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Donald Kruschke is the President and CEO of Thermoforming Machinery and Equipment, Inc., the leader in marketing thermoforming and extrusion machinery and services in the plastics industry.
Donald was greatly influenced by his father Neil Kruschke, Sr., a well-respected sales and marketing professional in the plastics industry with more than 30 years of experience. Donald freely acknowledges his father’s influence and the impact it has had on his career. “My father was my mentor, and I learned a great deal about many facets of the plastics industry from him.”
Donald co-founded TM&E predecessor Stopol in 1990 with his brother Neil and father, playing a key role in the company’s steady growth.
A vital member of the Stopol leadership team, Donald helped the Solon-Ohio based company evolve from a start-up used plastics equipment broker in the Kruschke Family basement to a multi-million dollar, technologically advanced, full-service plastics industry deal broker and consultant. With Donald’s input and direction, Stopol diversified its services to include auction management, liquidation services, appraisals and mergers and acquisition consulting through its Business Services division.
In August 2009, Donald purchased the four out of the 6 operating business divisions of Stopol and began operating them as four independent units – TME (encompassing thermoforming, extrusion rotational and blow molding machinery and equipment). Under this new structure, Donald oversees all thermoforming, extrusion, rotational, blow molding, appraisal, and merger and acquisition activity.
In his current role as President and CEO, Donald drives the overall direction of TM&E, including developing and implementing strategies, managing equipment sales, scouting opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth, guiding the acquisition of assets, and representing the company’s thermoforming interests to its stakeholders and external audiences.
As a longtime member of the Society of Plastics Engineers’ Thermoforming Division, Donald has served in a variety of leadership roles and high-profile capacities, including Board Member, Conference Chairman and Chairman of the Machinery Committee. Currently serving as Chairman of the Marketing Committee, he has taken a proactive and targeted approach to promoting the thermoforming process and elevating its profile by using his ability to build relationships and enter new markets.
Donald lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, with his wife and two children.
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