ROUND MATE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Tooling Resource Coordinator
Chad has been with PPI since July 1991 and has a career in mold making that includes Charmilles Sinker EDM programmer/operator for 15 years, Mitsubishi Wire EDM programmer/operator for 8 years, and CNC programming for both Vertical and Horizontal machining centers for 8 years (using Mastercam and Synergy). The years in programming lead to New Tool Build project planning, which then lead to shop floor scheduling. Ultimately, these experiences lead to his role as Operations Manager, where he continues as project planner, manager, and master scheduler using Microsoft Project.
Chad attended the University of Toledo. In addition to nearly 2 years of formal education, he has been through numerous programs and trainings such as: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Theory of Constraints, Velocity Scheduling, Mastercam Mill Programming Certification, ISO/QS 9000 Internal Auditor Certification, Mitsubishi Wire EDM/CNC Programming Certification, and Mitsubishi Advanced Level Wire EDM Operation Certification.
Chad and his wife Nikki have been married since 2006. They have one "child", Kitty Girl - actually a male Tabby that they rescued in 2009. Chad and Nikki enjoy flower and vegetable gardening as well as campfires with friends and family in their backyard. They also enjoy attending concerts. They say it helps them reconnect with their youth!
Gene has been with PPI since 1991 and has made many contributions to the company's success. He has been a Detailer, Senior Mold Designer and Quoting Manager, and now is Engineering Manager. He holds an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and has both received and taught training in Pro-Engineer software and the vision system.
His more than 25 years of mold engineering experience, have enabled Gene to engineer numerous highly complex molds for PPI's domestic and global customers, including complex multi-cavity unscrewing molds and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molds.
Gene and his wife were married in 1993 and have a daughter. He loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys fishing, riding four-wheelers, archery, and helping to coach his daughter's softball team. Gene is also an avid photographer. He has won many awards for his photographs and for his post-processing skills.
Job Titles:
- Molding Resource Coordinator
Kelly joined Team PPI over 8 years ago, beginning as a Production Tech. She progressed to the Quality Tech position and now is our Molding Resource Coordinator. Kelly is a trusted and valuable member of our team!
As a mom of 4, Kelly keeps quite busy in her off hours. She is a proud basketball sports mom - her son is a player and her daughter is a coach. Kelly also is active in the community. She has been on town council for 10 years and the fire board for 8 years. In her free time she enjoys antique shopping, flea markets, and working on interior design and home renovations.
For the last 14 years, Ken has led Pleasant Precision as its company President, keeping a close eye on employee welfare, customer satisfaction, and quality. Ken's mantra in business and in life is "never tell someone that you are going to do something and then not follow through." He is committed to ensuring superior part quality, advancing technology to better serve clients, and facilitating effective communication, both within the company and with customers & business associates.
In total, Ken has 25 years of experience in manufacturing. He has served multiple markets, including automotive, medical & industrial. A native of Indiana and a graduate of Ball State University, Ken holds an Associate Degree in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. He also holds an Executive Master's Degree from the Fishers Business College of the Ohio State University.
Ken has been married to Mary for 30 years, and together they have two grown sons, Rob and Ross. In his off hours, Ken enjoys tuning his golf game, striving to continuously improve. He also enjoys fishing, boating, and the occasional game of poker.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager - Molding
Lance holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, with a specialization in Mechanical Design, from Bowling Green State University. He came to Pleasant Precision with work experience as a Project Engineer, Design Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer at rubber extrusion facilities in the area. Throughout his career, he has focused on continuous improvement, project management, and machine design.
Lance has been married to Rachel since 2017, and they have one Siamese cat named Rory. In his free time he enjoys golf, bowling, softball and spending time with friends and family.
Lance has received a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology specializing in Mechanical Design from Bowling Green State University. His work experience involves working as a Project Engineer, Design Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer at rubber extrusion facilities in the area. Throughout his career, he has focused on continuous improvement, project management, and machine design.
Lance has been married to his wife Rachel since 2017, and they have one Siamese cat named Rory. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, bowling, softball and spending time with friends and family whenever possible.
Marta has been part of the PPI family since 2000, beginning her career here as the receptionist. Since then, she has provided support to Human Resources, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing, Shipping/Receiving, Customer Service and Inventory for PPI's Round Mate product. Now she proudly provides Customer Service for Round Mate. Marta holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and has added to her education with additional classes in Finance.
Marta has a big heart, and family life is important to her. She is excited to watch the developing career of her son, who is currently attending Eastern Michigan University with hopes of becoming a director on Broadway. The other members of her family are Buckeye, a rescued 90-pound German Shepherd (who is afraid of thunderstorms), Brutus a 5-pound long-haired tea-cup Chihuahua (who thinks he is a German Shepherd) and the newest addition Salvy, a rescued kitten.
Outside of work, Marta enjoys creative pursuits - scrapbooking, card-making and home decorating. Even yard work is a creative outlet for her. She also loves watching movies, hunting sea glass along the shores of Lake Erie, and traveling with her son. Marta enjoys giving time to the local schools as a volunteer for the Band & Choir programs.
Nicky literally grew up with Pleasant Precision, as her father Ron started the company right in the Pleasant family garage.
Throughout her career at Pleasant Precision, Nicky has filled many roles, learning all aspects of the business as she progressed through various positions in Reception, Parts Sorting, Round Mate Sales and Human Resources, all the way to executive responsibility as the CFO. This work experience has been enhanced by her education - an undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources. Mentors have also played an important role. Nicky credits Larry Couchot and Ken Jenkins for their influence in her career. She is excited to help lead Pleasant Precision forward and find new ways to help clients meet their business goals.
Outside of work, Nicky enjoys spending time with her daughters. As a family they enjoy trail riding at the state parks around Ohio. Nicky also enjoys kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Phil is our lead Sales Engineer. He is certified in Plastics Technology through the American Injection Molding Insititute (AIM). He makes it his goal to match customers with the processes and products that will best help them meet their business goals. If you work with Phil, you will enjoy his presence. He is a fun guy to be around - always laughing or working to make other people laugh and have a good time as they work.
A native of Indian Lake, Ohio, Phil continues to make his home there. He is fascinated by the 7 Wonders of the World, and hopes to be able to see them all in his lifetime. In his off time, Phil loves to watch and play sports. His favorite activities include golf, bowling and pool.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations & Engineering
Ron has been with Pleasant Precision since November of 1981. He has an extensive technical education, has worked in most of PPI's mold making departments, and has programmed and/or operated every type of machine at PPI.. This has given Ron the unique capability of literally knowing every machine and software program that PPI uses. In addition to his technical education, Ron has studied to become a better leader, with training in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Lean Thinking, and the Theory of Constraints.
Ron's preparation and experience are a key to PPI's daily operations. His ingenuity and creativity in designing several of the company's patented Round Mate products have helped PPI become a leader in mold technology. These contributions helped him advance to Engineering Manager and now to his current position as Vice President of Operations and Engineering.
Ron has been married to Lori since 1982. Ron and Lori enjoy spending time with their daughter Ashlie, her husband and their children. in his off time, Ron loves to travel, fish, camp, and work on woodworking and home improvement projects.
Ron Pleasant started his plastics career in 1969 as an apprentice mold maker with Kenton Tool & Die. Having gained valuable experience with the building of small precision molds and the injection molding of plastic parts over his eight years there, Ron was ready for a new challenge.
In 1977 he founded Pleasant Precision, Inc. with just two employees. In the 42 year since, the company has grown to include 47 employees and works in two primary business areas: Tool & Die Making and Plastic Injection Molding.
Ron is a prolific inventor, and has been awarded 17 patents. One of his key inventions is Round Mate, a unique interchangeable insert mold system that lowers production costs by decreasing mold change-over time. Ron is also the author of a detailed Design Manual demonstrating the many production capabilities that are possible using Round Mate Molds. Ron was instrumental in the formation of the Skilled People Council, a manufacturing consortium organized to help resolve the skilled people shortage in our local area.
For his significant contributions to the industry, Ron has been given many awards, including the prestigious "Moldmaker of the Year." He remains passionate about innovating with new products and manufacturing techniques, and teaching the next generation of workers the important trade of tool and die making.
He is excited about the future of Pleasant Precision as a leader in the future of tool making.