Age: 32.
Education: Plastics technology & engineering certificate, American Injection Molding Institute, Erie, Pa.
What was your first plastics job and why were you interested in the industry? I was a press operator at Hudson Polybag, a plastics extrusion company. This is where I learned that the plastics industry was much larger than I originally thought. When I started at MTD Micro Molding, my initial interest in the plastics industry took off. When there are endless opportunities to learn, grow and build a career, your interest piques.
Greatest achievement? My first great achievement was when my wife and I bought our house. My greatest career achievement was graduating from the AIM Institute at Beaumont Technologies at the top of the class in 2015. This was a nine-month course, consisting of four parts covering processing, mold engineering, plastics materials and part design.
What is your current challenge at work? Pulling the most productivity out of the machines and resources I am responsible for and implementing ultra-controlled processes to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers. Also, creating solutions for controlling waste of sensitive, expensive materials continues to be a priority.
What emerging technology or market most interests you? The latest and greatest in robotics and automation will improve our micromolding processes. Bioabsorbable materials also continue to amaze me. To be able to mold something like that and make something as important and critical as a surgical implant that goes into the human body is truly amazing.
What about the plastics industry surprises you? I think there is a perception outside of the plastics industry that plastics are going away. In the medical device industry, the use of plastics continues to grow and is becoming more popular in many applications.
What is the best advice you have ever received? John Beaumont, president at Beaumont Technologies, told me, “You are never done learning.”
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in plastics? There are so many different career options and opportunities in the plastics industry — processing, mold making, metrology, quality, management, etc.
Who is your mentor? Peter Wojtas, a senior plastics engineer at MTD. The way he works sets the tone for the entire molding department. He is extremely passionate for problem solving, and with 30-plus years of experience in the plastics industry, he is the perfect person to learn from.
What job do you really want to have in the future? As my department continues to grow, I hope to manage more people and processes.
What do you do to relax? I love spending time with my son and golfing.
