Prior to joining Technimark LLC and the plastics industry, Alex Edmunds, 33, worked in the renewable energy industry at a manufacturing facility for wind turbine generators.
"I wasn't necessarily drawn to the plastics industry specifically, but what intrigued me about Technimark was its reputation for being a top company in plastics with a great team and its potential for growth. As I learned more about the industry and gained experience in my role, I came to appreciate the incredible impact that plastics have on our daily lives and the opportunities for innovation that exist in this field," he said.
Edmunds, quality engineer at Technimark, graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies and Milwaukee Area Technical College with an associate degree in electronic engineering technology.
"Alex has done an outstanding job during his career at Technimark, gaining the respect and trust of his customers. His customers have experienced a 75 percent reduction in material complaints year on year based on effective root cause analysis, implementing corrective actions and sustaining the results," said Technimark Quality Manager Lindsey Wolansky, adding that Edmunds was a "key contributor" in Technimark receiving its ISCC PLUS certification.
Edmunds is also involved with the American Society for Quality. Outside of his work at the injection molder, Edmunds gives back to the community and raises awareness for gynecologic cancer. "During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness month in September 2022, I utilized my photography skills and drone to capture stunning pictures of buildings illuminated with purple lights, which is the color associated with the cancer."
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Q: What steps have you taken to advance in your career?
Edmunds: In terms of advancing my career, I've taken a proactive approach to self-education and continuous learning. I have a natural curiosity about how things work, and I've made it a habit to research and explore new topics that are relevant to my field. I've also taken advantage of opportunities for additional training and development through Technimark whenever possible.
Q: If you were CEO of a company, what would you do first?
Edmunds: My priority would be to gain a deep understanding of the company culture. To do this, I would conduct interviews with my direct reports, asking them the same set of questions to ensure consistency. Through these conversations, I would aim to learn about the company's values, work ethics, and the strengths and challenges of the current culture. This would allow me to identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to create a positive and productive work environment.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Edmunds: Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot. There are many things in life that are beyond our control, such as the actions of others, unexpected events or the past. By focusing on the things you can control, such as your own thoughts, actions and attitudes, you can make progress towards your goals and find greater peace and contentment.