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Our Team
We believe that a company is only as good as its employees. We employ the best in the business and support their development as they support ours. Check out a list of our team, and read about what makes them unique.
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Keith Gerber President/ Owner Hoosier Pattern Inc.
Keith Gerber
President/ Owner Hoosier Pattern Inc.Graduated 1984 with an Associate Degree in Machine Tool from Ivy Tech. Received my Journeyman's in Pattern Making in July 1988 where I acquired this working for Ward Pattern & Engineering from 1984 thru 1997. There I not only gained experience in pattern making but also knowledge of foundry operations. This exposure gave me a better understanding of the foundries needs.
Sole owner of Hoosier Pattern Inc since July 2009 when my partner retired. At that time we had 14 employees and 20,000 square feet. We are now at 50 employees and 90,000 square feet.
Member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church and served as Trustee chair and committee member for several years. Member of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Chamber Board and Executive Board. Served as Chair of the Chamber Spotlight on Business Expo Committee for two years and committee member for several years. Founding member of the Adams-Wells Manufacturing Alliance, a group of area manufacturers, school teachers and administrators who are working to support vocational education in our high schools and promote interest in manufacturing careers among local youth.
Happily married to my wife Robin for 28 years and have 2 children Rachel and Hope.Hobbies: working, wood working, spending time at the lake with family. Going on family vacations.
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Dave Rittmeyer Customer Care & Additive Manufacturing Manager
Dave Rittmeyer
Customer Care & Additive Manufacturing ManagerTeam Member Since: April 1999
Work background/Experience: Dave started his apprenticeship at Ward Pattern & Eng. in February of 1997. He received his Journeyman certificate from Hoosier Pattern and the DOL five years later. Dave worked throughout the shop and grew with the shop as they expanded from three owners and two employees to a single owner and where we are today. As Customer Care and Additieve Manufacturing Manager, Dave works to make sure that the customer needs are met in a way that is beneficial to both HPI and their customers.
Hobbies: Dave is a founding member of the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance which was created to promote manufacturing to the local schools and communities in Adams and Wells counties. He is also a training officer on the Preble Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Adams county rope rescue team. Community involvement is a big part of his life, but the most important thing to Dave is enjoying life with his wife and four boys. From fishing and hunting to sports and church activities, family time is what Dave enjoys the most.
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Mark Bodnar Journeyman / Supervisor
Mark Bodnar
Journeyman / SupervisorTeam Member Since: December 2005
Work Background/Experience: 26 years of experience as a Wood/Metal Patternmaker, CNC Programmer.
Hobbies: Aquarium, fishing
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Robert Chavarria Machine Shop Set-Up Supervisor
Robert Chavarria
Machine Shop Set-Up SupervisorTeam Member Since: November 2006
Work Background/Experience: Robert Chavarria is a machine shop set-up Supervisor at Hoosier Pattern. He has been in the machining industry since 1990 and has spent over 22 years of them as a supervisor. He enjoys work at Hoosier Pattern with his two sons.
Hobbies: When not working he spends his free time buying houses and fixing them up for his rentals. He calls this his 401K program that he can visually see and touch.
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Nathan Chavarria Lead CAD Designer / Journeyman Patternmaker / Project Manager
Nathan Chavarria
Lead CAD Designer / Journeyman Patternmaker / Project ManagerTeam Member Since: June 2007
Work background/Experience: Nate Chavarria is a CAD specialist. He started out of high school, but acquired a desire to pursue a machining career while working part time in a machine shop at a large scale foundry operation. He graduated in 2013 from an apprenticeship program offered at HPI, and received his Journeymen’s certificate. Nate enjoys working with customers and learning on a daily basis.
Hobbies: When Nate is not on the clock he enjoys spending time with friends and family and going to the lake when time allows.
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Ronald L. Cox Journeyman Patternmaker
Ronald L. Cox
Journeyman PatternmakerTeam Member Since: November 2008
Work background / Experience: Ron has been in the trade since 1976 and has built wood and plastic master patterns, disa tooling and Hunter tooling matchplates, Shalco coreboxes, Isocure coreboxes, low and high pressure molds, permanent molds, diecast molds, fixtures and gages, lost wax molds and gravity wheel molds for all makes and models of cars and trucks.
Hobbies: Antique collecting and refinishing, antique clocks and watches.
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Tony Uhrick Lead CAM Programmer/Journeyman Patternmaker
Tony Uhrick
Lead CAM Programmer/Journeyman PatternmakerTeam Member Since: May 2005
Work background/Experience: Two years of Die Design and Construction, ten years of pattern machining and EDM Burning. AAS Degree in Tool & Die from Vincennes University.
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, and anything outdoors. Live and breathe NFL Football July through February.
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Todd Yoder Engineering/Quoting
Todd Yoder
Engineering/QuotingTeam Member Since: July 2012
Work background/Experience: Todd Yoder is a CAD designer at Hoosier Pattern Inc. He started in the summer of 2012 with 18 years of engineering and manufacturing experience. Todd graduated from Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne in 1998 with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Hobbies: When not at work, he enjoys participating in his kids activities, riding mountain bikes, and working on computers.
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Phillip Bauman Journeyman Patternmaker
Phillip Bauman
Journeyman PatternmakerTeam Member Since: May 2012
Work Background/Experience: Phillip Bauman is a Journeyman Patternmaker who went through the apprenticeship starting out of high school in 2012. He started in 2009 working as summer help in maintenance and moved to machining. After graduating High School with a Technical Honors Diploma he continued his schooling at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne for his Journeyman’s Card. He plans to return to school to extend his knowledge and degree. He currently is working in the CAM (Computer Aided Machining) department.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Phillip enjoys Spending time with his wife and family, shooting, riding trails, and golfing.
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Jim Geimer Journeyman Patternmaker
Jim Geimer
Journeyman PatternmakerTeam Member Since: February 2012
Work background/Experience: I ran heavy equipment and drove semi before entering the machining field.
Hobbies: I like to golf and go to the Lake.
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Jake Chavarria CNC Set Up
Jake Chavarria
CNC Set UpTeam Member Since: March 2013
Work Background/Experience: Jake Chavarria is a CNC set-up person at Hoosier Pattern. He started in 2013 after graduating high school from Vantage Career Center with a machining certificate.
Hobbies: When he's not at work, Jake enjoys fishing, watching sports and skateboarding.
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Chris Lichtle QA Manager (Management Rep.) and Finishing Department
Chris Lichtle
QA Manager (Management Rep.) and Finishing DepartmentTeam Member Since: September 2003
Work Background/Experience: 31 years of foundry working at Decatur Casting Division of Hamilton Foundry and Machine Company. Eight years at the foundry were worked in the pattern shop, four years as industrial engineer, five years as pattern shop supervisor, two years as tooling engineer and finally 12 years as quality manager and pattern shop supervisor. I also worked two years at Ward Pattern in their apprentice program mostly in the wood master area.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, a little golf and helping my children whenever possible. I enjoy spending time with my four boys and one girl. There is never a dull moment when we are together.
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Phil Conner CNC Operator
Phil Conner
CNC OperatorTeam Member Since: November 2010
Work background/Experience: 30 years plus machine experience. G&M Code Programming. CAM Experience. Able to operate multi-type machines. Layout Experience.
Hobbies: Golf, fishing, woodworking
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Laurie Mrvos Human Resources Manager
Laurie Mrvos
Human Resources ManagerTeam Member Since: May 2012
Work background/Experience: More than 15 years of experience as a personal and administrative assistant and office manager on the East Coast. Eight years experience in the art services industry.
Hobbies: Road trips with my Husband, Weaving, Knitting, Sewing, Baking, Gardening, Biking, Watching Old Movies, Reading, Music.
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Kelly Gerber Maintenance
Kelly Gerber
MaintenanceTeam Member Since: July 2009
Work background/Experience: Ivy Tech welding class, mostly hands on experience, 27 years RV Technican has given me a variety of experience from plumbing, electrical, structural, some automotive, etc.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, anything in fresh water, including boating, water skiing, tubing, fishing, etc. Golfing, walking, home improvement projects, helping others with projects, working, cruise ship vacations… watching football and NASCAR.
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Brenda Strickler Maintenance Engineer
Brenda Strickler
Maintenance EngineerTeam Member Since: September 2001
Work Background/Experience: Keeps Hoosier Pattern’s shop, office and machines impeccably clean and tidy. Owner/Operator of Home-Based Business for almost 19 years.
Hobbies: Golf, Camping, hiking and fishing.
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Tina Fourman Purchasing
Tina Fourman
PurchasingTeam Member Since: September 2009
Work background/Experience:
Tina Fourman is in Purchasing at Hoosier Pattern Inc., a pattern and sand core shop for steel foundries located in Decatur Indiana. Following high school graduation, she started her own house cleaning business along with working as a skilled trainer/server of a nationwide restaurant chain. With this, she also assisted in Employee Orientation. The most challenging and rewarding job that she has ever held was being a mother of 2 sons who are now young men.
Hobbies: Tina is a volunteer with a Christian Non-Profit organization in Fort Wayne where she helps with fund raising events. She assists with registration and check-out and occasionally photography. Her favorite way to relax and unwind is by taking a walk on the beach at sunrise or sunset!
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Brandon Fourman Apprentice Patternmaker
Brandon Fourman
Apprentice PatternmakerTeam Member Since: September 2013
Work background/Experience: Dean Foods – three years, CIP Systems Operator
Hobbies: Hunting, Golfing, Fishing
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Barb Reid 3-D Machine Operator
Barb Reid
3-D Machine OperatorTeam Member Since: June 2013
Work Background/Experience: JC Penney Co. – 14 years. Commissioned Sales, customer service and merchandise handler. Owner/Proprietor – 10+ years of a home –based business, Toys R Us since 2011 – customer service & freight associate. Toys R Us Express – Store Manager Christmas Season 2012.
Hobbies: Gardening, crafts and spending as much time as I can with my family.
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Ernie Geyer CAD Engineer
Ernie Geyer
CAD EngineerTeam Member Since: May 2014.
Work Background/Experience: Ernie has been in the tooling trade for over 30 years.. He obtained his journeyman’s certificate in 1993. He has spent most of his career in the Molding industry, with experience in die cast, plastic injection and airfoil tooling. With his manufacturing experience, is an asset to the Engineering/Design department at Hoosier pattern.
Hobbies: When Ernie isn't at HPI, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.
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Alyssa Corral Social Media/Marketing
Alyssa Corral
Social Media/MarketingTeam Member Since: March 2015
Work Background/Experience: Alyssa is a 2010 graduate of Adams Central High School. She has worked in healthcare for nursing homes and a hospice/home heath company while obtaining her college degree. In 2014, Alyssa graduated from Ivy Tech community College with a degree in Business and also has a Social Media Professional Certification from IPFW.
Hobbies: Alyssa enjoys anything that has to do with The Beatles, going to concerts, collecting records, reading, spending time with friends/family and binge watching her favorite tv shows.
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Spencer Wilson Apprentice Patternmaker
Spencer Wilson
Apprentice PatternmakerTeam Member Since: June 2015
Work background/Experience: Prior to working at HPI, Spencer worked in the construction business and attended Ivy Tech for 2 years studying general studies.
Hobbies: When Spencer isn't working he enjoys working in his woodshop and spending time with his wife and son.
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Linda Wilson Office Assistant
Linda Wilson
Office AssistantTeam Member Since: October 2015
Work background/Experience: Linda graduated from Fort Recovery High School in Fort Recovery, Ohio. She attended Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio. She worked at CTS in Berne for 21 years and worked at Northwest Elementary School for 4 years as a para and 13 years as their computer tech.
Hobbies: When Linda isn't working, she enjoys spoiling William, her grandson, and traveling when she can.
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Troy Howe CAD Design
Troy Howe
CAD DesignTeam Member Since: August 2015
Work background/Experience: Prior to working at HPI, Troy worked at Gilpin Iron Works and has spent time doing maintenance at Villa Lanes.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Troy coaches youth soccer and enjoys being around family and friends.
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Jenna Kohne Shipping and Receiving Coordinator
Jenna Kohne
Shipping and Receiving CoordinatorTeam Member Since: June 2016
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John Reed Maintenance
John Reed
MaintenanceTeam Member Since: July 2016
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Jon Dathe CNC Set up
Jon Dathe
CNC Set upTeam Member Since: July 2016
Work Background/Experience: In high school, Jon took 2 years of Area 18 machine trades and then spent a year in Indianapolis for college where he earned an associates degree in Nims and Mastercam as well as Mill and Lathe Certification from Lincoln Tech. While growing up, Jon was involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and eventually earning his Eagle Scout rank.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Jon is a firearms enthusiast and enjoys camping and spending time with family and friends.
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Maddie Owens Sand Room Supervisor
Maddie Owens
Sand Room SupervisorTeam Member Since: February 2017
Work Background/Experience: Before HPI, Maddie worked at Torrid in Glenbrook Mall for 5 years and was the assistant manager for 2.5 of them.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Maddie enjoys spending time with her family and watching movies with her kids. Samson(10), Abel(6) and Titus (3).
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Kyle Rittmeyer Apprentice Patternmaker
Kyle Rittmeyer
Apprentice PatternmakerTeam Member Since: February 2017
Work Background/Experience: Kyle started as part time at HPI in February of 201 7 and when he graduated from Norwell High School in June, he joined the team full time. While in high school, Kyle attended South Adams Machine trades for 2 years and was the 2017 Skills USA CNC Milling State Championship.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Kyle enjoys riding his motorcycle, fishing and riding dirt bikes.
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Eric Smith Saw Department
Eric Smith
Saw DepartmentTeam Member Since: February 2018
Work Background/Experience: Before working at Hoosier, Eric spent 18 years in the service/maintenance industry. He worked on office equipment and inventory management. He was also a crew leader and worked in customer service.
Hobbies: Outside of work Eric enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, football and video games.
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Geoff Hake Delivery and Safety Coordinator
Geoff Hake
Delivery and Safety CoordinatorTeam Member Since: March 2018
Work Background/Experience: Before working at HPI, Geoff was a service tech at All American Homes and Rev Recreational Vehicles.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Geoff enjoys riding his motorcycle, attending beer tastings and being a grandpa.
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Chris Brewster 3D Printing Operator
Chris Brewster
3D Printing OperatorTeam Member Since: March 2018
Work background/Experience: Before working at HPI, Chris worked at FCC for 6 years as a broach and drill operator.
Hobbies: When he's not at work, Chris enjoys PathFinder (tabletop, roleplaying games), tabletop gaming, video games and going to the range with friends.
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Mandy Masterson 3D Printing Operator
Mandy Masterson
3D Printing OperatorTeam Member Since: April 2018
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Connor Ray CNC Set Up
Connor Ray
CNC Set UpTeam Member Since: August 2018
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Cindy Wyss Maintenance Engineer
Cindy Wyss
Maintenance EngineerTeam Member Since:September 2018
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Jeff Brewster Fork Lift Driver
Jeff Brewster
Fork Lift DriverTeam Member Since: July 2018
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Shonda Ellis 3D Printing Operator
Shonda Ellis
3D Printing OperatorTeam Member Since: August 2018
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Audra Geels Office Assistant
Audra Geels
Office AssistantTeam Member Since: September 2018
Work Background/Experience: Audra is a 2014 graduate of Bellmont High Schoola and a 2017 graduate of International Business College with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business with a major in accounting. Audra previously worked for an accounting firm in Van Wert, OH for a little over a year before becoming a member of Hoosier Pattern.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Audra enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, spending time outside and camping. Occasionally, she enjoys playing the guitar.
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Alex Lichtle Machine Maintenance
Alex Lichtle
Machine MaintenanceTeam Member Since: January 2019
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Mary Bessesen 3D Sand Printing Technician
Mary Bessesen
3D Sand Printing TechnicianTeam Member Since July 2019
Work Experience/Background: Mary is a 2002 graduate of Steubenville High School in Steubenville, OH. For the past 3 years, Mary was a Special Ed para for 3 years at Northwest Elementary here in Decatur.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exercising, and reading.
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Brianna Howe 3D Sand Printing Technician
Brianna Howe
3D Sand Printing TechnicianTeam Member Since August 2019
Work Experience/Background: Brianna is a graduate of Bellmont High School and has worked at local businesses around Decatur such as Walmart and Gilpin Products.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Brianna enjoys friends, spending money, fishing, swimming, hiking and playing various sports.
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Melissa Affolder Controller
Melissa Affolder
ControllerTeam Member Since: September 2019
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Cole Reid 3D Sand Printing Technician
Cole Reid
3D Sand Printing TechnicianTeam Member Since: October 2019
Work Background/Experience: Cole graduated from Norwell High School in the Spring of 2019 and then worked at a local gas station before coming on board full time at HPI.
Hobbies: Cole enjoys playing video games, spending time with family and friends, playing sports and watching his favorite shows and movies.
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Dan Wagers CAM Department
Dan Wagers
CAM DepartmentTeam Member Since: January 2020
Work Background/Experience: Dan is a 1997 graduate of Wabash High School. Dan studied Information technology at Kaplan University. Dan spent 13 years building metal stamping dies. He has also spent time making injection molds and building hydraulic work holding fixtures.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Dan enjoys mountain biking, computers, camping, and target shooting. He also enjoys watching educational documentaries in his spare time.
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Greg Gage Tooling Estimator
Greg Gage
Tooling EstimatorTeam Member Since: January 2020
Work Background/Experience: Greg has been working in machine shops his entire life. Starting when he was a junior in high school by working in his family's machine shop. He earned a certificate as a tool and die maker from Anthis Career Center in Fort Wayne. This certification included 4 years of night school plus 9000 working hours.
Hobbies: Outside of work, Greg is an avid bowler here in Decatur with his sights set on the possibility of entering a couple of regional professional events. When he's not at the bowling alley, he and his wife sing at church and also enjoy doing karaoke.
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Jason Chordas Tooling Estimator
Jason Chordas
Tooling EstimatorTeam Member Since: February 2020
Work Background/Experience: Jason has over 20 years of manufacturing experience, most of those years as an Engineer/Technologist, working in medical machining, plastic injection molding, pre-engineered steel buildings, aerospace machining and for the last 7 years in the foundry business. Jason holds an associate degree in Mechanical Design from Ivy Tech State College and a Bachelor's Degree in Management from Trine University.
Hobbies: Outside of work: When he's not at work, Jason enjoys being with his wife and son, going camping in his pop-up camper, and working on his yard. His passions are riding and working on his motorcycles, dirt bikes and 3-wheeler. Jason and his son participate in Enduro Dirt bike racing across Indiana and Ohio. He also enjoys coyote hunting, and collecting and working on firearms. Jason is a huge fan of Volkswagens and cars in general.
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