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KEVIN GUNDERSON Estimator / Job Planner Innovize , Inc .
Kevin Gunderson went to work in the manufacturing field right after high school . He became a valuable associate by applying himself , learning on the job and eagerly contributing . He enjoyed school , but was not interested in attending college until a few years ago . Fellow associates and advancement opportunities changed his mind . “ I ’ ve become a good student because of my mentors at Innovize . I ’ ve become more invested in the business side and have wanted to improve and learn more . I ’ m now working toward my Business Administration degree at Century College .”
Innovize , a contract manufacturer in the medical industry , offers product development and manufacturing services for personal care , patient care , diagnostics and the electronics markets . Its clientele includes 19 of the top 25 medical device companies worldwide as well as start-ups . Gunderson , in his position since 2008 , contributes his
SUCCESS STORIES
skills to a team that costs and plans for the development and manufacturing of products such as diabetic strips , infantcare products , wound care dressings and personal care products .
Gunderson says , “ Innovize products range from medical components to full medical devices including sterilization services . Without a doubt the most rewarding aspect of my job is working in collaboration with others on projects that improve people ’ s lives . Our devices provide comfort to those in pain and contribute to lifesaving technologies .”
Innovize manager , Jim Gaffney , explains Gunderson ’ s success : “ Kevin has really taken the time to invest in himself through his continuing education degree program , and it shows through his dedication , thoughtfulness and engagement on the job .”
ANDREW LARSON CNC Milling Specialist Mold Craft , Inc .
The elements of Andrew Larson ’ s career success were shaped under the guidance of his father and continued forming years later in his uncle ’ s machine shop . “ I landed in my position as a CNC Milling
Specialist in large part due to my dad . As a child growing up , I would help my �������������������������������������� name it , he fixed it . I was mechanically inclined , and as I grew older , I had a desire to create things from scratch with an attention to detail and the drive to be a perfectionist .
Larson , whose work is about attention to detail and planning , says , “ On a daily basis I ’ m responsible for setting up multiple cutting tools , downloading mill programs to my machine , programming the robot to change out parts and cutters for my machine to run all night and use specialized equipment to inspect the completed work . I feel a huge sense of accomplishment working at Mold Craft , knowing the work we do is saving lives .”
Mold Craft produces precision injection molds primarily for the medical industry , from diabetes care to implantable devices to minimally invasive surgical tools . Additionally , the company – in business for over 50 years – has clients in telecommunications and other industries . The company ’ s strength is in designing and building molds that require extensive engineering using tightly toleranced (±. 0001 ”) CNC machining , CNC sinker and wire electric discharge machining ( EDM ) work , grinding and polishing . One ten-thousandth of an inch (. 0001 ) is 1 / 40th the thickness of a piece of paper .
Mold Craft Co-Owner and VP of Engineering , Justin McPhee , says , “ Andrew brings value to Mold Craft not only by holding the tightest tolerances in the industry and excellent job planning skills , but also by his positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed in the shop .” continues on page 32
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