News

A Look Inside Team 1 Plastics: Real People, Real Stories, Real Opportunity

After years of envisioning a project that would give job seekers a true look at life inside Team 1 Plastics, the company has officially released a brand-new employment video, produced in partnership with JTV Jackson. Now live on the Employment Page and YouTube channel, the video features eight Team Members from various departments, as well as the company’s co-owners. They offer an inside look at what makes Team 1 Plastics a great place to work — highlighting culture, teamwork, and advancement opportunities.

WHY THIS VIDEO MATTERS

Behind-the-scenes with the JTV film crew and Team 1 President Craig Carrel & Vice President Gary Grigowski.

The idea for this video was born out of a challenging moment shared across industries: the post-COVID labor shortage. As President and Co-Owner Craig Carrel explained, “We thought we might be able to use the video to differentiate us while also showing off our stellar place to work.” The goal was not only to attract new talent but to give prospective employees a genuine look at the environment and culture that define Team 1 Plastics. To bring that vision to life, Team 1 partnered with JTV Jackson—a trusted collaborator on major video projects. “They are extremely easy to work with and their final product always exceeds expectations,” Craig said.

The video also serves a broader purpose. “It is amazing how many people will visit a company’s website during the interview process,” Craig noted. “We wanted a specific video on our work environment to give people a clear understanding of what it is like to work for Team 1.” Beyond recruitment, it adds to the company’s growing video library and reinforces its mission to be “a recognized leader in the supply of high quality, cost effective, plastic components.”

Rob Clothier, Human Resources Manager, helped plan the project alongside Craig Carrel and lent his voice to the final video. “We wanted to give people a real sense of what it’s like to work here—not just the job, but the people, the energy, and the opportunity,” Rob shared. “It’s not a script. It’s our story.” He also emphasized the importance of authenticity in the process: “We didn’t want actors. We wanted our Team Members to speak for themselves—and they did an amazing job.”

THE PLANNING BEHIND THE MESSAGE

Filmed over two days in April, the video was a major effort led by Danielle Sheldon, Marketing Assistant at Team 1 Plastics. Danielle personally recruited the featured Team Members to ensure a wide range of voices were represented — from seasoned veterans to newer employees, and multiple departments and roles. “We wanted to highlight our Tuition Reimbursement Program, our In-House Trainings, and give people an honest look into why our Team Members enjoy working here,” said Danielle. “Winning Best Places to Work is an honor — but it’s even more impactful to hear directly from the Team.”

Filming included both interview segments and “B-roll” footage showing Team Members in action. Danielle worked behind the scenes to coordinate busy schedules, including 10 individuals and a company-wide Safety Celebration that happened to fall on Day 2 of filming. “It was a lot of work, but it came together beautifully,” she said. The video is framed with a welcome message from Human Resources Manager Rob Clothier and concludes with a thank-you from President Craig Carrel and Vice President Gary Grigowski — familiar faces for anyone exploring employment at Team 1.

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE VIDEO

At the heart of this video are eight incredible Team Members, each bringing their own unique experience and perspective to Team 1 Plastics. From long-time veterans to newer faces, they represent the diversity and depth of our Team. Together, they reflect the spirit of Team 1: experienced, committed, and always moving forward.

Thank you for stepping in front of the camera, sharing your stories, and showing others what makes Team 1 special. We appreciate your time, your voices, and everything you contribute to the Team.

Rob Clothier, our Human Resources Manager, has been with Team 1 for 12 years, helping shape the culture and support the people who make it all happen. “We know that our people are the driving force behind our precision, quality, and dedication to excellence,” Rob shared. “Every Team Member plays a vital role in our success.”

Analiese Snyder, a Packaging/Production Assistant who joined the team 2 years ago, brings fresh energy and dedication to the floor. “I like working at Team 1 because I feel like a valued member of the Team,” she said, “and not just a replaceable piece of a machine.”

Dave Seedorf, our Engineering Manager, has been a cornerstone of innovation and leadership for an impressive 32 years. “Team 1’s not only a place to come to work,” Dave explained, “but Team 1 also provides a lot of opportunities for potential career paths.”

Sandra Atchison, a Production Assistant with 11 years of experience, has contributed her steady presence and skill to the Team. “Something unique at Team 1 is the people that you work with,” she said. “They help out a lot. We help each other.”

Linda Allen, who serves as a Material Handler, has been part of the Team for 4½ years, keeping operations running smoothly. “I think it’s nice to have the in-house training,” Linda said. “It gives us the opportunity to move up instead of just staying in one position on the floor.”

Brad Butler, a Warehouse Assistant with 1½ years under his belt, is already making a strong impact. “The in-house trainings are great,” Brad said. “They give you plenty of opportunity to grow and promote within the company.”

Will Adams, a Machine Maintenance Specialist VI, has been ensuring our equipment stays in top shape for 14 years. “I’ve invested about 1000 contact hours through KCC,” he shared about the Tuition Reimbursement Program. “I incurred no out-of-pocket expenses.”

Jadon Austin, Maintenance Captain, has been a key member of our Maintenance Team for the past decade. “I’ve utilized the Tuition Reimbursement Program since I started here 10 years ago,” Jadon said, “and I’m still utilizing it today.”

A CULTURE OF APPRECIATION & GROWTH

Team 1 Co-owners thanking the Team at the 2500 Safety Days Celebration, on Day 2 of filming.

The goal of the video is more than just recruiting — it’s to convey the culture that Team 1 Plastics has worked hard to build: one rooted in appreciation, opportunity, and teamwork. “We want viewers to see how much we value our Team,” Danielle said. “At Team 1, you’re not just an employee — you’re part of something. You’ll be appreciated, and you’ll have the chance to grow.” The video reinforces this by showcasing real employees and real stories, making it a sincere introduction to the company for any potential new hire.

Craig Carrel shared his thoughts on the finished video: “I was extremely pleased to see the final product. It exceeded expectations. So appreciative to everyone who played a role in its creation and once again shows our focus on ‘Team Member Success.'”

The video is currently featured on the Team 1 Plastics Employment Page and also available on the company’s YouTube Channel. It will be shared through social media and potentially used in future onboarding efforts. “This is an honest look into what makes Team 1 great,” Danielle shared. “These are real people, real stories, and real opportunities for growth.”

WATCH NOW: “Why Team 1 Plastics Is a Great Place to Work | Hear from Our Team in Albion, MI.”