I wasn’t being my normal, jovial self. She stopped what she was doing, sat down with me, and asked me how I was. I shared several concerns with her, and she set up a follow-up meeting so we could talk more. I never felt judged. She appreciated my honesty. That’s the way it is here. From top leadership down, there is an open-door-policy feeling, where they really get to know you, want your feedback, and are ready to act on it. That’s rare,” he explained.

A Unique Workplace Culture

Devon’s caring, genuine, and deeply personal experience at Victaulic is not the exception; it’s the norm. While Victaulic is recognized around the world as being a mechanical pipe-joining solutions powerhouse at the top of its game, behind the scenes, “Vic” is a privately owned company with deep roots in family values. Employees describe it as a “mom-and-pop shop” vibe inside a fast-growing multinational industry leader. And they say it’s why so many people who join Victaulic never want to leave. It might also be why Devon’s friend begged him to give the company a chance.

“When people ask you how you are doing at Victaulic, we often answer, ‘I’m living the dream.’ And we truly mean it,” Devon said. “I can say emphatically, ‘yes, I’m living the dream here.’”

If you’re interested in reading more employee stories, check out our blog . And if you are ready to start or grow your career, check out our Careers Page and our  Open Positions!