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  • Industry Experts
  • Our Productivity Experts are highly qualified to assist you no matter what your manufacturing challenge. Simply roll over the photos below, and get to know the experts.
    • Bob Waters
      Bob Waters
      Tech Center Coordinator
      Houston
    • Bob Baldizzi
      Bob Baldizzi
      Regional Sales Manager
      Houston
    • Ken Buechele
      Ken Buechele
      Sr. Regional Sales Manager
      Chicago
    • Jim King
      Jim King
      Senior VP of Sales
    • Jeff Estes
      Jeff Estes
      Director of Partners in THINC
    • Jim Endsley
      Jim Endsley
      M/C Product Specialist
    • David Fischer
      David Fischer
      Lathe Product Specialist
    • Bryan Newman
      Bryan Newman
      THINC Product Specialist
    • Tim Thornton
      Tim Thornton
      Showroom Coordinator
    • Brian Trei
      Brian Trei
      Double Column Product Specialist
    • Brian Trei
      Jury Sollenberger
      Regional Sales Manager
    • Bob Waters
    • Bob Waters

      Bob recently joined Okuma in 2010, but brings a wealth of experience to his position. A senior member with SME, Bob has experience in such industries as tool & die, job shop, aerospace, medical, production, custom shop, R&D, etc. He has held positions from machinist to plant manager, and also has 2 years' experience as an applications engineer for an Okuma distributor.

    • Bob Baldizzi
    • Bob Baldizzi

      Bob has been with Okuma America for 5 years. Prior to joining Okuma, Bob was employed by an Okuma distributor for over 20 years and has been in manufacturing for over 30 years. His experience includes machinist, machine tool service, applications engineering and sales. Bob is a Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer, a distinction he has held since 1994.

    • Ken Buechele
    • Ken Buechele

      Ken has worked for Okuma for nearly 25 years. Beginning his career as an applications engineer specializing in lathes, he gained experience in all product types – lathes, grinders and machining centers. Eventually moving to sales in the late 90's, Ken continued to use his vast experience and product knowledge to provide the best manufacturing solutions possible. As Senior Regional Manager overseeing the Morris Group, Ken is a key member of the Real Help Team at the Okuma Tech Center at Morris Midwest in Roselle, Illinois.

    • Jim King
    • Jim King

      Jim joined Okuma in January of 2010 with nearly 30 years of experience with the strategic channel development of industrial automation, working with manufacturers to improve processes through the use of technology, and managing distributor network relationships. This experience is supported by his degree in applied engineering, which gives him a unique perspective as he motivates the sales force to provide the customer with the right machine for the right application. Jim's history of leading change and improving processes makes him a valuable leader of Okuma's Real Help Team.

    • Jeff Estes
    • Jeff Estes

      Jeff has 10 years of experience with Okuma and 27 years in the machine tool industry in roles ranging from manufacturing to sales. He is a Certified Industrial Engineer and holds degrees in Business and Industrial Engineering Technology, with an MBA in Operations and Finance. As the director of Partners in THINC, Jeff has at his disposal the power of the over 30 member companies—all part of the Okuma Real Help Team. Together, Jeff and the Partners in THINC can solve even your most difficult manufacturing challenges.

    • Jim Endsley
    • Jim Endsley

      Jim has been in the machine tool industry for over 30 years and has extensive experience that includes manufacturing, distribution and sales. With a background in heavy industry manufacturing (die mold, aircraft, locomotive, construction equipment, etc.), knowledge of universal and five-axis machining, and a degree in business, Jim brings a broad range of expertise to the table. By fine tuning processes and matching the right Okuma machine tool to the application, this productivity specialist brings Real Help to every project.

    • David Fischer
    • David Fischer

      With 18 years at Okuma and 36 years in the machine tool industry, David is a highly qualified productivity specialist and Real Help Team member. His experience is broad, having held positions in manufacturing (machinist, programmer, tool design & build, shop supervisor), quality control, design engineering, manufacturing engineering, applications, and sales. David's well-rounded experience allows him to tackle any manufacturing challenge from multiple angles to produce the best possible solution.

    • Bryan Newman
    • Bryan Newman

      Bryan has 18 years of experience with Okuma, holding roles in manufacturing engineering, product engineering, information systems and technical sales. He was instrumental in the development of the THINC control and continues to provide strategic leadership in this area.

    • Tim Thornton
    • Tim Thornton

      Tim, a machinist by trade, has 15 years' experience in the machine tool industry. Tim joined Okuma in 2005 as a THINC Tank product specialist for OSP software products, which include ADMAC Parts, Advanced One Touch IGF, 3D Virtual Monitor and Collision Avoidance Software. Currently, Tim manages Okuma's consignment machine inventory throughout North America, ensuring that the right machines are in the right locations for the best customer experience.

    • Brian Trei
    • Brian Trei

      Brian has 6 years experience with Okuma and 27 years in the machine tool industry. With a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA in his intellectual arsenal, and extensive experience in both engineering and sales, Brian has the expertise to determine and deliver products and processes that will improve manufacturing productivity.

    • Jury Sollenberger
    • Jury Sollenberger

      Jury joined Okuma in 2009 with 15 years’ experience in the machine tool industry.  His degree in machine shop technology and CMTSE certification are further supported by his extensive background in manufacturing, applications engineering, and machine tool sales.  With his expertise in FANUC control machines, Jury brings a depth of knowledge to the table that guides the selection of the best machine and the best control for the job.