BIRK - Key Persons
As President, Carleton is responsible for all aspects of the company's operations, including the design, manufacture, sales and marketing of all of Birk's customized thermal solutions. He takes the lead in ensuring that the entire Birk team profitably meets customer needs and exceeds customer expectations. Carleton has been a part of Birk his entire life, working first on the assembly line, then as a Sales Rep while living on the west coast. He became Quality Manager helping Birk become ISO and AS certified, and grew to become Operations Manager helping lead Birk through a company-wide Lean transformation, significantly improving results on operational and financial metrics. His smooth transition to the presidency was facilitated by his extensive knowledge of the company and his forward-thinking vision for its future growth, which have helped Birk stay competitive in the field.
Carleton received a BA in Corporate and Organizational Studies from the University of Connecticut, Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC) from CONNSTEP, Six Sigma Green Belt certification from the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and his MBA from the University of New Haven. Carleton enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, boating and being outdoors. He currently resides in Old Lyme, CT with his wife Rhonda and daughters Aubrey and Ava.
Chris is a seasoned Supply Chain Manager with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He joined Birk Manufacturing's team in 2022 and has been working tirelessly to streamline and strengthen the supply chain group, overseeing a team of skilled buyers and planners. Chris's goal is to create value and consistency for Birk and its customers, ensuring that the company's supply operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Chris holds a degree in Business Administration and Recreational Resource Management from Lyndon State College. His education and experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of supply chain management, from procurement to logistics and everything in between. When he's not working, Chris enjoys playing the drums, snowboarding, hiking, and boating with his family.
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Specialist
Christina is a highly experienced Customer Service Specialist at Birk Manufacturing with over 25 years of experience in retail and the corporate world. She joined the Birk team in 2012 and has been an integral part of the customer service department. Over the years she has taken on many more responsibilities, including shipping and accounts receivable. Christina has developed a keen ability to provide exceptional customer service and build lasting relationships with both customers and colleagues.
Outside of work, Christina loves to be outdoors hiking, gardening, traveling, and trying new adventures. Her favorite color is orange, and her favorite quote is "You are always one decision away from a totally different life". Christina's dedication to customer service, combined with her love for meeting new people and trying new things, make her a valued member of the team.
Job Titles:
- Quality Assurance Manager
Eileen is responsible for the oversight of Birk Manufacturing's Quality Management System to ensure its compliance with ISO 13485:2016, AS9100D, and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Programs. Eileen started with Birk in June 2022 and brings over 20 years of managerial experience, drawn largely from the Medical Device, Military, and Defense industries. Prior to joining the Birk team, Eileen had a 10-year career as the VP of Quality Assurance and Compliance for Hitachi Cable America Inc. (fka HTP-MEDS, LLC), and has extensive knowledge and expertise in ANSI, ISO, and SAE standards, as well as FDA Quality System Regulation and Internal / External Audits.
Eileen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University and has also obtained certificates for Quality System Requirements, Corrective and Preventive Actions, and Internal Auditing. Outside of the office, Eileen enjoys spending her free time with her family, especially her grandchildren. As a personal hobby, she also enjoys taking photos of birds, especially hummingbirds.
Job Titles:
- Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Jason leads our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering group ensuring new projects and first time runs are timely and to the customer's standards. His 11 years of experience in the industry, along with his project management skills allow him to work closely with the customer and provide a quality experience every step of the way. Throughout his career, Jason has developed a wide range of skills and expertise, particularly in the wire & cable industry and injection molded plastics. He has held a variety of roles throughout his career, including Process Engineer, Applications Engineer, and Project Manager.
Through his extensive experience in rapid prototyping and NPI (new product introduction), Jason has developed a keen understanding of how to bring new products to market quickly and efficiently, while ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Whether he is working on a complex manufacturing project or helping to develop a new product, Jason's expertise and dedication are sure to deliver outstanding results.
Jocelyn has worked at Birk since 2004, starting in production and holding various roles in operations, and is currently Inventory Supervisor. Her responsibilities include overseeing inventory levels, ensuring accuracy, and coordinating with shipping and receiving. Jocelyn leads a team of inventory control specialists and works closely with other departments to ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders while maintaining optimal inventory levels. She is a skilled leader who motivates and develops her team to achieve outstanding results.
Jocelyn studied Business Administration Management at Three Rivers Community College, as well as Graphic Design in the Dominican Republic. She moved to the USA in 2002, and is now an active member of her community, becoming the first Dominican Latina to be elected for city council in New London, CT. Jocelyn is currently the vice president of the New London Dominican Association. When she is not being a leader in her personal and professional life, Jocelyn and her husband and daughter enjoy traveling to experience different cultures.
Lilly is a talented Marketing Coordinator at Birk Manufacturing, specializing in creating engaging content for the company's marketing efforts. Her work involves developing visually appealing materials, including web graphics, printed materials, product photos, and videos. She strives to make quality content that matches Birk's high standards for their heaters. In her role as marketing coordinator, Lilly also manages Birk's social media accounts, and is involved with developing marketing campaigns that align with the company's objectives.
Lilly holds a BFA in Digital Media & Design from the University of Connecticut and brings a unique creative perspective to the marketing team. In her pursuit of knowledge, she has also taken additional design courses at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques. Outside of work, Lilly enjoys throwing pottery on the wheel and experimenting with film photography.
Job Titles:
- Production Manager
- General Assembly Production Manager
Birk's Production Manager, Marco Verde, has been with the company since December 2009. He started as an assembler and worked his way up the ladder to become a team leader, supervisor, and now the Production Manager. With a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and bilingual fluency, Marco brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. He is is responsible for receiving, processing, and assigning work orders for the different areas and cells of the company. He ensures that production runs efficiently by implementing the production plan, communicating with upper management and engineering about problems affecting production, and following and strengthening the 6S Lean System.
One of Marco's strengths is his ability to motivate and support his production staff while providing them with the guidance they need. He makes sure there are enough staff to keep production moving forward and manages the scheduling of overtime hours. Outside of work, Marco enjoys music, dancing, concerts, a good book, and spending time with his wife.
Job Titles:
- Senior Environmental Engineer
Mark has gained an extensive 32-years of professional experience at Birk Manufacturing, where he currently serves as the Senior Environmental Engineer. In this role, Mark is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the necessary permits required by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for the successful operation of the darkroom, etching room, and treatment room processes, which he's played a crucial role in developing. Mark's expertise has been essential in helping the company stay ahead of the competition and maintain its reputation for quality and innovation.
Mark's educational background includes an Associate's Degree in Industrial Management, which has greatly benefited him in his career working to meet environmental and industry regulations. He continuously seeks to enhance his knowledge and skills through on-the-job training, enabling him to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices. Beyond his professional career, Mark enjoys running and canoeing in his free time.
Marty is an accomplished professional with a diverse background spanning over 20 years in Financial Management, Business Operations, Human Resources, and Strategic Planning. Currently holding the dual roles of HR Manager and Finance Manager at Birk Manufacturing, she plays a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. With extensive experience as a CFO of a Manufacturing Facility and 16 years as a Controller in the auto body industry, Marty possesses a deep understanding of financial structures and cost management, enabling her to make data-driven decisions that positively impact the company's bottom line. Marty is dedicated to building cohesive teams, implementing effective sales and marketing initiatives, and spearheading successful recruitment drives to attract top talent. Her ability to engage and inspire employees has been instrumental in enhancing employee engagement and fostering a positive work culture.
Marty holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Central CT State University, which has enriched her problem-solving abilities and strategic approach to business challenges. Beyond her professional achievements, Marty is a passionate advocate for community involvement. She has served on the Boards of Lincoln Tech and The Connecticut Valley Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she actively contributes as a Lead Volunteer to Dog Star Rescue and The Hometown Foundation, reflecting her commitment to giving back to society.
Mary is an essential member of the Birk Manufacturing team, having worked for the company for over two decades. In her current role as Purchasing Coordinator, Mary plays a pivotal part in ensuring that Birk has the necessary materials to meet the dynamic needs of its customers. Her exceptional communication skills and attention to detail allow her to work seamlessly with Birk's partners and suppliers, coordinating activities and ensuring timely delivery of materials.
Mary performs a wide range of duties, such as tracking shipments, building strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring part quality, and keeping vendors up-to-date with certifications. Whenever there are delays in shipments, Mary promptly communicates with the Birk team to ensure they are aware of the situation. Mary's expertise and devotion to the company have played a critical role in its growth and success.
Mike is Birk's Engineering Manager with over a decade of experience in the manufacturing industry. He leads a team of design and manufacturing engineers who work closely with our customers to create high quality, innovative, and cost effective thermal solutions for their specific applications. His extensive knowledge of thermal concepts makes him an expert at providing a superior customer experience.
He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and has completed courses in LEAN manufacturing and project management. In his free time, Michael enjoys hiking, traveling, and programming. He is committed to professional growth and brings a strong work ethic to his role.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Visionary Entrepreneur and the Esteemed Founder
Norman Birk is a visionary entrepreneur and the esteemed founder of Birk Manufacturing. In 1989, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey dedicated to revolutionizing the field of flexible heaters and thermal systems. Having initiated his career at a young age of 16 within a company specializing in resistors and heaters, Norman's early experience fueled his curiosity and deepened his understanding of the industry. In fact, it was Norman himself who etched Birk's first foil heater, using nothing but his hands and a bucket of acid. Norman consistently pushed the boundaries of the company's technical capabilities. Continually striving to enhance product quality and surpass industry standards, he ensured that Birk remained at the forefront of technological advancements.
Understanding the value of continuous growth and learning, Norman actively sought out opportunities to expand his expertise and ultimately unlocking the full potential of Birk Manufacturing, shaping it into the remarkable enterprise it is today. Norman placed great emphasis on fostering a positive work environment, one in which every employee could take pride in their contributions. The culture he instilled within Birk continues to be a driving force that propels the company forward and pushes the boundaries of the industry. While Norman now enjoys the rewards of his tireless efforts, indulging in travel and fishing, his visionary leadership remains the cornerstone of the company.
Scott is a highly experienced Production Manager who has been associated with Birk Manufacturing since 1994. Although he left for a brief period, he was recently called back to lend his expertise and support the company's growth. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the core processes of the company, Scott oversees Birk's panel process, darkroom, etching, and the press operations.
Scott's interest in this field began in high school, where he realized that this was his true calling. To prepare for his career at Birk Manufacturing, he took courses in business and supervisor training, along with various other training programs. Scott started his journey at Birk as a production worker and worked his way up to become a Production Manager, a testament to his dedication and hard work. Outside of work, Scott loves spending time outdoors. He enjoys gardening, hiking, and taking walks on the beach.
With over 12 years of dedicated service to Birk, Scott has held various positions in the company, from his initial role in Quality, to Design Engineer, to Engineering Manager, to Sales Manager, to his now current role as Vice President. In each of these roles, he has demonstrated strong leadership skills as well as a deep understanding of the company's operations and customers needs. During his time at Birk, Scott has been a driving force behind the development and design of over 3,000 heaters, utilizing his extensive knowledge of the industry to deliver innovative and effective solutions that meet the specific needs of the customers.
Scott earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island and has continued to expand his expertise by earning a Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC) from CONNSTEP. This certification has allowed him to become an expert in implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving process improvements at Birk Manufacturing. Outside of work, Scott enjoys hockey, fishing, boating, baseball, and golf. He lives in Old Lyme, CT with his wife Kristen and three children, Madison, Harrison, and Wolcott.
Job Titles:
- Sales Coordinator & Safety Officer / Shannon
is an experienced Sales Coordinator with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. Shannon has been a part of the Birk team since March of 2021, where she works closely with clients to facilitate all quoting, new supplier documentation, and NDA requests. Shannon began her career in sales in 2016, and has since gained a wealth of experience in various industries. She has a talent for building relationships with clients and ensuring their needs are met. In addition to her role as a Sales Coordinator, Shannon also serves as the safety officer at Birk, where she ensures that all employees adhere to safety regulations and procedures.
When Shannon isn't working, she enjoys spending time outdoors, going to the beach and reading. Shannon is also a devoted wife to her husband Doug and dog Henry, and cherishes spending quality time with them. Shannon's favorite quote, "Those who say they can and those who say they can't are both usually right," reflects her optimistic outlook on life and her belief in the power of positive thinking. She strives to bring this positive attitude to her work each day, and it has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and clients alike.
As Customer Service Manager, Stacey is responsible for all aspects of customer satisfaction from initial inquiries about Birk through the quoting and ordering processes, plus following up on deliveries and providing customer feedback to Birk's internal teams. She acts as a strong customer advocate by establishing and maintaining customer relationships and communicating specific expectations to key Birk team members.
She continually finds ways to deliver excellent customer care while being sensitive to our in-house operations. She's been a member of the Birk team since 2005 and holds a BS in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. Stacey encourages LEAN manufacturing throughout the company and became a LEAN Champion through CONNSTEP's Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC) program. She continues to grow through various management trainings and seminars. She and her husband Jim have raised four children in Niantic, CT and enjoy their time living along the shoreline.