Bill Dorn
In late 2023 and early 2024, Molded Dimensions Group welcomed two new salespeople to its team: Bill Dorn and Don Archer. Both gentlemen are based out of Molded Dimensions Group’s Fife, Washington location, handling the company’s in-person sales efforts in that area of the U.S. We sat down with Bill and Don to discuss their transitions to, and roles at, Molded Dimensions Group, plus learn more about their hobbies and talents.
Tell us a bit about your past experience, current role, and how things have been going.
Bill: I received my engineering degree, with an emphasis in plastics and carbon fiber, from Western Washington University. A post-graduation internship turned into nearly 20 years at the same company, doing a little bit of everything: from starting on the floor to engineering, quoting, and account management. After working as an engineering manager in California for a bit, I was referred to Molded Dimensions Group from a former consulting contact. I am now the Territory Sales Manager in Washington, with a great team around me.
Don: I have worked in plastics and flexible packaging for most of my career, and my current role at Molded Dimensions Group is Territory Sales Representative. I am leveraging my experience in plastics manufacturing to grow my skillset in injection molding. The onboarding process and ramp-up to full engagement in my role has gone well.
Don Archer
What does a typical day in your role look like?
Bill: Being new to my role, I aim to get involved with my team and the company as much as possible, to understand our processes. I reach out to customers, getting to know our clients and establishing relationships. I also travel and talk to potential new customers.
Don: A typical day for me involves developing business for Molded Dimensions Group. I fish out opportunities for new customers and talk to potential clients with whom a business partnership makes the most sense for both companies. I’m happy to say that we’ve had several projects get to the quoting and negotiations phase, and managing those projects and expectations is a role I enjoy.
Tell us about an experience that made you feel like you belonged at Molded Dimensions Group.
Bill: The team at Molded Dimensions Group is the most cohesive group that I have joined. Everybody is great to work with, and there’s a good community here. The environment is truly the part of my job that I like the most.
Don: The culture here is phenomenal. Everyone is onboard with the program, and everywhere you look, you can see team members working toward common goals. Lots of great people are doing good work, and the management is excellent.
What is a challenge that you think the industry is going to face continuing into 2024?
Bill: Customers in our industry are focused on cost reduction, so our biggest challenge is supporting their efforts, even by providing just-in-time inventory management: quickly delivering the desired quantity of quality products on time. Additionally, while reshoring is happening, production is not always moved back to the U.S.; we are competing with Mexico, Brazil, and other countries.
Don: The biggest challenge our industry faces is growing and maintaining a talented workforce.
Why do you like working at Molded Dimensions Group?
Bill: The facilities at Molded Dimensions Group are great—certainly stronger than those of other facilities with which I am familiar. From the moment you walk into our building, it looks nice.
Don: Molded Dimensions Group has a wonderful ‘can do’ spirit and an excellent collaborative environment. At all levels and in all departments, there is a strong teamwork culture.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Bill: Mostly, I like to be outdoors: hiking, fishing, and biking. I think I’ve had maybe 15 different boats in the past 20 years—for fishing bass, fly, ocean, and more. I enjoy hiking to remote mountain lakes: no popular destinations, as I like the reprieve from people. Not having cell phone service is a good thing!
Don: I am an avid hiker and motorcyclist. I have biked across the U.S. three times, and in 2022, I toured the Italian Alps on a motorbike. I was the head coach of a youth wrestling team for 15 years, and I am in the process of certifying as an official to help bridge the numbers gap that exists within this sport.
Do you have any secret talents?
Bill: Definitely not golf! But I can pick up and learn just about anything. For instance, on my RV, I set up my own solar system. I like the challenge of figuring stuff out around the house.
Don: I am learning how to garden. It is a secret because I am not very good at it.
Anything else that you would like to share?
Bill: I’m a straightshooter—whether people want to hear it or not, I give a ‘no spin’ answer.
Don: I am happy and blessed to be a part of the team at Molded Dimensions Group, and I look forward to making a difference for our customers and within the company.
