8 MoldMaking Technology —— OCTOBER 2017
EAB
Ryan Pohl, founder of Praeco Skills LLC, may be new to the editorial
advisory board (EAB), but he is no stranger to MoldMaking Technology.
He has shared his expertise over the years by contributing editori-
als about workforce development. Most recently, he has shared his
wisdom in the Skills Center column, where he provides sound advice
and effective strategies that are based on his award-winning classes,
programs and methodologies for bridging the skills gap.
Ryan has trained thousands of people in the skills they need for
careers in advanced manufacturing. Some of the areas he speaks to
include creating a detailed training plan, apprentice training, techni-
cal instruction, on-the-floor training, related technical instruction
justification, effective leadership, and the value of performing training
needs analysis.
As a journeyman CNC machinist and programmer, Ryan under-
stands the challenges of developing people in a high-tech, fast-paced
environment. In addition to his shop floor experience, he has teaching
experience at both the high school and college level. He also holds
advanced degrees in Manufacturing Tooling, Technical Education and
Industrial Training & Development.
Ryan says he is proud to be an advocate for the skilled trades and is
committed to doing his part to safeguard and cultivate the skills that
are so essential to our country's long-term stability. Now, part of that
advocacy will be put to good use as he serves on MMT's editorial advi-
sory board. "The hardest part of what I do is getting people to under-
stand that the skills shortage is mostly a cultural problem and can
only be solved with systems and sound leadership," he says, under-
scoring the fact that the United States has idealized "white collar"
jobs so much that society believes working with one's hands is a sign
of failure or is somehow beneath our younger generation's best and
brightest. In his new role, Ryan will continue working to dispel this
myth. He says he wants to bring more discussion on proper leadership
to the pages of MMT in addition to topics like employee development
and talent management.
When he's not training or writing for MMT, Ryan enjoys outdoor
activities like hunting and fishing. He also raises chickens, turkeys
and sheep on his small hobby farm. Above all, he enjoys spending time
with his wife and four children.
Ryan Pohl
Founder
Praeco Skills LLC
Rockford, Michigan
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD (EAB)
The EAB enhances the standing of the
publication and strengthens its professional
integrity through the active involvement of
its members.
The Board represents all aspects of the
mold manufacturing industry with a balance
of moldmakers, molders, original equipment
manufacturers and academia, and various
moldmaking segments and job functions.
A member is selected based on his or her
experience and knowledge of the moldmaking
industry to serve a three-year term.
Kylee Carbone
Director of Human
Development & Marketing
Westminster Tool
Plainfield, Connecticut
860-564-6966, ext. 244
kcarbone@westminstertool.com
westminstertool.com
Will J. Cipkar
Technical Sales
Crest Mold
Crest Thermal Technology
(CTT) Division
Ontario, Canada
519-737-1546, ext. 117
jcipkar@crestmold.com
crestmold.com
Andrew Garstkiewicz
Senior Advanced
Manufacturing Engineer
GE Appliances, a Haier company
Louisville, Kentucky
502-387-1259
andrew.garstkiewicz@ge.com
ge.com
Ryan Katen
President and General Manager
Micro Mold Company Inc.
Erie, Pennsylvania
814-838-3404, ext. 238
rkaten@plastikoserie.com
plastikoserie.com
Tim Krieger
President
Krieger Craftsmen Inc.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
616-735-9200
tim@kriegercraftsmen.com
kriegercraftsmen.com
Gabe Meldrum
Plant Manager
International Mold Corp.
Clinton Township, Michigan
586-783-6890
gabe.meldrum@internationalmold.net
internationalmold.net
Gerardo Miranda (Jerry)
Global Tooling Manager
Oakley
Foothill Rand, California
949-900-7785
gmiranda@oakley.com
oakley.com
Francine Petrucci
President
BA Die Mold
Aurora, Illinois
630-978-4747
francine@badiemold.com
badiemold.com
Ryan Pohl
Founder
Praeco Skills LLC
Grand Rapids, Michigan
616-951-2133
ryan@praecoskills.com
praecoskills.com
Rich Stueber
Engineering Manager
NyproMold
Instructor, Lake County
Community College
Clinton, Massachusetts
847-855-2252
rich.stueber@nypromold.com
nypromold.com
2017 Editorial Advisory Board