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Mosaic of Dedication: The Team 1 Plastics Mural Project

Art is powerful—not only for its visual impact but for the story it tells and the teamwork it requires. Over the course of 18 months, a dedicated team of nine individuals from Team 1 Plastics came together to create a breathtaking mosaic mural—a symbol of craftsmanship, national pride, and unwavering determination.

A VISION ROOTED IN TRADITION

The American flag has always been a cornerstone of Team 1 Plastics, from the red, white, and blue in the company’s logo to the multiple flags displayed throughout the facility. On Fridays, Team Members honor a tradition called “RED Fridays” – wearing red shirts to remember and support those deployed in service of our country. This deep connection to national pride and the company’s “Made in America” identity became the foundation for the mural’s design.

Fittingly, the mural was named Freedom to Succeed, a core principle of Team 1 Plastics. It is one of the four tenets of the Championship Dream, along with Customer Service Excellence, Team Member Success, and Positive Community Member. These tenets, similar to mission or vision statements found in other organizations, focus on customers and Team Members, but for Team 1 Plastics, they are more than words on paper — they are “how the company lives and breathes as it conducts its business.”

Additionally, the team wanted to incorporate elements that tied directly to Team 1, leading to the decision to use black plastic material pellets—a meaningful nod to the company’s industry and expertise. After bouncing around several ideas, including using actual manufactured parts, the group ultimately settled on a mosaic mural, allowing them to blend precision, creativity, and symbolism into one unified masterpiece.

A LABOR OF LOVE AND PRECISION

Measuring approximately 6.5 feet by 2.5 feet and weighing over 100 pounds, the mural was meticulously crafted through an intricate process. Each tile was hand-cut, spray-painted, and carefully placed by the team, ensuring every detail contributed to the overall vision. Rather than using traditional grout, black plastic material pellets filled the spaces between the tiles, incorporating a unique texture that connected the piece to the company’s work.

Once every piece was secured, the mural was sealed in epoxy resin, a critical and challenging step that required three separate pours to achieve a flawless finish. Due to its weight and size, a sturdy base was engineered to ensure the mural remained stable over time, resisting any potential warping caused by the shop’s heat. After weeks of planning, adjusting, and refining, the final installation took place, with the mural being recessed into the exterior wall of the newly expanded Metrology Lab, facing the production floor. Its placement ensures visibility while integrating seamlessly into the workspace.

CHALLENGES and DEDICATION

Like any ambitious project, the mural faced its share of challenges. The intended location changed multiple times before settling in its final spot. Balancing this effort alongside their full-time jobs was another hurdle. Since work on the mural had to be done outside of normal working hours, team members dedicated weekends to crucial steps like epoxy pouring, while others took materials home to cut and spray-paint tiles.

Through meticulous planning, problem-solving, and sheer determination, the team brought the mural to life. The moment of its grand reveal took place during the 2500 Safety Days Celebration at the facility on April 23, 2025. This was by far one of the most rewarding experiences for everyone involved. Knowing how much the company’s leadership appreciated it made every challenge worthwhile.

A TEAM EFFORT

This project was only possible because of the dedication and hard work of the following nine Team Members pictured here (from left to right).

Jennifer Getter
Chris Seidel
Danielle Sheldon
Jadon Austin
Liv Cairl
Andy Zblewski
Marcus Battin
Dave Sanford
Michelle Nielsen

Each person contributed in different ways—whether through artistic work, engineering support, coordinating materials, securing the structure, or finalizing the epoxy and framing. This mural is a true testament to teamwork, demonstrating that every piece and every effort mattered in bringing the vision to life.

SEE THE PROCESS IN ACTION

Want to see how this masterpiece came together?
Watch the full video slideshow documenting the mural’s journey from concept to completion!

WHAT’S NEXT?

As Team 1 Plastics co-owner and president Craig Carrel reflected on the completed mural, he expressed both admiration and excitement for the future. “I got the idea for a Team 1 mural from a tour of Zappos in Las Vegas as part of the Plastics News Executive Forum in 2015. We have been discussing internally for a few years and were finally able to assemble a team to tackle our first mural. A lot of hard work and a ton of creativity went into this mural over many months. To say it exceeded my expectations is an understatement. I was blown away by the final product. It looks stellar and really brightens up our factory floor. I have now challenged the team: What do we do for a second mural?”

While the team agrees that they need a well-earned break before tackling another large-scale project, the experience was undeniably rewarding. If there is one lesson they would share with others hoping to embark on a collaborative art project, it’s this: “Good communication among all members is key, so everyone stays on the same page. Do lots of research and planning before jumping in.” The Freedom to Succeed mural stands as a lasting tribute to teamwork, perseverance, and passion—one tile at a time.