Our diverse team comes from a variety of backgrounds, interests and unique life stories. Together, we’re committed to serving our customers with passion and pride, delivering quality metal manufacturing services. Learn more about several of our team members below.
Executive Team
Troy F. Berg
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 22
Career Background
My career started in manufacturing roles in both the aerospace and automobile manufacturing spaces where I got to work in some of the most advanced automated factories in America. In 1995, I left my roles in corporate America and went out on my own, starting an engineering design business. In 2001, I and my family became the third family to own and operate Dane Manufacturing in its 100+ year history.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the fact that our company gets to play a critical role in helping so many businesses grow and be successful. But what I really enjoy the most is the good people at Dane that I get to work with. We have a strong culture of people that treat each other well, and rise to any challenge.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time out on the water in my boat with my wife and kids.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I’m always excited about trying new things and that mindset led me to being able to start my own company at age 30.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Dr. Bob Pricer at the UW Madison Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship gave me advice that I’ve implemented in running my businesses. He cautioned against entering into ownership structures with partners and mixing an A type company (volume manufacturer) and a B type company (Custom product or service). He also stated that every day you own a company you work on managing cash and cash flow. I’ve found all these to be words of wisdom!
Aaron Marshall
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 5
Career Background
Prior to beginning my career, I earned degrees at UW Parkside (BS) and UW Milwaukee (MBA). I have spent the last 30+ years working in various manufacturing companies managing accounting and finance operations.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the variety of work and seeing Dane continue to grow.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy camping and being outdoors with my family. We are still working towards our goal of visiting every national park.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work on several assignments in Ireland. I have since forgotten most of the Gaelic I learned, but I do hope to go back and visit.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Allow yourself to be uncomfortable and strive to reach the big goals.
Seth Reppen
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 20
Career Background
I attended UW-Madison and earned my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Over the course of my 20 year career at Dane, I began in engineering designing and CNC programming parts and was closely involved with all operations. I now work closely with our sales team and account managers to ensure we always meet or exceed our customer’s needs and expectations.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with people and finding solutions for our customers.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy being with family and friends, making home improvements, hunting, fishing, shooting sporting clays and playing cribbage.
Greg McManis
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 1
Career Background
I have an MBA in marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Prior to coming to Dane, I spent 20 years developing a globally recognized brand at a market leader in the energy sector.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy finding creative ways to tell Dane’s unique brand story in a way that opens the door for us to serve more customers.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love sports and spend a significant amount of time watching my 4 kids compete in soccer, basketball and football. I’m also an avid golfer.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
When my golf game was at its peak, I once shot 67 (-5) at University Ridge.
Scott Cannatelli
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavior Analysis with an emphasis on Organizational Behavior Management. With over 15 years of experience in operations, I have worked across nearly every facet of the field, including forecasting, scheduling, purchasing, production planning, shipping, and sales. I am certified as an APICS CPIM, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and hold a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Two things stand out to me: I genuinely enjoy working with people and have a passion for operations. I approach operations like a puzzle, finding satisfaction in reducing waste, shortening lead times, and achieving more with less. Although it might seem unusual for someone in operations, I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with sales. Hearing the voice of the customer is invaluable to me, and I strive to structure operations to align with their needs and expectations. My default mindset is that if we can’t meet a customer’s needs or wants, we should pause and ask ourselves how we can get to ‘yes,’ then create actionable plans to make it happen.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My hobbies are quite varied, but most of my time is devoted to being a dad and husband. When I’m not engaged in those roles, I enjoy riding mountain bikes, experimenting with Arduino projects, and working on my desktop CNC.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I had a modest bike racing career (if you can call it that), competing in various disciplines over the years. When living in Texas I raced road bikes during and after college and qualified for Collegiate Nationals in track cycling. After moving to California, I transitioned to downhill mountain biking and raced at the expert level until relocating to Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, I ventured into triathlons and earned first place in my age group in the Wisconsin Triathlon Series.
Jennifer Petree
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I have 20 years of experience in HR across human service, construction, manufacturing and distribution industries. I have a MBA with emphasis in HR.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love connecting people with roles that help them grow and be productive in their jobs. Business strategy is a passion of mine and when you can align employee strengths with company goals, amazing things can happen!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love being outdoors spending time with my family—walking, boating, camping, skating, and watching sports—football, baseball & hockey are my favorites!
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I have a vast library of music—from 40s big band to 50s jazz, 70s rock to 80s pop, 90s hip hop and 2000s country. I listen to everything.
Randy Hilgart
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I have a bachelor’s degree from UW-Platteville and an MBA from UW-Whitewater. Over the last 30 years, my career has spanned several industries including automotive, defense, consumer and commercial/industrial products. The majority of my experience has been in product development for manufacturing companies, but I have also led manufacturing engineering and recently became far more involved in quality management systems.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’ve really come to enjoy over the years is building systems and processes that set both us and our customers up for success. In my role here at Dane, I get to do this day in and day out…and do with a great group of people.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends or being active outdoors (hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, snowmobiling). The best is when I’m doing these activities with family and friends.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I was once on a televised high school quiz show. We got creamed, but I did answer the only question our team got right.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop learning.
Office Team
Karl Baumeister
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less Than 1
Career Background
I’ve spent over 20 years working in planning, production, inventory control, and buying across a mix of industries—from rodent control and pharmaceutical packaging to bicycle products and structural steel. It’s been quite a journey that’s given me a great understanding of how products are made.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’ve always been curious about how things work, and this role gives me a great opportunity to dive into my curiosity. Being part of production planning means I get to connect with people across the company and see how their work fits into the bigger picture. I really enjoy teaming up with others to find ways to make things run smoother, and help the business operate more efficiently.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m big into cycling—road, mountain, gravel, trail, you name it. The Madison area is a great place to ride and I try to get out as often as I can. My wife and I also love to travel and aim to take a few trips each year to explore new places and unwind.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I actually got my start in the steel business right here on this campus back in 2002, working with Marshall Erdman and Associates. Coming back to work at Dane in Waunakee feels a bit like coming home. It’s familiar territory with new opportunities.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad often told me, “Always pay attention.” Simple advice that’s helped me learn quickly and stay out of trouble.
Josh Buckley
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less Than 1
Career Background
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Foreign Languages from Winona State University and spent time studying at the University of Granada in Spain. My language skills, combined with sales training, opened the door to global opportunities early in my career—starting in the bicycle industry. I later transitioned into international sales and marketing in the sports medicine field, focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean for over a decade. With more than 20 years of experience growing sales and building brands, I’ve joined Dane Manufacturing ready to help drive growth for both our company and our customers.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’ve always enjoyed creating meaningful & long-standing partnerships with customers that are built on trust, hard work and winning together. Providing solutions to my business partners fulfills the creative need that drives my motivation.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new places. My family shares a love for adventure—whether it’s camping, fishing, hunting, biking, or waterskiing. Each summer, we take trips to the Boundary Waters and the Sylvania Wilderness to unplug and reconnect with nature. We’re always seeking new experiences, testing our culinary creativity, and discovering unique destinations both near and far.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a lot of professional athletes, from Tour de France champions, Olympic gold medal winners, some of Brazil’s top soccer talent to Mexican, Venezuelan and Dominican professional baseball players that have come to the USA to play in the MLB.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you ever feel nervous just remember that excitement is that same feeling, it’s just a matter of perspective. If you are unable to change your perspective, then get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable.
Troy Foster
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less Than 1
Career Background
I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, along with certifications in robotic programming and other advanced technologies. Over the past 12 years, I’ve served in a variety of engineering roles—from contract project engineering and value stream transformations to leading manufacturing engineering teams.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy leading multi-faceted teams where individuals bring unique perspectives to achieve shared goals. I’m passionate about inspiring others in this field and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
First and foremost, being a father. I enjoy camping, hunting, and golfing—but what I value most is time spent outdoors with friends and family, whether it’s a vacation or an upland hunting trip.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
For several years, I was part of a group of students who performed Gallagher-inspired skits—entirely in German—at judged competitions. We didn’t always win, but we always gave the audience a good laugh.
Bradley Kostein
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less Than 1
Career Background
I attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. I have three years of experience in the metal fabrication industry prior to joining Dane.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is seeing a process develop from start to finish and finding ways to make it as efficient and streamlined as possible.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy skiing, golfing, catching live comedy shows and exploring new places whenever I can.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I am a certified ski instructor.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Nothing is broken that cannot be fixed.
Aaron Trudell
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 2
Career Background
I have over 15 years of experience in estimating and project management within the construction and manufacturing industries and have served as Senior Estimator and Project Manager at Dane since 2022.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy taking on new projects and driving operational efficiencies.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoy watching my kids play softball and baseball throughout the midwest. When I have some spare time, I also enjoy playing golf.
Chris Peterson
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 11
Craig Schultz
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 9
Career Background
I have an Associate’s Degree in mechanical/electrical design and over 28 years of experience with PCB design, mechanical design of plastics, machined parts, sheet metal, and also CAD administration. I have worked for medical, consumer products, technology based, thermoforming, and sporting/government optics companies.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety of work that we get to do here from the data center designs, robot welding fixtures, and customer products.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have been on a couple cruises in the last year. I have also traveled all over the Midwest and east coast for our kid’s sports. We also like going to comedy shows and concerts.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I played “semi-pro” football and competitive flag football in places like WI, IL, and a national tournament out in Las Vegas.
Dan Mahaffey
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 2
Career Background
I attended University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and received my degree in accounting. Since graduating college, I have worked in various roles in the accounting industry. My career started in public accounting and then transitioned to the private sector where I worked in the medical, engineering, and manufacturing field.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family at the family cabin up north fishing and swimming or staying at home going for bike rides and playing tag.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
When I was 12, I had a pool record for fastest 25 yard freestyle swim.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Life is a garden, dig it!
David Plumley
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 1
Eric Mohr
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 10
Career Background
I have worked my way through Dane, starting in Blanking back in 2014. Throughout the years, I’ve helped to create our production flow and now manage procurement, scheduling, and template management.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The team, it’s fun to watch everyone adapt and grow to our new challenges.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy the outdoors, fishing, golfing, and camping.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
No amount of money has bought a second of time.
Kay Breunig
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 3
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love working with the people. I like working with numbers and finance.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
We just recently dabbled in travel and discovered that I love it! I love doing word searches and hanging out with my family and my dogs.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I am a pretty shy person. I can also drive almost all farm equipment.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t let anyone tell you no, you cannot do it. If you have the passion and drive to do something and put forth the effort, you can succeed. But it’s not always the easy way.
Lina Rojas Agudelo
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I am an experienced Treasury and Administrative Assistant and I hold a degree in Administrative Management. I have a strong background in financial operations, bank reconciliations, payment processing and administrative support. I am skilled in managing banking portals, preparing accounting reports and supporting payroll and HR functions in corporate environments.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being able to help others every day—whether it’s supporting employees, solving problems or making processes smoother. I also genuinely enjoy organizing and participating in company team events because they bring people together and helps build a positive work culture.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy traveling and discovering new places. I also love spending quality time with my family and having meaningful conversations with my friends.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’ve been playing volleyball since I was 11. Although, I no longer play competitively, I still enjoy it whenever I can. For me, sports has always been a powerful way to channel emotions. Playing helps me stay balanced, focused and emotionally grounded.
Brooklyn Geigley
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less Than 1
Career Background
I attended Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, where I earned a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. Over the past six years, I’ve worked in a variety of HR roles across different industries, gaining broad experience and a deep understanding of the field.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’ve found that being in HR means you’re often there during the most meaningful moments in someone’s career-both the highs and the lows. I consider it a privilege to be someone others can turn to for support, guidance, and encouragement. Whether it’s helping a new hire find their footing or assisting a team member through a challenging time, I love being part of their journey and contributing to their success. That’s what makes my job so rewarding for me.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy canoeing, spending time with family, cooking and smoking meats, and traveling to new places.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
While I attended Texas State University, I was a member of the wakeboarding team, competing in both wakeboarding and wake surfing against other universities around the country. I also took on the role as one of the team drivers, which meant I got pretty skilled at trailering and driving the boat.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received came from my parents. They always reminded me that “if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying” and that “people treat you the way you allow them to.”
Keaton White
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 1.5
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy seeing my ideas and designs come to life. It’s one thing to put things down on paper, but seeing designs I create hit the manufacturing floor and be made is my favorite part of my career.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 16. Upgrading and working on them come along with that as well. Additionally, I enjoy hunting as well as casual shooting, such as sporting clays.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to fail, but don’t make the mistake more than once and always learn from it.
Uri Ugalde
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I graduated from UWW in 2020. I have been a buyer in manufacturing for five years prior to joining Dane Manufacturing.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the people and being part of a fast growing company.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I spend my free time with my family and friends. My girlfriend and I enjoy walking our dog, Sadie. I also enjoy golfing.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I love classic trucks. I collect and work on Chevy C-10’s.
Mandie Smith
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I have a passion for creativity. With expertise in graphic design, web development and electronic media, I bring a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to my role, ensuring effective communication of the brand message and enhanced market visibility.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to design and create. Whether it’s content, marketing materials, or digital assets, I love bringing ideas to life and seeing how they enhance our brand and presence.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors during the summer, enjoying activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and BBQs with family and friends. I also enjoy traveling and trying new foods.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’ve worked on a few Hollywood movie and television sets ranging from a production assistant to main character stand-in and featured extra.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Embrace failures as learning opportunities and always keep pushing forward because you are stronger than you think.
Pete Maier
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 3
Career Background
I received a Bachelor of Science from UW Platteville. Prior to working at Dane, I worked for 2 other manufacturing companies and now have over 37 years of experience doing estimating, project management and sales.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It gives me a lot of satisfaction to bid a project, win it, and then see the product functioning and meeting the requirements of the customer.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time gardening, bird watching, playing softball and spending time with my family.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I collect pedal tractors and also have hybridize day lilies.
Sven Reppen
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 19
Aaron Lee
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 1+
Career Background
I went to school and received majors in history and political science. After completing my degrees, I had short stints working as an athletic director, soccer coach, and cabinet maker. Prior to coming to Dane, I spent the bulk of my career at a bicycle parts manufacturing company where I worked for 17 years and did a variety of jobs from customer service, planning, purchasing, sourcing and international/domestic logistics.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy helping to make Dane a more efficient, productive and enjoyable place to work. I love fixing problems and coming up with creative solutions to give Dane every advantage we can gain. I also like fostering mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers that help our businesses grow.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like taking care of my house and making creations. I have a woodworking shop, where I make furniture and bowls. I like cooking, vacationing with my family, and exercising.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
At work, the best advice I ever received was from a supervisor in the form of a constructive review. He gave me feedback on how he and other people at my place of work perceived my interactions with them. It was a turning point for me in how I conducted myself. It taught me to pay attention to how I act and to try to think about other peoples’ perspectives.
Bret Waterman
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 8
Career Background
Utilizing my accounting background, my career has consistently gravitated towards technology-focused roles, specializing in the development and administration of accounting and ERP systems.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the intersection of technology and manufacturing. I enjoy leveraging my expertise in accounting and ERP systems to improve efficiency and support data-driven decision-making. Seeing the impact of our solutions on the production floor, from reducing waste to optimizing workflows, is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I value the environment where people are the most important piece of the puzzle, working together to achieve our common goals.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have always enjoyed playing golf and hockey, that is, when I am not coaching hockey or baseball.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Is that what you want engraved on your gravestone? Let it go!”
Peter Gilbert
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 7
Career Background
I began my career at Dane working on projects in the engineering department and eventually transitioned into a sales role. After working with customers, I became excited about making sure we meet their requirements and now lead the quality department.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
When challenges arise, I enjoy investigating into the issue and working with production associates to come to an effective solution.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy both gaming and golfing, especially with friends and family.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’m a huge Star Wars fan! In fact, I’ve named both my cats after iconic characters from the series: Luke and Leia.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
It’s okay to not have all the answers, but the key is to never stop asking questions.
Xavier Higgs
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 1
Career Background
I hold an associate’s degree in Mechanical Design from MATC. Before joining Dane Manufacturing, I spent a year working as a lab technician at MATC in the Mechanical Design Technology department, specifically in the Rapid Prototyping Lab.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy collaborating with the team to solve problems and take pride in knowing that the parts we worked on come together successfully in production.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
You will find me in the garage working on cars or anything with an engine, along with woodworking and cooking. I also like going to see live music and stand-up comedy, spending time outdoors, and staying active.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I broke my back mountain biking in 2020.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Comparison is the thief of joy. There will always be someone better than you in some way. If you focus on being the best version of yourself, you will achieve success and joy will follow.
Production Team
Franklin Aguilera Montiel
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like that I get to operate various machines and learn something different each day. I enjoy having numerous responsibilities because they allow me to develop professionally, while facing new challenges.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love traveling with my wife. We love discovering new places, so we travel as much as we can. I also enjoy playing video games and soccer.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I love riding rollercoasters! The higher the better.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Whenever you see an opportunity to grow, take it!
Haminton Cruz Centeno
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 1.7
Career Background
I completed my education in my home country before starting work at Dane Manufacturing as a general laborer. I was given an opportunity to operate a forklift and learn the packaging department, which provided me with the chance to improve my skills and take on more duties. I’m currently enjoying my role as team lead and love working with the Dane team.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy collaborating with my team so we are able to achieve great results and make a difference together.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy playing soccer with my friends and taking road trips.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’m a noble, kind-hearted person who is willing to always help anyone in need without expecting anything in return.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always believe in yourself. Trust in the abilities you have and trust that you will go far.
Kevin Olsen
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 3
Career Background
I graduated from MATC’s Welding program in 2007 and have been in the welding field for over 18 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like being able to pass my skills on to my team and watch them grow.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like going to concerts and concert photography.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I have been in the Martial Arts for 17 years, and reached my 4th degree black belt in 2014.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Focus on the things in your life you can change, and let go of the things you can’t.
Maikol Sanchez Murillo
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 2
Career Background
I’ve been a merchant since a very young age, developing skills as a cell phone technician. I started working at Dane as a general laborer two years ago, eventually transferring to blanking, where I gained valuable experience. That experience helped me earn a promotion as a team lead in Assembly, where I now take on greater responsibilities and support my team in achieving our production goals.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the opportunity to interact with many different people. I also appreciate that there is always something new to learn, which keeps my workday interesting and challenging. Additionally, I like being part of a company that is continuously growing and evolving.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy reading and learning about personal development, spending quality time with my family and cooking.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
My family and I own a business that provides lawn mowing and snow removal services.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is about the power of consistency and doing things with love.
Mike Springen
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 9
Career Background
I am a certified welder with 20 years of experience in the welding industry, including training and mentoring other welders.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being able to share my welding knowledge with others.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like reading spiritual books and attending church.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I can pray in six languages.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Seek ye first the kingdom of God.
Tim Weyers
Rubenia Del Carmen Caleron Ramos
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 4
Career Background
I studied Computer Systems Engineering, but I haven’t had the chance to fully pursue that career path yet. However, Dane has provided me with the opportunity to put some of my educational background skills to use. Before moving here, I worked in the accounting department of a tobacco company in my home country of Nicaragua.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love my job because every day brings new opportunities to learn and help build my experience. The training given provides the Forming department with extensive knowledge about manufacturing processes that ensure our customers are receiving high quality parts which helps Dane grow and succeed.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
What I enjoy most is spending time with my family and friends.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I don’t think that I have something unique, but I believe that all people are unique despite our shortcomings and weaknesses, because God believes each of us to be perfect.
Tim Johnson
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I have over 20+ years in the fabrication field.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy solving problems because it challenges me to think critically, find solutions and contribute to keeping operations running smoothly.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy traveling and spending time out on the beach.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I’m a huge dog lover.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Work like a captain, play like a pirate.
Denis Lopez Castillo
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 4
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy training my colleagues. It is rewarding to help them learn quickly so they can become confident in their roles.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy getting outside and playing soccer with my sons.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always take care of yourself.
Jeckson Hernandez Jimenez
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 3
Career Background
I graduated from Waunakee High School back in 2021. I’m currently attending Madison College, pursuing my associate degree in civil engineering.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Something that I enjoy most about my job is problem solving. The satisfaction of tackling complex challenges and finding creative solutions.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy reading about science topics especially anything related to Quantum Physics, which I find fascinating. I also like to go out with friends, explore new areas and find new adventures.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice that I have ever receive was to take responsibility for my actions. Experiencing and learning from my mistakes is essential to become a better person.
Andy Tomlinson
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 10
Career Background
I have over 28 years of experience in the shipping industry and work as the Shipping Team Lead here at Dane Manufacturing.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the people I get to work with. I also enjoy solving challenging problems.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I raced cars for over 27 years. I spent 5 years in street stock, 17 years in limited late model and 5 years in super late model racing. Now, I help my nephew with his racing and enjoy watching.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Look at the big picture not just what is going on right now.
Gerald Espineira
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 2
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really love everything about my job. I feel I have the best job in the world.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy traveling around the world. I also really like meeting new people.
Jeremy Borman
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 3
Career Background
Before coming to Dane, I was a production lead at a plastic manufacturing company for over 8 years. Here at Dane, I spent a year as a team lead and now have served as a production supervisor for almost 2 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have a fantastic team and we have created a culture within our company that brings everyone together like family.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to fish, go camping and spend time with my family
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you ever get in a spot where you think there is no solution, redirect and find a solution
Koltan Zach
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 8
Lisa Schoenberg
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 6
Career Background
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration for the University of Phoenix, earned in 2008. Prior to moving to the Quality department at Dane, I was the team lead in Assembly.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I find it rewarding to help Dane grown and succeed. At Dane, quality is a requirement, not an option, so it is important that our customers get the very best.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am a high school volleyball coach and I also coach in volleyball clubs. I’m also a huge gardener. I work in my outside garden in the summer, and tend to my garden inside my house in the winter.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I crochet hats, blankets, scarves and mittens. I also hand craft Christmas stockings for friends and family.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The standard is the standard until you create a better standard.
Kory Kurt
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 3
Career Background
I have a degree from UW Oshkosh in kinesiology, coaching, strength and conditioning and worked as a fitness professional for many years. Here at Dane, I started as a general laborer and I have worked in many different departments. As Dane continues to grow, so do I in my own roles within the company.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people. I have a great team and we work well together. We expect the best out of each other every day when we step through the door.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy staying active. This includes exercising, playing and coaching sports, fly fishing and mountain biking. I coach my son’s baseball, football, and hockey teams and enjoy teaching young athletes the fundamentals of all sports. I also enjoy spending time with loved ones.
What is something unique about you that others might not know?
I broke my neck when I was 12. I have a C1/C2 fusion, I am lucky to be alive.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you are going to do something, do it 100%. Whether its your job or doing the dishes, do it to the best of your ability and you can rest easy known you did it with 100% effort. Effort and attitude are two things YOU can control.
Mike Westphal
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: 5
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy assisting the team learn, succeed, and grow. Coming to work and getting to work with dedicated and positive minded people is very fulfilling and contributes to many successful projects.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have many hobbies. I enjoy working with computers and electronics. I enjoy golfing and attending sporting events, as well as playing musical instruments and attending music events. I also enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors. I like to go watch dirt track racing as well.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Pride is defined as doing your best when no one is watching.
Tom Krumpen
Years Employed at Dane Manufacturing: Less than 1
Career Background
I have a degree from University of Wisconsin River Falls. Prior to coming to Dane, I spent 19 years as a Deputy in a jail.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like hunting and I also coach softball.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You never succeed at something you never try.