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Celebrating Team Member Success at Team 1 Plastics

At Team 1 Plastics, we take immense pride in our Team Members’ dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Our Tuition Reimbursement Program has played a pivotal role in helping Team Members to achieve their educational goals while strengthening our company’s talent base. Today, we spotlight the journeys of three remarkable individuals from our Maintenance Team who have exemplified this commitment to growth and excellence.

WILL ADAMS
MACHINE MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST V

Will Adams began his journey with Team 1 Plastics as a temp in November 2010 and was hired permanently in June 2011. With a background in automotive and marine mechanics, Will’s technical skills made him a natural fit for Team 1’s Maintenance Team when a position opened up in 2015. His educational journey started that same year at the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center (RMTC), part of Kellogg Community College (KCC). Despite taking breaks and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Will completed his schooling earlier this year in March, earning 25 credits in various industrial trades and 30 credits in industrial electrical courses. On the verge of receiving his Journeyman certification, Will reflects on his path with pride, stating, “Everything I have ever taken I have always excelled in the electrical field.  It became more and more apparent this was what I was meant to do.” Supported by Maintenance Manager Andy Zblewski, who gave him the freedom to choose his classes, Will appreciates the opportunities provided by Team 1’s Tuition Reimbursement Program. Additionally, Will has had the opportunity to receive specialized training from machine manufacturers throughout the United States, gaining valuable insights and practical tips not found in manuals. Looking ahead, he aims to attain a Maintenance Technician certification and possibly pursue an Associate’s Degree with KCC.

JADON AUSTIN
MAINTENANCE CAPTAIN

Jadon Austin joined Team 1 Plastics in April 2015, initially taking on various roles across the company, from assembly to production floor work, quality control, and eventually maintenance. His hands-on approach and passion for crafting and making things led him to the Machining Program at RMTC in 2016 and later to the MoldTrax training program (now AIM) in 2018. Within the next year, Jadon will be a certified Master Mold Technician, having only one course remaining to complete. Recently promoted to Maintenance Captain, his journey has been one of determination and self-direction, heavily influenced by his high school shop teacher and the support of colleagues like Maintenance Manager Andy. He also received significant encouragement and mentorship from now-retired Maintenance Team Member Craig Clem, who was a major advocate for his progress. Jadon values the varied nature of his work and the camaraderie of his coworkers, expressing, “You need to be interested in what you are doing if you want to advance.” He looks forward to possibly taking over Maintenance once Andy retires and continues to thrive in his current role.

ETHAN AUSTIN
TOOL MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST II

Ethan Austin, Jadon’s brother, began his career at Team 1 Plastics part-time during high school, while also working as an Assistant Manager at Little Caesars Pizza. With no prior background in the trade, Ethan quickly became intrigued by the potential for growth and the knowledge surrounding him at Team 1. After completing high school, he joined the company full-time and started the MoldTrax (now AIM) training program in 2021. Now, with four out of five classes completed, Ethan is on track to become a certified Master Mold Technician alongside his brother next year. Inspired by Jadon’s achievements and the opportunities within the plastics industry, Ethan credits his brother as a significant mentor, stating, “Jadon has been a great teacher.” Additionally, he also had the opportunity to work alongside retired Team Member Craig Clem for a few years, learning a great deal. Planning to stay with Team 1, Ethan gladly shared, “I love what I do and who I work with. Team 1 has been great.”

“PERFECT EXAMPLES”

President and co-owner Craig Carrel says, “Will, Jadon, and Ethan have been perfect examples of Team Members taking the opportunities to grow and learn. A lot of it on their own time to improve themselves but also to become a huge asset for Team 1.” Human Resources Manager Rob Clothier echoes this sentiment, stating, “Our Maintenance Team is a great example of taking advantage of opportunities, continuously learning, and in turn, adding an enormous amount of value to the company. They put in a lot of hard work and time, and perfectly illustrate one tenet of our Championship Dream, Team Member Success.”

Maintenance Manager Andy Zblewski has served as a direct supervisor with all three Team Members since the beginning.  Thankful for Will, Ethan, and Jadon, Andy has enjoyed having them as part of the Maintenance Team, seeing a bright future ahead for them all. “Will Adams has been exemplary about his want and need for more training which has in turn prompted others on the Maintenance Team to pursue more training. We have been fortunate to have received numerous grants that allow Team 1 the opportunity to accommodate them in this goal. Will has achieved two certifications through RMTC and is very close to a Journeyman recognition. This has not stopped him as he is continuing towards an associate’s degree and another certification.
Jadon and Ethan have both been attending training through AIM in Erie, PA, and both have one more class until they receive a Master Mold Technician certificate. They also continue training through RMTC. It has been a true pleasure seeing these employees use what they have learned at Team 1, making the department more efficient and up-to-date in the technology associated with their training. I hope that the newer employees, as well as future employees, can learn from these guys’ example to better themselves and Team 1 moving forward.”

These stories of Will, Jadon, and Ethan highlight the power of continuous learning and the profound impact of Team 1 Plastics’ Tuition Reimbursement Program. Their achievements bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our company, driving us forward. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we encourage all our current and future Team Members to embrace the opportunities for professional growth.