At Molded Dimensions Group, we understand that the dedication and talent of our workforce drives our company’s innovation and excellence. As part of our commitment to recognizing our employees’ hard work, we like to periodically spotlight individuals and acknowledge their contributions to our success. This month, we sat down with Braden Schrock, our Port Washington general manager, and learned more about his history, current role, and personal life.
Tell us a bit about your past experience, current role, and how things have been going.
Most of my early career was spent as a special operations officer leading small teams in the U.S. Navy. I worked with a variety of people on many types of projects, ranging from training Korean Navy SEALs to managing security programs for nuclear weapons. That diverse experience prepared me for the current day-to-day challenges as a general manager, which can range from people problems to technical problems to financial problems. I have been with Molded Dimensions Group since the spring of 2024 and am loving every moment of it!
What does a typical day as general manager in Port Washington look like?
I am in the office early to respond to urgent emails and plan the day. I usually try to walk one or both of our production floors (rubber and urethane) in the early morning to check in with our people making the parts: I enjoy seeing them solving problems and invested in our team’s success. In a typical day, I may discuss workforce development goals with HR; call or visit a current or prospective customer; meet with our finance & infrastructure teams to see how the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation is progressing (always a work in progress!); plan next quarter’s strategy with the leadership team; or more. No two days are the same!
Tell us about an experience that made you feel like you belonged at Molded Dimensions Group.
In my first week, I spent about 20 hours on the production floor working as a machine operator. Alongside men and women who have dedicated decades to this work, I was humbled by how demanding the job is. I received some of the hallmark press burns when I was not careful enough reaching into a hot mold to remove parts! But seeing up close how much our people care that they do a great job—and how they don’t want to let each other down—reminded me of my military service and confirmed for me that I joined the right team.
What is a challenge that you think the industry is going to face as we enter 2025?
Uncertainty regarding global supply chains is going to ramp up once again—but I’m looking forward to navigating this. As Molded Dimensions Group can both source from overseas and manufacture domestically, we are uniquely well-positioned to adapt to such uncertainty in stride and provide options for our customers.
Why do you like working at Molded Dimensions Group?
Our core values truly match up with how we act. Collaborate, Be Passionate, Find a Better Way, Wow our Customers—more than slogans, our employees demonstrate these values on a daily basis. Further, these core values align with my own and also emphasize the need to continuously improve. I am glad to work at a place where everyone “walks the walk.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two young kids (ages 3 and 7), so they take up most of my time—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I’m not busy with them, I brew small batch beer. I especially enjoy drinking IPAs and German lagers, but I like to brew as wide a variety as possible to learn something new every time.
Do you have any secret talents?
It’s not a secret, but I play the drums, violin, and mandolin. Not at the same time.
Anything else that you would like to share?
Thank you to everyone in Port Washington for making us the #1 team in rubber and urethane manufacturing!
