While Parker Boundy's role as chief operating officer of Sterling Heights, Mich.-based Shuert Technologies is his first in the plastics industry, it has also been his favorite in his professional career.
"The ever-dynamic nature of plastics processing keeps me on my toes," he said. "There is never a dull day on our manufacturing floor."
Boundy graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York with a bachelor's degree in Asian languages and cultures as well as the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business with an MBA. He has previously worked as a senior consultant for IBM and a vice president at J.P. Morgan.
As chief operating officer of Shuert Technologies, Boundy oversees the engineering, tooling and manufacturing operations and spends "as many hours as possible" on the manufacturing floor, which he said has enhanced the company's culture and trust.
"My current challenge at work is sustaining our technical prowess while managing our rapid growth. As we scale, maintaining the high standards of innovation and expertise that have defined our success at Shuert Technologies requires careful balancing of resources and strategic planning.
"We are focusing on investing in advanced technologies and ongoing training to ensure our team remains at the forefront of thermoforming development," he said. "Additionally, we are refining our processes to enhance efficiency and adaptability, ensuring that our growth does not compromise the quality or effectiveness of our technical solutions."
Boundy is excited by the rapid advancements in robotics and automation technologies; the company's applications of these technologies have allowed it to move faster with far greater efficiency.
"I'm looking forward to our ability to utilize more advanced robotics to unlock new possibilities for thermoforming innovation," he added.
Boundy also has led the company's sustainability efforts, with accomplishments including conducting life cycle assessments on product portfolios, developing programs for increased energy efficiency and working with partners to conduct annual sustainability audits.
"I believe that advancing technology can drive the development of more sustainable materials and processes to reduce environmental impacts. It's crucial to balance these advancements with proactive efforts in reusability and recycling to ensure that we contribute positively to both industry and environmental goals," he added.
Boundy is passionate about "creating a company culture that fosters innovation and collaboration" and is "dedicated to understanding market dynamics and customer needs."
"My greatest professional achievement has been the high-performing teams I have built in each of my roles," he said. "By fostering an environment of collaboration and empowerment, I've been able to enhance team productivity and achieve exceptional results. I take pride in mentoring team members, aligning their strengths with organizational goals and creating a culture of continuous improvement. This approach has not only driven success in various projects but has also contributed to long-term organizational growth."