At RPM, we embrace the diversity of our associates and strive to create a culture where everyone feels included. We hire, invest in, retain and motivate diverse candidates and embrace characteristics that differentiate our associates—including background, age, gender, ability and sexuality.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Policy requires all associates and other entities performing work or providing services on behalf of our companies to comply with RPM’s Code of Conduct and prohibits discrimination against individuals during all stages of work and hiring. In addition, all associates complete mandatory Code of Conduct training.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion starts at the top. Our efforts are center-led and overseen by the CEO and the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. We develop and enhance programming and educational efforts related to diversity and inclusion.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Our Respect at RPM program provides education, raises awareness and encourages action to emphasize and foster the importance of diversity and inclusion, as well as support associates’ growth and development. Respect at RPM formally links the company values with our commitment to diversity and inclusion across all our operations. The program reaches all associates through a variety of messaging channels such as toolbox talks, videos, posters, emails, and leader-specific messaging.
Some of our businesses have also established their own grassroots initiatives. Tremco CPG’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Council began in 2020 as an associate-led effort. Since then, the DE&I community has grown to more than 40 members across the U.S. and Canada, with programs including action-oriented and discussion-based groups, a book club and educational trainings. Today, the overall mission is to engage the organization in conversation and collaborative action around DE&I to foster an environment where all employees are respected, supported and valued.
HIGHLIGHT
Our Women of RPM Employee Resource Group (ERG) shares networking and learning opportunities with interested associates across the company. The group has over 575 members and hosts multiple events each year. In 2023, Women of RPM’s launch event, a virtual panel titled “Women in Leadership,” attracted over 300 attendees. Additional events included virtual sessions focused on self-care in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and a professional development presentation in partnership with Women@Rust-Oleum.
Consistent with our culture of respect, RPM is committed to equitable pay for our associates and individuals who perform work and provide services within our supply chain. Our business units employ compensation best practices, including the use of pay grades and ranges, career bands and levels, benchmarking, defined commission and bonus programs, and goal and objective setting. RPM also performs periodic pay equity audits to ensure our practices are functioning as they should, with the most recent audit taking place in 2021.
In addition, we expect our companies and suppliers, as stated in our Supplier Code of Conduct, to pay workers a fair and living wage and to investigate instances of reported or suspected non-compliance.
A collaborative effort between Tremco Roofing and Weatherproofing Technologies Inc., the RISE™ Program (Roofing Individuals Succeed through Education) aims to develop a new generation of roofing professionals through education and social and community outreach. Opportunities through RISE include a partnership with the University of Akron’s Construction Management program, apprenticeship certifications and internships—all offered online with 100% paid tuition and academic support provided. To date, 170 individuals have successfully completed internships, over 350 apprentices have been enrolled in the program and over 30 students are pursuing degrees in Construction Management. RISE’s community presence includes the ELEVATE 2nd Chance Program, which partners with the Department of Corrections and has provided training to over 40 individuals in six states.
A collaborative effort between Tremco Roofing and Weatherproofing Technologies Inc., the RISE™ Program (Roofing Individuals Succeed through Education) aims to develop a new generation of roofing professionals through education and social and community outreach. Opportunities through RISE include a partnership with the University of Akron’s Construction Management program, apprenticeship certifications and internships—all offered online with 100% paid tuition and academic support provided. To date, 170 individuals have successfully completed internships, over 350 apprentices have been enrolled in the program and over 30 students are pursuing degrees in Construction Management. RISE’s community presence includes the ELEVATE 2nd Chance Program, which partners with the Department of Corrections and has provided training to over 40 individuals in six states.
Developed by Tremco and offered in five U.S. cities, the Rising Stars program educates youth in vocational programs on how the construction industry works, with a focus on sustainable construction and emerging technologies. Participants receive mentorship and hands-on instruction from partner companies, which include minority- and women-owned businesses. Since 2023, over 70 individuals have graduated from the program. Rising Stars also includes the Achieve Green grant-funded program, which focuses on clean energy jobs and outlines two career pathways for high school seniors: trade apprenticeships and energy assessor positions.
Developed by Tremco and offered in five U.S. cities, the Rising Stars program educates youth in vocational programs on how the construction industry works, with a focus on sustainable construction and emerging technologies. Participants receive mentorship and hands-on instruction from partner companies, which include minority- and women-owned businesses. Since 2023, over 70 individuals have graduated from the program. Rising Stars also includes the Achieve Green grant-funded program, which focuses on clean energy jobs and outlines two career pathways for high school seniors: trade apprenticeships and energy assessor positions.
