EL Rising is NTMA’s recognition of talented manufacturing professionals who show leadership promise for the future of our industry. Boasting four years of promoting the next generation of manufacturing leadership, the 2022 recipients are invited to attend Emerging Leaders Conference ‘22, where they can continue to grow and learn in this great profession; as well as to attend Manufacturing Engage 2022, where they will be recognized for this achievement.
Rick Brunswick
Engineering Manager, Tru-Edge Grinding Inc.
“Rick began at Tru-Edge as an intern while attending the Tri-Star Career Compact School. After graduation, Rick accepted a full-time position as a CNC machinist, operating various models of precision grinding machines. He was promoted into the Engineering Department and undertook responsibility for CNC programming/cutting tool design and process planning. Rick later accepted a position as the Engineering Manager overseeing a team of six engineering associates. Rick’s ability to continually learn and develop his interpersonal communication capabilities, project management skills, and overall dedication to our organization makes him an excellent candidate for an Emerging Leader.”
- Marc Steimer
Jed Tronier
Multi Axis Milling Lead, Paramount Machine
“Jed came out of the auto-mechanic industry with no idea of CNC’s, then self-taught himself to program in Mastercam after falling in love with machining. He went straight to 5-axis machining (4-axis was not challenging enough). Jed has become a very reliable set-up man. In just a few years, he has built a great skill set, and continues challenging himself to do more – and is now learning people management. He has a knack for process improvement, never takes anything for granted, and strives for cycle time reduction. Jed never says no to a project, taking every challenge with a smile.”
– Art Santana
Jessica Wilber
Director of Business Development/Operations Manager, FOM, LLC
“Jessica began with FOM, LLC in 2021 and immediately had an impact – increasing revenue over 20% in her first 6 months. We quickly realized Jessica had a ton of operations knowledge – she consistently suggested great ideas to make the business run smoother. We soon promoted her to Operations Manager. Jessica will now be in charge of designing, improving, and implementing new processes to streamline operations, taking over all LEAN and 5S initiatives and organizing planning meetings. Jessica’s management of operations will allow for further growth of the company as we prepare for the future.”
- Justin Quinn
Tracey Redeker
Materials Coordinator, Bourn & Koch Inc.
“Tracey has made great efforts within this organization in numerous roles and responsibilities. In 2013, she started at Bourn & Koch in a clerical role, and has since built an impressive skill set: procurement, work order creation, labor transactions, cycle counting, methods routing, internal auditing, corrective action leadership, cost variance analysis, continuous improvement, project leadership & material handling. She is piloted by the values important to BKI as she passionately drives the growth of our business. Because of her integrity, the ownership of her responsibilities, and her teamwork, she has grown to constantly improve our business and her performance.”
- Todd Wells
Tawny Bush
Supply Chain Manager, Reata Engineering
“Tawny consistently goes above and beyond with any task or job put in front of her. She is a strong leader and her attention to detail is unparalleled. We constantly receive compliments from both our vendors and customers in regards to their interactions with Tawny. She has increased our OTD from our suppliers and is always on top of managing solutions with supply chain issues. Everyone knows that if you need information, she is your go-to person!”
- Christina Collette
Brandon Chamberlain
Manufacturing Manager, Hamill Manufacturing Company
“Brandon is organized and motivated to succeed. He is new to manufacturing, originally from
Hamill’s Accounting department. In his transfer from the office to the shop, he gained the respect of employees on every level. In doing this, he has transformed the way Hamill thinks about manufacturing. He utilizes our shop floor data collection to show trends – strengths and weaknesses – and helps us rethink manufacturing processes. This has allowed Hamill to reduce waste, rework, lost time, and continue to refine more lean processes. Brandon easily relates to the next generation and can provide training to help our organization move forward.”
- Timothy McCarthy
Christy Townsley
Marketing Manager, Carr Lane Manufacturing Co.
“Christy joined CLM just 6 months prior to the start of the pandemic. Without the foresight of what was to come she lead the digital transformation of the marketing department and marketing deliverables. Once the pandemic occurred Christy pivoted the efforts of the department to support the significant changes in Sales activities. Her leadership and vision for the future was critical to the success of CLM during such a turbulent time.”
- Colin Frost
Rikki Parra
Sales Coordinator / Engineering Coordinator, Allied Tool & Die
“In her sales coordinator position, Rikki has become a key player for Allied Tool, and has taken ownership of this important process. Her next move is into CNC Engineering: making sure all CNC processes flow smoothly. Rikki maintains a positive outlook and is a joy to work with – and remains a determined part of Allied Tool.”
- Jeff Moorhead
Joel Antipuna, Jr
Manufacturing Manager, Rosenberger North America Pennsauken, LLC
“Joel worked his way up from a summer intern to Manufacturing Manager. He joined the Rosenberger North America team as a full-time employee in 2016 after graduating from Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree. Joel started his career as an entry level CNC Swiss Machinist – an area that Joel was familiar with, having worked for Rosenberger over his summer breaks since 2010. He leads by example, challenging others to develop, and supporting them in their efforts. Joel’s consistency in his approach has fostered a well-rounded team that is genuinely interested in the success of others and the company”
- Ted Toth
Dale Davis
Mechanical Engineer/Die Designer, Dundee Manufacturing Company
“Dale (aka “Jake”) started working in our shop in high school. He took 3 years of Solid Works, and became proficient in the software. Jake later graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering in 2020. In 2021 he joined our company full time as a mechanical engineer, working to become our Engineering Manager. In this past year he has learned cost estimating, Autodesk Inventor and Nastran, and he has been included in Western Lake Erie NTMA Chapter meetings, allowing him to become active in the process and bring a young person’s perspective.”
- Dale Davis
JP Cooper
Department Manager – Lathe, Shamrock Precision
“JP has helped his company survive the toughest times and thrive during the best. JP started with Shamrock Precision as a material handler with no experience in a machine shop. Since then he has grown into a trusted voice for colleagues and management, and earned the position of Department Manager during COVID. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to complete the job right.”
- Corbin Embrey
Robert Falor
CNC Machinist, Southern Manufacturing Technologies, Inc
“After working for several years as a Chef, Robert found SMT. Robert graduated from our apprentice program with twelve NIMS Credentials, and earned an additional one for OJT. He runs our newest, most sophisticated cell with robotic tending. Robert is currently mentoring and training one of our high school students and is one of our tour guides when we have school tours. He now serves on the Board of the Tampa Bay Machining Apprenticeship and has become a strong spokesman for careers in machining. He is an Emerging Leader and has a bright future.”
- Roy Sweatman
Jason Ryan
CNC Machinist, Southern Manufacturing Technologies, Inc
“Jason came to SMT through his involvement in an SMT-supported robotics club. He graduated from our machining apprenticeship program with twelve NIMS Credentials, including an additional one for OJT. He is a lead person in our Horizontal Cell consisting of six CNC Horizontal Machining Centers, including three with a 23 pallet FMS. Jason is mentoring and training one of our high school students, and helps tour guides for areas schools – as well as leading the corrective actions and continuous improvement in his area. He has become a strong spokesman for careers in machining and is a true Emerging Leader.”
- Roy Sweatman
Kristian Kasa
Manager, Boulevard Machine
“Kristian started his career learning to be a CNC Machinist while still in high school. He went on to STCC to future his skills as a Mechanical Engineer, as well as picking up classes for Mastercam. Over the years he has progressed from a Machinist, to Programming, to Manager, demonstrating his leadership skills working closely with the machinist. His drive for knowledge and determination has made him an essential part of the Boulevard team. Most recently he has taken on the planning and designing of Boulevard’s new state of the art facility.”
- Tanya Hayward
Annie Shipman
Master Planner, F.N. Smith Corporation
“Annie started with us in 2014 as an entry level machinist. Soon after, Annie enrolled in and completed the machinist apprenticeship program, becoming a journeyman. In 2020, Annie was promoted to supervisor, overseeing fabrication, weld, and the machine building departments. She led these teams through the challenges of the pandemic; improving efficiency and increasing capacity. Annie is detail oriented and leads with passion, pushing her team to continually improve. Her drive helped FN Smith have its best year in history. Annie has been key to company growth, earning the respect of her peers, while always striving for that next step.”
- Chris Blumhoff
Jimmy Tornow
Sales Engineer, F.N. Smith Corporation
“Jimmy began with us in 2014, and was one of the first to complete the Machine Builders apprenticeship program. He became one of our top machine builders and field service technicians, traveling the world installing F.N. Smith equipment, including Brazil and Mexico. Jimmy is a natural with customers, taking time to ensure they understand the equipment. In 2021, Jimmy helped FN Smith have its best year ever – his orders alone eclipsed what the company could collectively do in a single year. In addition, Jimmy provides field service support and serves as a mentor to our machine building team.”
– Chris Blumhoff