URETHANE INNOVATORS - Key Persons
Amber joined UI's Quality team in 2022 and made an immediate impact through her eye for detail and calm but self-assured demeanor. Amber is a certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor, and she came to UI after working in the precision ammunition manufacturing industry, holding positions from machine operator to tool-setter and quality control.
Amber's experience with precision machining placed her in a unique position to understand the strict quality tolerances at Urethane Innovators, whether it is in the machine shop, grinding, or casting departments.
In her spare time, Amber enjoys reading, watching documentaries (especially about science), and hunting for shark teeth along the beaches here in North Carolina.
Dennis Ayala was hired as the Manufacturing Manager for Urethane Innovators July of 2021 and has proven himself to be a rare find. He is attention-to-detail oriented, meticulous and patient. A capable leader who communicates well with subordinates, peers and staff.
His prior experience with the Department of Defense (DoD) includes being an aircraft Structures Mechanic for over 14 years, who specialized on rotary and fixed winged military aircraft repair. As a Rapid Response team member, he deployed for a 6-month tour to Iraq. As a Team Leader he oversaw compliance with engineering instructions, created Quality Check Lists (QCL), trained and qualified personnel, as well as ensured all work was performed safely and done on, or before, schedule.
His experiences prepared him to be a well-rounded and talented individual who has been an immense benefit to UI.
An eastern North Carolina native, Greg has been with Urethane Innovators since 2009. After working in a variety of roles, including shipping and receiving, procurement, and accounting, Greg was promoted to Sales Manager in 2022 and serves as the first point of contact for existing and potential customers alike.
His years of experience at UI give him a broad base of technical knowledge to assist customers through the process of refining their needs and working towards cost-effective urethane solutions. Greg prides himself on creating a good rapport with UI's customers and developing long-term business and personal relationships.
Outside of UI, Greg enjoys reading, participating in living history events, and Kamado-style cooking.
Job Titles:
- in 2020 As Materials Manager
- Procurement & Logistics Manager
Jim joined Urethane Innovators in 2020 as Materials Manager where his contributions to the team led to him being promoted to Logistics & Procurement Manager. He has 20+ years of Logistics experience as well as being highly knowledgeable in a Manufacturing and Customer Service capacity.
Outside of the office, Jim enjoys long weekend getaways with his wife and son. He relaxes by attending rock concerts and music festivals. He has been a huge supporter of his Boston Bruins, NY Giants and NY Yankees since he first picked up sporting equipment at a young age.
As CFO, Kelly oversees all aspects of the financial part of the business, including reporting, strategy and forecasting. She has been with the company since 1994 and worked her way up from "the bottom" while earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. "My dad doesn't believe in nepotism, so I learned the business the same as everyone else."
Kelly is happily married and mother to two beautiful daughters. Her household also includes two dogs and a cat.
"The people here at UI are truly family. We all work hard and have fun at the same time. I'm blessed to be surrounded by such caring people."
To save you money and improve quality, we added a CNC machine shop to our facility.
Job Titles:
- CAD Design Specialist
- CAD Engineering Technician
In her role as CAD Design Specialist, Nancy works with UI's customers to develop custom part drawings, and then translates those drawings into the designs for the molds in which the parts are cast. Her skill at incorporating new concepts and ideas results from her years of experience creating design drawings across many types of applications, from fire rescue vehicles and round balers to pure water systems for cancer centers.
Nancy graduated from SUNY at Delhi with an AAS in Individual Studies - Math, and an AOS in Electrical-Mechanical Design. She's also completed coursework at North Carolina State for mechanical engineering.
After spending a lifetime in Central New York, Nancy "moved to the beach" in 2005. Her hobbies include stained glass and saltwater aquariums and spending time at the beach with her two dogs and grandchildren.
As CEO, Bob oversees the management of Urethane Innovators. After retiring from a 20-year career as a Navy submariner, Bob went to work for PermaFlex Corporation. He started Urethane Innovators in 1977 at his kitchen table and with $500 dollars. Bob believes in always aiming high in all areas of his life and treating people well. "People make or break a company," he says. "You can have the best people in the world, but if you don't take care of them, you're lost."
Tom Coulson began work with Urethane Innovators as General Manager in 2003. Prior to UI he was the Design Engineering Manager and Quality Assurance Manager with Vermont American Corporation. Before that, he was employed at Black & Decker as a Senior Quality Engineer and promoted to the Resident Engineering position in their second largest manufacturing facility.
After honorable discharge from the USAF, he attended college at night while being employed fulltime with Homelite/Textron as the Superintendent of Quality Assurance, finally obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering in 1979.
Job Titles:
- in 2006 As Our Receptionist
- Office Manager / Human Resources
Wendy joined Urethane Innovators in 2006 as our Receptionist and has worked her way up over the years to Office Manager/Human Resources.
Wendy runs the front office and assists the CFO with Accounting and took over Human Resource for the company as well after completing the ‘Essentials of HR Certificate Program' through her employer's association with Catapult, where she is a member. Wendy also is one of the lead internal auditors for the company helping to prepare for ISO audits.
We all depend on Wendy for her sound judgment and strong communication and problem-solving skills. She is a leader with plenty of patience to deal with all aspects of her job.