Trevor Day's first job in the industry was working in the warehouse of his father's old company, Michael Day Enterprises Inc.
"My dad was starting that company as we were kids, so when we'd get in trouble growing up, we'd have to clean out the refrigerators in the break rooms. Then I worked in the lab for a summer and learned to run an injection molding machine and do mechanical testing in the lab, which has been extremely helpful," Day said.
After the automotive recession forced his father, Michael Day, to sell his company, Trevor, now 35, and Michael Day founded Wadsworth, Ohio-based Michael Day Enterprises LLC in 2010. Trevor Day worked as the sales manager, building the company up and investing in manufacturing equipment. He was promoted to vice president in January 2020.
Trevor Day graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a bachelor's degree in sales and marketing. "My biggest accomplish so far in my career is starting a new company and growing it into an ISO-certified business doing nearly $10 million in annual revenue. It's taken a lot of sweat equity and hard work in learning every aspect of the business in order to facilitate growth, especially through a global pandemic and economic instability," he said.
MDE operates in a 40,000-square-foot facility with three compounding lines, blending/drying equipment and a quality control laboratory, and it is looking to expand its current facility. Its primary markets include oil and gas, furniture, automotive, defense, lawn and garden, and general hardware.
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Q: Who is your mentor or someone you look up to?
Day: Without a doubt, my mentor is my dad. He's been in the plastics industry his entire adult life, and he's the reason I'm in the industry now. Starting and growing a family business with your dad is a memory I'll cherish my entire life. He's been an invaluable resource and support system for me both inside and outside work.
Q: How are you involved in the plastics industry, manufacturing or your community?
Day: Our core business is plastic manufacturing, and the community plays a huge role in that. We are active in our Chamber of Commerce and the Medina County Manufacturing Council, which pulls a variety of business decision-makers from the community to share ideas/challenges and solutions to help drive continued success. This helps us think outside of the box and view our business from different angles, but it also gives us visibility in the community, which is important for us as we continue to grow and add personnel to our company.
Q: What job do you really want to have in the future?
Day: I'd like to continue on my current path within the company and one day take it over as CEO. My dream is to continue what my dad started and grow a company that provides quality material at competitive prices and is an enjoyable place to come to work. Our employees are the real difference-makers.