Derek joined Tsugami/Rem Sales as an applications engineer in 2011 after learning how to program and set up Tsugami CNC Swiss lathes for a couple prior jobs he held. He advanced to presales test cut lab lead in 2014, and then in 2015 he was promoted to engineering manager where he led the team for more than two years. Recently promoted to Swiss product manager, Derek is tasked with researching and implementing new technologies that integrate with Tsugami machines and improve the overall customer experience. He often travels domestically and internationally, researching tooling components and ensuring that they are the best fit for Tsugami. For instance, he regularly travels to the Tsugami headquarters in Japan to conduct meetings directly with our partners to discuss future product enhancements.

According to Ashley Dombrowski, brand manager at Tsugami and Derek’s nominator, Derek is a dedicated employee that constantly strives to better not only the company, but the manufacturing industry as a whole. “Derek is always willing to lend a hand where needed and is recognized as a true leader among his peers and in the industry,” she says.

When he is in the office, Derek can be found helping peers on the showroom floor and teaching two- and three-path machine control training classes for distributors and end users.

He says his future aspirations are to assist the constant improvement of the Tsugami experience for Rem Sales’ customers in every way possible. 

To read about other Production Machining 2018 Emerging Leaders, click here. https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/production-machining-2018-emerging-leaders