After serving as Timco Rubber President for 15 years, Jim Kuzmick stepped down from his position at the beginning of 2008. As of January 1, Bob Kuzmick replaced Jim as President of Timco Rubber. As for Jim, after a long and prosperous career, he plans to enjoy his retirement. His plans include traveling, playing golf, and spending time with family - especially his two granddaughters.
Timco Rubber has been in business for nearly 52 years. Over time, this company has perfected its line of extruded and molded rubber products a well as a wide range of gaskets. Timco Rubber caters to the needs of many markets including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) companies, off-road heavy duty trucks, appliances, and Tier 2 and Tier 3 automotives. All products are custom designed for the unique application of each client.
Jim believes that Timco Rubber has a firm foundation in place that will help guide the company into the future even as the economy and rubber industry changes. During his time as President, Jim believes the company's greatest accomplishments were its consistent profitability each year, providing excellent customer satisfaction, as well as having the ability to offer greater opportunity to employees. The thing that he will miss most about working at Timco Rubber is the great people he had the chance to work with and get to know. In Jim's opinion, the "terrific team" at Timco Rubber is very dedicated and has the desire and will to succeed. Jim is also immensely proud of the great teamwork and many accomplishments of his employees over the years.
Jim has seen the rubber industry as well as the business world change greatly during his time as President. He credits consumers' increased access to information as one of the main contributors to these changes and shifts. Consumers have acquired a "drive thru" mentality - they all seem to have elevated expectations and are increasingly more demanding. This has forced Timco Rubber to adapt so it can serve customers in more unique ways as well as retain current clients and grow new business. Building upon what Timco Rubber founder Nick Kuzmick started in February 1956, both Jim and Bob continue to be committed to 100% customer satisfaction.
Looking forward, Jim predicts that the biggest obstacle for this corporation will be foreign competition, as it has been the past 3-4 years. Jim is very optimistic and believes in the team's ability to survive and prosper even with increased competition from abroad. Timco Rubber's greatest opportunities, in Jim's opinion, are team commitment and continuous self-improvement. He believes that Timco Rubber must continue to be an extroverted company and look outward to the vast and broad market beyond its doors. Great service and constant movement will help move Timco Rubber ahead of competitors and will solidify its position within the rubber products and gaskets industries.
Timco Rubber's goal for the future is to sustain growth and continue to offer opportunities to employees. This company operates in a mature industry and experiences a modest 6% growth year over year which has allowed them to provide complete customer satisfaction and employee opportunities. Bob looks to carry on this strong performance as he becomes the next President.
Overall, Jim is extremely happy with what he has been able to accomplish with Timco Rubber over the past 15 years. His main goal and focus was to support the mission statement set forth when Timco Rubber started selling rubber parts nearly 52 years ago. As Jim steps down and moves into retirement, he can be certain that he has fulfilled this goal and leaves Timco Rubber in a strong position to continue to prosper.
