FAMILY-OWNED PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING COMPANY

Owner

Sam Devick

My 1st trip to Bruin was in March of 1976, so I’ve been told. I was 2 weeks old and my mom brought me in. My first memories of Bruin would be of the countless times my dad brought me down on Saturdays so he could work on or weld on something. I always liked hanging out with him and being around all the machines. I also enjoyed using the pallet jacks as a scooter and would race up and down the aisles. I worked here for 3 different summers, doing all sorts of jobs, in high school. From cleaning out the oil trays underneath the molding machines to sorting parts and filling hoppers with material, to CAD. During Christmas time of 2012, while working as a project manager for an engineering consultant, I got a call, asking if I would like to work there, to which I said yes. I became the owner on December 23, 2017, when my dad passed away in an airplane accident. Miss you, Dad.

So, today, we look onward and upward. We’re firm believers in reinvesting in new technology, automation, and in our people. And the future looks bright!

CFO/General Manager

Carolyn Himes

I was born and raised in Marshalltown, IA—right next door to Bruin Manufacturing! After graduating from college, I applied for a rare job opening in Bruin’s front office. Starting out as a Customer Service Representative, I progressed through the organization, and after over 30 years, I am currently serving as Bruin’s General Manager and CFO. I am blessed to have known and worked with three generations of a proud, family-owned company. I truly believe that no one employee is more important than another, and each employee makes a significant contribution to the success of the company. If every cog of the wheel operates at its optimum level, the entire organization performs as it should, which results in high-quality parts, responsiveness, customer satisfaction, and our own personal pride in knowing that we made a difference.

Technical Manager

Tanner Dielschneider

I started at Bruin in March 2015 as a tooling engineer. Before working at Bruin, I was a mechanical designer for Kinze Manufacturing where I gained experience and developed fundamentals in the design field. I have always had a passion for building things and solving problems, which is why I ended up in the engineering field. I love seeing parts develop from initial concepts all the way to a final product. It is something to be proud of when you can bring a customer’s idea to life!

Quality Manager

Mike Ray

I love the family atmosphere here at Bruin. It makes coming to work even more enjoyable. One tip I’d like to share is that don’t be afraid of change. It can be a good thing if done correctly. Accept, enhance, and make it your own.

Financial Controller & Continuous Improvement Coordinator

Nick Hutchens

I was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in July 2014 and worked a couple of odd jobs while going to school. One day, I received a call from Tanner Dielschneider informing me of an opening in Bruin’s Mixing department. I applied and accepted the position in August 2015. Looking back, this was a pivotal moment in my career. Bruin has been the place where I have grown professionally and learned valuable skills that will last a lifetime. My advice for those still growing in their career paths is to constantly try and learn new things.

Maintenance Team Lead

Bob Sager

Before I started working at Bruin, I was a metal fabricator/welder for 12 years. I have also had a handyman service for the past 7 years, and I put about 15-30 hours a week into that. If I wasn’t working at Bruin, I would probably still be doing welding and metal fabrication or running my handyman service full-time.

Customer Service Representative

Kelsey Foster

When I started working at Bruin in 2018, I was hired in the Secondary Department. In 2020 I transitioned to my current role as the Customer Service Representative in the front office. What I’ve found to love about this company is how positive the workplace environment is. Not only do I feel like I have a sense of belonging with the people who work here, but I enjoy how every person is just as valued as the next and we are ALL a core part of the team.

Marketing/Culture Coordinator

Kate Bowermaster

I started in the accounting world here at Bruin in 2014, but I currently work as the Marketing/Culture Coordinator. I’ve learned a lot and enjoy seeing all the ways we can push our brand externally while improving company culture through internal marketing and even working with HR. It’s all connected!

Tool Room Team Lead

Levi Mostrom

I started at Bruin in August of 2013 working in the mixing department. After seeing such complex molds making parts, it didn’t take me long to realize toolmaking was something that I wanted to pursue. In August 2015 I went to DMACC for tool and die, and in July 2017 I was back full-time in the toolroom. I get to work on a wide variety of things and have a great group of guys to work with. I love the challenge of toolmaking. I look back and am very grateful for the opportunity I was given here at Bruin.

HR Specialist

Reeba Bloom

I started out at Bruin in 2015 in the Secondary Operations Department. Shortly after I was hired, I was moved into the Shipping Department. From the Shipping Department, I made my way into the front office as an Accounting Clerk in 2018. In 2020, I absorbed the HR role. My favorite thing about Bruin is that we are family-owned and family-operated. We aren’t a huge corporation that only knows you by your ID number. I love the room for growth and the opportunities that are given here. Bruin has faith in their own employees and believes that each person’s success is what has made Bruin a great company for over 70 years.

Shipping Team Lead - Marshalltown

Leisha LaBelle

I started working at Bruin in the fall of 2020 as a Shipping Clerk. In 2021, I obtained the title of Shipping Team Lead. I am very grateful to have gotten the opportunity to learn and grow from the leaders before me. What I enjoy most about my job Is the challenge and the variety of my day-to-day tasks. I really enjoy the “team” atmosphere in the Shipping Department, each individual works just as hard as the next and we are able to get high-quality parts out the door in an organized and timely manner. I greatly appreciate Bruin for giving me such an amazing opportunity.

Shipping/Secondary Team Lead - Newton

Kendra Reed

I have worked at Bruin since 2002. I started as a shipping clerk but have since moved into my current role as the Shipping/Secondary Team lead at our Newton location. What I love most about Bruin is how family-oriented they are. I also love the people I get to come work with every day!

Production Team Lead

Brian Dougall

I started working at Bruin in 1994 as a mixer. I later transitioned to the production department, and as of January 2022, I am currently the Production Team Lead. What I love most about my job is the people I work with.

Secondary Team Lead - Marshalltown

Jenn Green

I started at Bruin in January 2014. I was a secondary operator/assembler until I became the Secondary Team Lead in October of 2021. Bruin takes good care of its employees, and that’s just one of the many reasons I love working here.