Solutions Current Issues > July.Aug.Sept_2008 > IN FOCUS
Email LinkIN FOCUS
Meet Ray Podesta
From Hudson, Ohio to RL Hudson & Company
When RL Hudson Engineering Director Frank Horn met Ray Podesta, it was not under the best of circumstances. Ray’s employer, Johnson Rubber, was closing its doors after 113 years in business, a victim of the downturn in the U.S. auto industry. Frank was visiting to help transition parts for a mutual customer from Johnson to RL Hudson. Little did either man know that within weeks, Ray would be on the road from Hudson, Ohio, to RL Hudson & Company.
“Frank had given me a business card with Rick Hudson’s cell number written on the back, and suggested I give him a call. I had a lot of respect for Hudson as a strong competitor, so my interest was piqued,” Ray said.
The next Sunday afternoon while driving his convertible — temperatures demanding that the top stay up — Ray dialed Rick’s number. After a brief conversation, the two agreed to meet at RL Hudson’s headquarters in Oklahoma.
Anticipating a one-day trip, Ray was pleasantly surprised when his stay extended to two and a half days. The result: Rick asked Ray to join RL Hudson and lead the engineering, materials and product development groups.
“It’s refreshing to see the caliber of people working at RL Hudson. They’re among the best I’ve ever known,” said Ray. “The company culture — which emanates from the top — is focused on doing the right things, the right way. That gives me absolute confidence in our future.”
Ray has nearly 40 years of experience in engineering and material technology. He began his career as a design engineer with Tenneco’s shipbuilding division. He subsequently worked for Lord Corporation, where he led design and development for fluid and conventional vibration isolators, water pump impellers, and couplings for the automotive, off-highway, truck/bus and recreational marine markets. At Johnson Rubber, Ray oversaw materials and process development, product and material testing, quality, manufacturing engineering and product design.
He is a member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, Rubber Manufacturers Association, Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Christian Brothers University, and his master’s in engineering science from Pennsylvania State University.
And the road from Hudson, Ohio, to RL Hudson & Company? Well, with the top down nearly every day, let’s just say Ray’s having a lot more fun in his convertible.
DRIVING INNOVATION: Ray Podesta, RL Hudson’s new executive director of engineering, product and material technology, leads a talented team of engineers, designers and chemists who are focused on finding innovative solutions and maximizing value for customers.
