Dave Seedorf

Position: Engineering Manager

Date of Hire: 3/8/1993

Other Positions Held / Length of Each: Production Assistant – 6 months; Maintenance Technician 2-1/2 years; Tooling Manager – 5 years; Production Engineering Manager – 10 years

Favorite Story / Memory during Time Working at Team 1: Dave said that when he started working in Maintenance, the company did not own much equipment. The maintenance staff could do some “hands on stuff, like drilling holes in the floor or fixing a broken pipe. We didn’t actually do mold repair – that was all outsourced. We’d tear a mold apart, and if it had broken components, we’d have to get an outside supplier to make the components. When the new component arrived, we would reassemble the mold. But there was no maintenance work being done on the mold internally.”

Dave said that he was pushing Jim Capo (former co-owner) and Gary Grigowski to purchase equipment – things like surface grinders and mills – but they were hesitant to do that because there weren’t any internal resources that could run this type of equipment. Finally, they made a promise to Dave that if he learned how to run the equipment, they would make the purchase. “So that’s what I did. I went to school. Team 1 helped me with that. I got my education in machining, they bought the equipment, and the rest is history.”

Dave attended both Jackson Community College and Kellogg Community College, taking Machining One through Machining Four courses as well as the Mold Design/Build course. Team 1 purchased the equipment and, in essence, became its own supplier. In reflection, Dave said, “It was a cost savings for the company. For me, that’s a story that I’m pretty proud of.”

How has Team 1 helped your Personal and/or Professional Development? “Team 1 Plastics funded my education and gave me the opportunity. It was up to me to drive it, but they certainly helped financially.” Dave said that he has taken a lot of classes – not just seminars or webinars – but, literally, getting in the car and driving to Battle Creek or Jackson where he would sit in the classroom for two hours a day/five days a week. He said that it was a “win-win” for him and for Team 1, but it took a lot of time and effort on his part. “I had to be devoted to it and make it happen.”

Favorite Aspect of Working at Team 1: Dave said that his favorite aspect about working at Team 1 Plastics is the opportunities that the company provides. “I think that Team 1 offers a lot of opportunities – being able to do different things and take on more responsibilities.” He said that it is important to him to be challenged. “If you know nothing about something and have an opportunity to learn it – and to master it – I think that’s valuable. A lot of jobs wouldn’t offer that type of experience or opportunity.”

What do you want to share about your life outside of Team 1? Dave said that he is a “huge family man. I love my family and like to do a lot of different things with them. I love spending time with them.” Dave is married and has three children, a son who is 23, and two daughters, 19 and 14. He has a variety of interests although he admits that he doesn’t get to enjoy them as often as he has in the past. He said that he likes golfing, bowling, hunting, and fishing. He also collects cars. He has two collector-editions Corvettes that he loves to drive and work on. He said that he loves football, preferring collegiate over professional, but admits that he is a huge Detroit Lions fan – even when they lose.

Piece of Advice and/or Encouragement for Future Team 1 Team Members: “You should realize the opportunities that you have available at Team 1. It’s easy to sit and complain that you’re not getting paid enough money, but if you’re not willing to put in the hard work and time to do more and take on more responsibilities, then you’re the one holding yourself back. When you see an opportunity, you need to go for it and make it happen. Ultimately, the reward comes.”

Random Question: What is the Scariest Movie of all time? Halloween