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A natural choice to lead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that he\u2019s preparing to take on a new set of activities and goals in his retirement, Walker is passing the labs torch over to his successor, current Americas MT Laboratory Operations Manager Ryan Fleming, who joined Freudenberg in 2010 as a lab administrator and chemist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe labs will be in very capable hands with Ryan at the helm. I\u2019ve watched him grow professionally over the past 12 years, evolving into a group leader, then a team leader, operations manager and now a director,\u201d said Walker. \u201cOver time, I saw him becoming a go-to person when associates had questions and it became apparent he was a natural to take over. He is technically excellent, has forged strong relationships with both our external and internal customers and has a very high level of integrity and is strong in character.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While taking over for such a prominent figure like Walker could feel like a daunting task, Fleming feels the leadership he experienced under Walker has more than prepared him for the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJoe has been such a great leader and mentor throughout the years. His vast experience and knowledge of the rubber industry and chemistry in general is incredible and getting to absorb that has been a huge advantage for me,\u201d said Fleming. \u201cWhenever I found myself in a difficult situation, Joe was always there and willing to help. I always appreciated his ability to lead, but also to listen and let me grow into different areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJoe has a true passion for this industry, he literally laid the foundation for the T&I labs when he oversaw their design and construction,\u201d added Fleming. \u201cWith that strong foundation, T&I has prospered throughout the years. Joe has truly left his mark in the industry, and I really appreciate the time that I have had with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking into the future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead to what\u2019s next for the labs and for the industry, Fleming believes that the many challenges in the areas of e-mobility, energy applications, data management, supply chain and an increase in related regulations offer an opportunity to re-examine current processes, see what can be improved and bring new solutions to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is an exciting time to come into this role,\u201d said Fleming. \u201cThere are many changes going on in the world with regard to new technology and sustainability and Freudenberg is well-positioned to address them. I\u2019m looking forward to collaboration with other divisions to tackle new customer demands and keep Freudenberg at the forefront.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walker agrees and believes there\u2019s a lot of potential for the labs as the industry continues to evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would like to see Ryan take the lab to the next digital level and continue the expansion of our capabilities through advanced analytics and scope so that as our traditional markets begin to fade and our new e-mobility landscape becomes our primary focus, our materials technologies \u2013 not just traditional rubber and plastics \u2013 will have evolved as well,\u201d said Walker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fleming feels that his colleagues are some of the brightest minds in the industry and that the focus on advancement and support, both within their own division and outside of it, are major strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur materials and technical expertise is known and respected not only internally, but by our customers and other companies as well,\u201d said Fleming. \u201cThis is reflected by the many people who come to us with questions, requests or problems to solve. Whether it\u2019s the formulation of a new compound, advanced testing, data analytics, troubleshooting, or help with a customer, they know that they will be working with some of the best the industry has to offer.\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite his journey into retirement, Walker won\u2019t be slowing down for long. He will not only be instructing at a major university but also for two industry trade associations, including overseeing the Association for Rubber Product Manufacturers\u2019 (APRM) new Training Academy, a dynamic technical training resource that teaches fundamentals and advanced topics for the rubber industry. The Academy will provide both online training that will be accessible to everyone in an organization to improve the knowledge base of the entire workforce, and in-person training that will provide in-depth principles of design not available anywhere else in the rubber industry or academia. Walker previously served on the Association\u2019s Board of Directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for life at home, \u201cI also hope to work on perfecting being Mr. Walker to Mrs. Walker!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n