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Protogenic People


Steve Stewart, Founder

Steve Stewart has extensive experience in injection molding (processes and tooling) and a broad base of knowledge in manufacturing. During his 15 years with Complex Tooling, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado, Steve had a wide variety of responsibilities including process technician, production manager, plant manager and manufacturing engineer.

In January of 1990, he joined with the former owner of Complex Tooling, Horst Lambrecht, to found Protogenic, Inc. As the company grew its stereolithography and urethane cast parts services, the quality standards set by the founders established Protogenic's reputation as the high quality leader in the industry. Under Steve's leadership, Protogenic continues to explore and apply leading edge technologies to produce the finest prototype parts and ensure the highest levels of Customer satisfaction.


Amy Mannisto, Vice President of Operations

Amy has over 10 years experience in Prototyping with a focus in model making, and a specialty in silicone molding and urethane casting. She holds a degree in Technical Illustration/Graphic Design with an emphasis in Model Making from Bemidji State University. Amy came to Protogenic in July 2007, where she uses her background in project management and prior experience in the industry to lead the Operations department.

As head of the Production Department, she utilizes the diverse technologies and processes used at Protogenic to deliver quality products to its customers and enjoys working with the wide spectrum of talents, backgrounds and knowledge that encompasses the operations team.

 


Tim Nakari, General Manager, Vice President of Sales

Prior to joining Protogenic in 2000, Tim had over seven years of manufacturing experience, where he mastered many aspects of urethane manufacturing, including molding, mounting, and grinding. Tim joins Protogenic with a sound knowledge of what it takes to get parts made and satisfy Customers.

Tim has a business degree in both Operations and Human Resource Management. He also has a sound background in quality assurance, and has been certified as both a Mechanical Inspector and Quality Engineer by the American Society for Quality. Tim enjoys the fast pace of rapid prototyping he has found at Protogenic, and he enjoys working to fulfill the diverse needs of its Customers.


Kim Hoekstra, Senior Estimator

Kim has over 30 years of experience in the plastics and injection molding industries. She met Horst and Steve in 1980 when she joined Complex Tooling. Her responsibilities focused on production through her tenure as tool room project manager. Fascinated by rapid prototyping technology, the fast pace and the opportunities to provide additional value to her Customers, Kim came to Protogenic in 1994. Today, she leads the critical function of estimating and pricing Customer projects.

Kim finds her critical values of honesty, integrity and dependability reflected in Protogenic. Her Customer contacts are the most rewarding part of her position and she especially enjoys the enduring relationships she has had with the same people over the years.


Bob Olsen, Regional Sales Manager

Bob Olsen has over 16 years of experience in plastics with responsibilities ranging from the tool room to sales and general management. A graduate of Notre Dame, Bob began his career with a Fortune 50 technology company. Living and working in the U.S. and Japan, he acquired a broad understanding of how quality differentiates a company and adds value to Customer projects. He has extensive knowledge of tooling, injection molding and front-end design processes.

At Protogenic, Bob focuses on helping Customers accelerate their product development. He listens to Protogenic Customers to anticipate changes in the market and to meet their evolving needs. Understanding all phases of product development and manufacturing uniquely qualifies Bob to assist Customers with prototyping services.


Arlen Juels, Regional Sales Manager

Arlen has more than 20 years experience in building Customer relationships, including 15 years as an electronics technical troubleshooter, and ten years as the manager of manufacturing operations. He is experienced in building cold flow cable molds for geophysical and electronic applications.

Arlen enjoys working with the tight time schedules and fast pace that is paramount in the rapid prototyping industry. He is dedicated to providing the quality product and responsive service that Customers have come to expect from Protogenic.


 
Jason Boh, Senior Project Manager

Prior to joining Protogenic in 2001, Jason had over 7 years of experience in Product Management and development, and 16 years building customer relationships in sales and marketing. He has experience in manufacturing and has worked with teams from all over the world in the manufacturing and development process.

Jason enjoys working in a fast paced environment and excels in pressure situations. His experience and attention to detail make Jason a valuable addition to the Protogenic team. 


 
Chris Clements, Project Manager 
 Chris brings a degree in Economics and Finance combined with over 8 years or customer service experience with him, prior to joining Protogenic in 2008.

Chris uses that knowledge to give his customers the greatest satisfaction in the products that they receive.   The driving force behind Chris' customer service is his acute attention to detail.  Chris works extensively at delivering a product that will surpass his Customer's expectations in order to build strong, continuing business relationships.

 


Teresa Green, Project Manager

Teresa came to Protogenic in 2006, having already been in the rapid prototyping business for two years. Along with this she brought 12 years of experience in managing and building strong customer relationships.

Since joining Protogenic she has expanded her knowledge of all phases of the prototyping industry, and has developed a passion for helping others succeed with their projects. She enjoys working in the fast paced environment of the prototyping industry, and working closely with her customers.


Sven Nelson, Project Manager

After graduating from the University of Denver with a degree in Management, Sven joins Protogenic with more than 6 years of prior experience in Customer service.

Sven also has special talents in computer programming, operations, and Customer relations. Sven enjoys working with the Customers of Protogenic, and has quickly become an asset to several product development efforts.


Angie Whitten, Project Manager

Angie's role as Project Manager uses her expertise and talent for Customer communications and her incredible attention to detail. She joined Protogenic in 1994 after spending 9 years working in all phases of manufacturing and injection molding. Since joining Protogenic, Angie has gained experience in all phases of Protogenic's rapid prototyping process including perfecting her skills as a project manager.

Angie is committed to making Customers happy, making schedules work and delighting her Customers with their beautiful finished parts. A stickler for detail, Angie considers herself the 'go to' gal for all aspects of her Customers projects.


Gary Peck, Project Manager

Gary joins Protogenic with an extensive experience in advertising and project management. He's got a great track record of successful project completion, and knows what it takes to get the job done, on time. 

No stranger to tight deadlines, Gary enjoys the fast-paced environment that he's discovered here at Protogenic, and working to help Customers take their projects from concept to reality. 


The Rest of the Team
The people above are the individuals responsible for working directly with our clients. In addition to them, we have an excellent team of 30+ highly qualified, committed people who round out our capabilities. They include, but aren't limited to, SLA finishers, Moldmakers, Casters, Trimmers, and Administrative Staff, each one dedicated to our clients' satisfaction.