Dave Seedorf Reaches 30-Year Service Anniversary at Team 1 Plastics
In February 1993, Dave Seedorf wasn’t sure in which direction he wanted to take his life. At 20 years old and looking for a job, he was filling out applications while also working with Albion’s local temp agency, Manpower. Dave applied directly with Team 1 Plastics and received a phone call from them a week later to schedule an interview. “It was funny because 3-4 hours after I scheduled my interview with Team 1, Manpower called to tell me that they had an open position at Team 1,” he recalls. Despite the confusion between Team 1 and Manpower, Dave attended the interview and landed the job. On March 8, 1993, with “no idea what injection molding was,” he was officially hired as a second-shift Production Assistant by Team 1 Plastics. Little did Dave know, this job (and a lot of hard work) would someday become a secure career as Team 1’s Engineering Manager.
30 YEARS OF OPPORTUNITY & GROWTH
The past 30 years at Team 1 Plastics have brought Dave much to appreciate.
“The many opportunities that were made available to me; continued education, growing with the company, and seeing the world. I have appreciated every bit of it.”
Always eager and ambitious to learn more, Team 1’s Tuition Reimbursement Program has been invaluable to Dave’s growth within the company. “I remember specifically when I was a Maintenance Tech and the challenges we had as a Maintenance Team. We did not have the equipment to produce mold components to do repairs. We utilized local tool shops to make the parts for us and were really at their mercy regarding timing, etc. I asked Craig [Team 1 Plastics’ President and Co-Owner] if we could purchase a mill and surface grinder to make these components.” Dave was given the “go ahead” to purchase the tools, but only under the condition that someone become properly trained prior to purchasing them. “I agreed to get the training. This began my schooling and training at local community colleges. After two years, I completed the necessary training and Team 1 purchased the mill and surface grinder.” Not only did these new tools allow for better turnaround time and cost savings in making mold components, but Dave shares that “it allowed me to gain the knowledge to improve my skills.”
During his time at Team 1, Dave has held a myriad of positions: Production Assistant, Maintenance Technician, Tooling Manager, Production Engineering Manager, and his current position as Engineering Manager. When asked about these different roles, Dave shares, “Every one of those positions had their unique challenges. I have been given so many opportunities to mature and grow with each position, both personally and professionally.” Enjoying his title as Engineering Manager since 2011, Dave loves what he does now most of all. “I have a hands-off management style and give Team Members the opportunity to grow, just as I have.” Interacting with customers, tooling, new parts/products, and technology are some of his favorite aspects of this position.
Not only has Dave seen growth within his own skillset and knowledge, but he has witnessed first-hand all the changes and growth of Team 1 Plastics since he began in 1993. According to Dave, the company has come a long way from the small building, seven molding machines, and “that dirt driveway that everybody hated.” He also recalls how all material was reground, mixed in, and reprocessed, which is no longer a process used by Team 1. Most of all, Dave remembers how “automation was a huge change around the year 2000. I was involved with this directly in negotiations with suppliers and buying the machines. This was a game changer for Team 1.”
TRAVELING THE WORLD
Getting to travel for work has been a highlight for Dave. “There is no way I would be able to see the world if it weren’t for Team 1 Plastics,” said Dave, appreciatively. These trips abroad have allowed him opportunities to build vital relationships with toolmakers and customers. Moreso, he has been fortunate to visit some of the world’s most beautiful sites, such as the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in India, Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in South Korea, and more.
Take a look at the slideshow below to see photos from Dave’s travels abroad, during his time with Team 1 Plastics.
“A STELLAR TEAM MEMBER”
Dave’s hard work and dedication to the success of Team 1 Plastics have not gone unnoticed. Team 1’s Co-Owners Craig Carrel and Gary Grigowski agree, “Dave has been a stellar Team Member for 30 years. He is an exceptional role model for all Team Members. Starting as a Production Assistant, he rose up through Maintenance and Engineering to his current position as Engineering Manager. During that time, Dave has taken outside courses and is always working to improve his technical and personal skills. His expertise with precision plastic components is impressive and he provides excellent customer service and overall value to our customers during the critical launch phase.”
In the photo above, we see Dave being presented with his 20-year service anniversary plaque in 2013, with Co-Owners Craig Carrel and Gary Grigowski. Dave will receive his 30-year plaque, and official recognition of this service anniversary, during Team 1’s annual 3rd Quarter Meeting at the end of this year.
Thank you for your time and dedication to Team 1 Plastics over the past 30 years, Dave.
We have been fortunate to have you as such an integral part of our team for all these years!
Danielle Sheldon says:
Jeffery Carrel says:
Jeffery Carrel says: