Charlie Braun - President

Charlie "grew up" in the rubber industry, starting summer work running equipment at age 18. Since 1998, Charlie has been working full time at Custom Rubber Corp., quoting new business and assisting with mold design and insuring our mission—Responsiveness ~ From Design to Delivery—is always in mind.

"The wealth of experience at Custom Rubber Corp. insures that no matter what the application or environment, we can assist in bringing a proven solution to conclusion.

Charlie has the education and experience to insure that all customers receive the assistance they need.

• Harvard University, BA in fine arts
• Case Western University, Weatherhead School of Management, MBA
• APICS CPIM since 1995
• University of Akron Rubber Compounding I & II
• Advanced Rubber Molding Technology at the University of Wisconsin
• Executive Committee Member, Rubber Manufacturer's Association, Elastomeric Products Group
    

Bill Braun - Chief Engineer

Bill has spent 25 years designing solutions, making parts and helping customers to solve problems with rubber. He has participated in Early Supplier Involvement with major international OEMs and has personally been involved in the part design, tool design and production processing of over 900 different parts.

"Every job has its own set of secrets that need to be discovered and solved. Experience helps anticipate what those secrets are going to be."

Bill brings a unique blend of education and experience in both rubber technology and business to a customer's needs.

• Harvard University, BA in economics
• University of Michigan School of Business, MBA
• U.S. Navy, Lt. SC. retired
• University of Akron Rubber Compounding I & II
• Shainin Statistical Engineering
• Motorola's Six Sigma Introduction
• Ford's Quality Operating System Process
• Ford's Team Oriented Problem Solving
• Malcolm Baldridge National Quality System Award Applicant in 1990
    

Bernie Ruple - Engineering

Bernie has been in the rubber industry since 1986 as a production supervisor, tool designer and process engineer. His extensive real-world knowledge base enables him to produce parts from any rubber mold—often when other manufacturers have failed.

Bernie's knowledge base serves customers well as Custom Rubber Corp. designs new tools and processes. His ability to anticipate the issues unique to any customer's part enables better results on a faster timeline.

"Good design and engineering starts with the ability to anticipate the complete manufacturing process so you can head off problems before they occur. Or, better yet, so you can design a product that is better, more efficient and less costly."

In addition to 20 years practical experience, Bernie's education includes:

• University of Akron Rubber Compounding I & II
• Advanced Rubber Molding Technology at the University of Wisconsin
• Mold Release Seminar
• A.G.A. Cryogenic Deflashing Seminar
• Injection Press Training