Faces of Manufacturing 2025: Following in Family Footsteps
Editor's Note: Throughout October in celebration of Manufacturing Day/Month, IndustryWeek's Faces of Manufacturing will share the stories of people with a passion for manufacturing.
Eric Dickemper
City/State of Residence: Byrnes Mill, Missouri
Job Title: Shipping Supervisor
Company: Sunnen Products
Years with Company: 25 years
Industry of Your Company: Honing manufacturing, but I work with the movement of parts to facilitate and support production here at Sunnen.
Training/Education: High school to hands-on learning in the industry, working my way from an entry-level packer to the head of the department. Along the way, working on the cleaning crew, warehouse, steel bay, and even filling in on the shop floor running the punch press, spot weld, and mill machines.
More Manufacturing Day coverage here.
What made you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing? I have a history of family that has worked at Sunnen for generations. The company has helped me support my own family and provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow.
What does your job entail? The running of the shipping/receiving and the warehouse.
What is the most interesting part of your job? Your proudest moment? Being part of significant growth and change here at Sunnen to help make better products that support our customers. I am most proud when I see members of my team working hard and taking initiative to get the job done or going above what is required for the customer.
What do you love about manufacturing? Being part of making something tangible, a handmade product with pride.
What advice would you give to kids considering a job in manufacturing? If you have the skill that makes a product that is in demand, opportunities will seek you out, and you will be guaranteed employment. Remember you don’t always have to be the smartest one in the room; you just need to be willing to outwork everyone else.
What advice would you give to manufacturers to help increase kids' interest in manufacturing as a career choice? Build an environment that is welcoming to the next generation. Let them know that if they treat the company with respect and hard work, then the company will be there to support their dreams of growth and advancement. Provide the pay that will support their endeavors outside of work.