Contributing to a greater cause

Sam Thevanayagam

“Recognizing the unique potential God has placed in each person we lead, we focus on developing careers, not just filling jobs.”

Sam Thevanayagam, President and CEO of Parts Life, Inc., grounds his company in the guiding principle, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”  

As he sees it, Parts Life is more than a supplier of essential and hard-to-find military equipment parts. It’s a platform for societal advancement. “It’s about people. It’s about using my business as a platform to transform lives,” he says.

When he first formed his company in 2007, Sam planned to enter the automotive aftermarket, where he had experience working for 18 years. However, he found a more urgent calling and pivoted to support the U.S. military, guided by what he describes as a prophetic insight. 

“It’s interesting that God gave me the name ‘Parts Life’ before He actually presented me with the problem to solve,” Sam says. After the name came, he realized that Parts Life was ideally positioned to tackle the military’s issue with “diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages” (DMSMS) – that’s shop talk for  when mission-critical military assets are used beyond their intended life and there are few available parts for maintenance or replacement.

“That’s where Parts Life comes in,” he adds. “We operate in space, air, land, sea and undersea, supporting the U.S. warfighter while also creating value for the taxpayer.”

Since its inception 17 years ago, Parts Life has seen significant growth, now employing 150 people in roles ranging from entry level to advanced engineering. The company’s operations extend beyond its Moorestown headquarters. In 2017 Sam purchased North Philadelphia-based DeVal Lifecycle Support out of bankruptcy. DeVal is an original equipment manufacturer specializing in support equipment. Over the last 7 years DeVal has grown over 400%, and with the recent acquisition of a new 40,000-square-foot facility in Philadelphia, Parts Life is set to create an additional 40 jobs this year.

Sam frequently points to Ephesians 2:10 to illustrate his commitment to the personal and professional growth of his employees: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” 

“Recognizing the unique potential God has placed in each person we lead, we focus on developing careers, not just filling jobs,” he says. 

Sam also stresses supporting his diverse workforce, of which about 40 percent are immigrants. Beyond professional training, the company offers programs like free English lessons, financial management classes and an innovative first home loan program called Help U Buy (HUB), which allows employees to work off their home loans through service.

Moreover, he is passionate about motivating his team to embrace a greater purpose. “Many young people today are searching for meaning and ways to make a difference,” Sam adds. “By working at Parts Life, they contribute to a greater cause. There is no greater purpose than defending our country and the freedom we enjoy as Americans by supporting the U.S. warfighter.”

partslifeinc.com