Meet the team
The power of all of us, together
Expert knowledge and support
We’re committed to walking with you through every step of your project, from concept all the way to launch. We’re here to support you, going beyond just making a part to use our expertise to meet the challenge.
Our employees are the pride of our company, bringing technical knowledge and industry experience along with a wide range of backgrounds to work with them every day. We empower them to make decisions and explore creative solutions to support your needs.
Here are a few of the experts you’ll meet when you partner with us.
Alex Papadopulos
Chief Executive Officer and President
Alex knows this industry: He started his career with The Timken Company in an accelerated rotational career development program, focusing on process development and Six Sigma projects to improve quality and reduce cost and waste. When he came to Soundwich in Dec. 2014, he started the process engineering department from scratch, expanding the company’s capabilities. He worked his way from process engineer to his current role as CEO and President. He led the company in upgrades and new goals, taking a team focused strictly on the automotive industry for 35 years into aerospace development and expertise in 2025. When he’s not at Soundwich, he enjoys taking time to travel with his spouse.
“I am a lifelong automotive enthusiast, and I also enjoy collecting mechanical watches, which I am fascinated by. I’d say my early interest in cars, watches and really anything mechanical is what led me to engineering.”
Tim Whalen
Director of Sales
Tim has contributed to building a strong, team-oriented culture where each person feels valued, empowered and needed over the course of the last 10 years. He’s been a part of the industry for 29, and focuses his work on commercial leadership and direction. Outside Soundwich, he loves to ice fish, and has an ongoing goal to attract a pair of eastern bluebirds to nest in his yard. He also spends time with his wife and two sons.
“I enjoy sharing Soundwich’s evolution with automotive professionals in my personal life.”
Bob Meeker
Advanced Development and Application Engineer
With 40 years in the industry, Bob is qualified as a tool and die maker and tooling engineer working on aerospace and automotive projects. With his industry experience, he’s responsible for bringing several new products to Soundwich’s line of metal manufacturing. He’s served on multiple boards for automotive, education and government organizations. Outside of Soundwich, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, as well as traveling to new countries to meet clients and make lifelong friendships.
“I am proud that I have been able to design and develop multiple stampings for the automotive industry. I also have one patent in the truck industry.”
Gary Six
Engineering Manager
With a background as a tool and die maker before moving into design, Gary has a range of skills that he brings to every project. He takes on automotive and aerospace stampings and has expertise in capital projects and process improvements, keeping things on track and on budget. When he’s not solving problems for clients, he’s often playing golf or applying his design skills in woodworking.
“I am a person who wears many hats both within the company and in personal life.”
Rick Renton
Director of Materials
In the course of his daily work, Rick is accountable for purchasing, contract negotiations and developing procurement strategies for raw materials, finished goods and external services. He’s been a part of the industry for more than 25 years with more than 10 of those specifically as a part of the automotive industry. He has multiple certifications and qualifications, including the Karrass Effective Negotiating Course, and helps manage Soundwich’s on-site greenhouse, earning his self-proclaimed title of “Plant Manager”.
“I try to keep a positive attitude and infuse the day with humor when given the opportunity. Dad jokes are a must!”
Tamara Hollis
Human Resources Manager
Tami is a professional in HR certification and aPHR certification with 24 years in the industry. She’s proud to be Omi to two grandkids, and hits the trails in upper Michigan riding side-by-side and 4-wheeling.
“When someone asks what I do, I’m very happy to share that Soundwich made parts for their cars.”
Joe Harant
Quality Manager
If expertise can be measured by project count, Joe has put up some serious numbers: Since 2018, he’s helped launch more than 50 new parts through PPAP. His work with the quality team has reduced customer complaints and cost of quality each year. Aside from his project approval projects, he’s central to project launch and management, as well as customer engagement and relations. He’s got the skills to provide that communication support, as he’s been doing a college radio show since 1997 (which also encourages his growing record, CD and cassette collection).
“I enjoy talking about the various parts we make at Soundwich and describing their importance on cars, trucks and aircraft.”
Brandon Towns
Saint Clair Plant Manager
With more than 20 years in manufacturing and production, Brandon prides himself on leading the launch of new work centers and improving on-time delivery mechanics at Soundwich. He leads new manufacturing cell implementations, process optimization initiatives and operational efficiency improvements. His expertise is enhanced with comprehensive OSHA certifications as well as others such as his Safety Leadership Certification. He focuses on time with his family along with health and fitness and real estate projects.
“I’m passionate about building strong teams, fostering growth and creating a workplace culture where excellence is expected and celebrated.”
Taking flight
Soundwich shipped its first parts in the aerospace market in 2024, expanding its manufacturing capabilities and making a new name for itself with quality and support.
Patently impressive
Soundwich employees hold a total of 13 patents coming from a range of applications across the automotive and aerospace industries. That expertise drives our success.
Proud of our products
Our experienced employees work hard to develop innovative ways to handle complicated issues. Whether it’s a custom solution or one of our standard products such as ThermaShield™, we’re always looking for the right way to move forward together toward launch. Check out our automotive and aerospace capabilities to see how we can help.