Mechanical Engineer / Age 34
Waupaca Foundry
In his professional life, Kris Olynick is most proud of finishing college, returning after five years in the workforce (and one bad day at a paper mill, which led him to reapply).
He earned a bachelor’s degree from UW-Stout in engineering technology with an emphasis in mechanical design, which he has put to good use for the past six years at Waupaca Foundry. The company relies on skilled workers like Olynick, with engineers and maintenance technicians making up 20% of the foundry’s workforce, says nominator Sara Timm.
Now, Olynick serves on the UW-Stout Engineering Technology Advisory Board and is the team mentor for the Waupaca High School robotics team, teaching and advising students on robot fabrication and mechanical design.
Timm says Olynick is “making a significant impact on increasing awareness of career pathways for students of all kinds who are now considering a career in manufacturing.”
Just as Olynick mentors the students with whom he works, “I try to learn something from everyone I meet,” he says.
