The Spy “Exit Interview” series is part journalism and part oral history. Over the last eleven years, the Chestertown Spy has interviewed dozen of local leaders at the moment of their retirement to reflect on their work and some of the challenges they have faced in their professional careers and the nonprofit organizations they have helped as trustees.
David H. LaMotte is our subject for this installment. We asked David to reflect on his lifetime career at LaMotte Chemical and how this modest family business started by his grandfather, had relocated from Baltimore in 1956. Under his guidance as president, he grew into a mature, growing company with over 200 employees.
A few months ago, a significant end of an era in Chestertown commerce went mostly unnoticed for most of the community. After a lifetime working at LaMotte Chemical, David LaMotte discreetly stepped down as president of the Kent County-based chemical testing company, which he had led after Arthur H. Thomas Company purchased the business, in 1986.
In his Spy interview, David reflects on how this family enterprise grew, decided to sell the company, and the excitement of leading a team to expand their products and services on an international scale, all from their modest headquarters at the corner of Washington Street and Morgnec Road.
This video is approximately ten minutes in length.
Joan Cramer says
How wonderful to see this interview with David Lamotte in the Spy. A well-deserved tribute to one of Chestertown’s greatest treasures. Thank you, Dave Wheelan, for doing it, such interesting history, and thank you, David Lamotte, for being such a wonderful and delightful human.
Jenifer Emley says
What Joan said. Bravo, David!
Aaron says
That was a nice story to hear. I hope more businesses look at Chestertown as a place to make a permanent home.
Jamie Williams says
Awesome story teller and a gracious business leader, always. Thank you for your contributions to Kent County.
Richard H Rogers says
Wonderful. Just got around to watching this.
Pure David at his best, I believe. A true pleasure working for someone of his caliber and class.
I wish him all the best!