Yes, we do need entrepreneurs who pursue their dreams. But…

As the former Marketing Manager for Profine Molds from June 2005 to August 15, 2006, I would like to take a moment to clarify some points contained in your February 2007 Letter to the Editor, “We need entrepreneurs who pursue their dreams”. Having worked with entrepreneurs for most of my 22-year career I have the utmost respect for them, as they are the ones who lead industry with innovation. The verbatim publication of the February “Letter to the Editor” requires some correction.

In my October statement regarding the demise of Profine Molds, I cautioned that the way you run a small business is not the way to run a large one. The parting message to other business owners was that entrepreneurship, driving uncontrolled expansion without having sound business practices in place, is what ultimately led to Profine’s demise. Logic says Profines’ vision must have been right. Moving from a 22,000 sq. ft. facility to a 60,000 sq.ft. facility. Investing in marketing, equipment, technology, new hires, and global operations. One had to believe the order book must have supported such an aggressive capital investment. No owner would make such a move without a solid business plan in place. Right? Apparently, this was not the case and I can only hope that the newly formed Prolink Molds will not suffer the same fate.

As for the senior management team, they too believed in Profine with the same degree of tenacity and passion as the ownership. They were a diversified team of industry professionals committed to Profine’s success. To discredit their efforts and experience is without merit.

Let’s all remember that on August 16, 60 (not 70) tooling and plastics industry professionals arrived at work to find locked doors. Numerous suppliers and employees were left with money to collect. Customers were left without tooling. August 16 didn’t just happen. This disaster is not about one person. It should really be about the many and a serious lesson learned.Make sure you balance entrepreneurship with sound business practices. Period.

Sincerely Wayne W. Stoddard, PresidentTecMar Group

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After reading the February “Letter to the Editor — We need entrepreneurs who pursue their dreams”, I’m writing on behalf of myself and several other former Profine Molds employees, partners and other people involved in one way or another. We, as a group, were shocked by what we see is a one-sided letter that attempts to tarnish the reputations of dedicated former employees, while having the industry believe that Mr. Gomes was free of any blame. The letter contains several errors in facts that need to be addressed. We think it is important to let the plastics community hear more of the complete picture as to why Profine Molds went out of business and to hopefully gain some lessons as to how not to run your business.

For the record, Profine Molds was not started by Manuel Gomes and two employees as claimed.

It was founded by three entrepreneurs: Mr. Zdenek Studnicka, together with Mr. Thomas Parekunnel and Mr. Manuel Jose Gomes. The idea to start Profine Molds came from Mr. Studnicka. Mr. Parekunnel originated the name.

The initial success of Profine Molds was based on a close team effort of all involved, a common goal to succeed, and to share in a good working atmosphere. This team vision was short-lived and eventually uprooted by Mr. Gomes.

Ms. Denise Castelmezzano and “other” Profine Molds employees, who were there over the years apparently, wrote the letter. We have to ask, “Who are these former employees?” It does not mention that Ms. Castelmezzano only worked at Profine for four months and is currently involved in another mold making business with Mr. Gomes. This clearly puts her letter and its motives in question.

We, the former Profine Molds employees and partners that were actually there and behind the company over the years, strongly object to being represented and spoken for by the author of the letter. Everyone who came to join the company believed in the team vision and promised future initially. It was only after realizing what was offered, and what was the real state of affairs, that frustration and discouragement emerged. Blaming the management team and employees for the demise of the company is irresponsible and shameful.

Respectfully,

Zdenek Studnicka — Founder and former partner — Profine Molds

Thomas Parekunnel — Founder and former partner — Profine MoldsPast Profine Molds employees:

Harald Gaul — R&D ManagerJim Best — Mold Maker and shop supervisor

John Morrison — Sales and Marketing Manager

Paulo Campos — CNC operator

Ricardo Beron — administration

Ian Wu — CNC programming and design

and others