From a modest start in 1971 to becoming a leader in the corrugated industry, Dynamic Dies has stayed true to its roots while navigating the complexities of modern business. Recently, Pat Sullivan, CEO of Dynamic Dies, opened up about the company’s history, its ongoing commitment to family values, and the exciting future ahead.
The Roots of Dynamic Dies: A Family Story
“My dad grew up in Germany, was in a foster home and got shipped. If you want to say to the United States with his brother, it was just him and his brother.” said Pat, “The story you hear about in all your history books, to the Statue of Liberty in New York, came there, got adopted through the Catholic Charities, and then grew up in Findlay. And I think that shaped a lot of what my dad, his philosophy on business.”
Years later, after working for a competitor, Pat’s father decided to start his own company.
“They each took part of it, developed business plans, went to five banks before they got approved, and in 1971 the company started in a garage.”
Building a Legacy: Family and Business Values
The core of Dynamic Dies’ success lies in its commitment to family values. Pat emphasizes that the feeling of family has been a guiding principle since the company’s inception. “We’ve gone through many buildings and locations. I think the core of all this is the feeling of family. I think my dad, you know, growing up, didn’t have a lot of that in the beginning years.”
This culture is more than just a mission statement—it’s something that’s felt in every interaction with customers and employees. According to Pat, honesty and respect are the pillars that uphold the company’s relationships with its clients. Dynamic Dies isn’t just about delivering products; it’s about building relationships, understanding customers’ needs, and creating lasting partnerships.
Customer-Centric Approach: Beyond Business Transactions
Dynamic Dies’ approach to customer service goes beyond the typical vendor-client relationship. Pat believes in developing deep, meaningful connections with customers. It’s not just about selling cutting dies or printing plates; it’s about understanding customers’ expectations, challenges, and goals.
“We want them [our customers] to know the whole of Dynamic,” Sullivan said, “one of the things I enjoy, and I think customers enjoy, is having them come to our company for tours, they get to meet the people on the floor and hear them explain what they do. They’re proud of what they create. We like to incorporate that into everything we do.”
Embracing Change: Preparing for the Future
As Dynamic Dies looks to the future, the company is focused on bringing in a new generation of employees. Many of the original team members, who have been with the company for decades, are now retiring. This shift marks an exciting time for the company as they work to infuse younger talent into the business.
Training the next generation with the technical knowledge they need is a priority for Pat and his team. “Ten years from now, 30 years from now, those people will be the ones leading the organization.”
The goal is to ensure that Dynamic Dies remains a leader in the industry for decades to come, all while staying true to the values that have brought them this far.
Innovation Driven by Customer Feedback
One of the secrets to Dynamic Dies’ success is its commitment to innovation, which is driven by customer feedback. Pat emphasizes the importance of listening to customers—understanding their challenges, needs, and desires. This customer-centric approach allows the company to innovate in ways that truly benefit their clients, making their jobs easier and more efficient.
“We’ve developed a technical team which we explicitly have out there to visit customers, go to customers, help solve problems,” said Pat, “They’re bringing these things to the table, and we have open conversations about where we should go next, what’s most important and what’s going to be the biggest bang for the buck for our customers.”
This allows Dynamic Dies to keep an open line of communication, ensuring that they’re not just reacting to market demands but proactively shaping the future of the industry.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
As Dynamic Dies continues to grow, Pat is focused on maintaining the balance between tradition and innovation. The company’s future is bright, with plans to expand its offerings and continue evolving with the industry. Still, at the heart of it all, Dynamic Dies remains a family business—committed to the values that have sustained it for over five decades.
“It’s about building trust and developing a culture of honesty with our customers.” These are indeed words to live by, as Dynamic Dies moves forward into its next chapter.
FAQs
Q: How did Dynamic Dies start?
A: Dynamic Dies was founded in 1971 by Pat Sullivan’s father, who came to the U.S. as a child from Germany. The company started in a garage and has grown significantly over the decades.
Q: What makes Dynamic Dies different from other companies?
A: Dynamic Dies is deeply rooted in family values. The company focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with customers, going beyond just business transactions.
Q: How has Dynamic Dies adapted to recent challenges like COVID-19?
A: The company quickly transitioned to remote work during the pandemic, developing systems to maintain productivity. They continue to adapt by maintaining their close-knit culture even with some employees working offsite.
Q: What is Dynamic Dies’ approach to innovation?
A: The company’s innovation is driven by customer feedback. They focus on understanding customers’ needs and developing products and services that truly benefit them.