Dave Hodnett has been with Standex Engraving Mold-Tech for 34 years, starting in an entry-level position in 1990 before moving into the Pattern Development Studio, where he started to learn about chemical engraving and developed an eye for textures. He also served as production manager at the company’s Fraser, MI, location, and ultimately landed in sales, where he worked with tool shops and molders and assisted in managing one of Standex’s biggest customers, a large Detroit-based automobile company. Today, he is the account manager for that same automotive company he started working with long ago and is director of automotive sales for North America.

Before joining Standex, Hodnett served in the US Army. He was stationed in Panama, where he trained as a combat engineer with SAPPER qualifications. His career at Standex was put on hiatus when he was called back into the service of his country during Desert Storm. His Army Reserve unit was deployed stateside, training incoming recruits.