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Gavin Wasko
Sales Manager
Gavin has been with the Starn family of Companies since 2012. He started on the shop floor, operating manual grinders, and wire EDMs. He then switched to Sales & Marketing and is now the Sales Manager. Gavin has completed several leadership and sales courses. He enjoys golfing, being outside, and all things related to sports.
Sam Meyers
Business Development Manager
Sam has been with the Starn family of Companies since 2018. He began as an assembly technician, then switched to Sales & Marketing, and is now the Marketing Manager. Sam spent 6 years in the military, serving as an Infantry Squad Leader in the United States Marine Corps, and holds bachelor’s degrees in Economics and International Business. In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting, kayaking, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his wife and son.
Jared Callahan
Senior Technician
Jared joined the company in 2013 as an assembly technician. In 2020, he became the senior technician and is now the educator for our applicator training courses, and the main contact for any applicator troubleshooting. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, spending time outdoors and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Zach Tinko
Manufacturing Manager
Zach joined the company in 2013 as an order entry clerk. He moved up through the company, learning to run and program machines, and in 2022 became our Manufacturing Manager. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and spending time with friends and family.
Ben Babcock
Engineering Manager
Ben joined the company in 2018 as a Design Engineer and is now our Engineering Manager. He oversees all R&D projects, reverse engineering services, and any other special projects. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State.
Jim Smith
General Manager
Jim joined the Starn family of companies in 1989 as a janitor/general maintenance. While he was working during the day, he would take night classes in machining and print reading at the local technical center. Over his 30+ year tenure, Jim has helped many departments throughout the company, including assembly, sales, estimating & contract review. Jim is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Willow Peterman
Controller/Partner
Willow has been with the Starn Family of Companies for 9 years, beginning as a co-op student. She went through training in every department for the first 3 years, learning the shop floor and the basic functions of machines. In 2016 she moved into an administrative position and in 2017 moved into her current position. Willow is involved with multiple committees in the industry, most of which support community and academic outreach for today’s youth.
Shawn Schmitz
General Manager/Partner
Shawn’s career with Starn began in 1998. He started his career as a co-op student working his way along the shop floor, completing various tasks, and running multiple machines. He then became the Wire Department Supervisor, and in 2018 moved into the position of General Foreman. Shawn is also the President of the WCJ Ranch, a nonprofit organization that supports the hobbies of veterans with disabilities.
Greg Wasko
Executive VP/Partner
Greg has been in the industry over 30 years and began his career with Starn in 2001. He began as the Program Manager for Starn Commodities Group before becoming Vice President of Starn Tool and Mecal by Starn. Greg is involved in, and serves on the boards of, numerous industry committees and has most recently completed his presidential term for the local NWPA NTMA. Greg also recently received the William E. Hardman Award for Excellence in Training from the National Tooling and Machining Association.
Bill Starn
CEO
Bill has been around the shop his whole life. After high school, he worked at PPG as a laborer. He had several jobs in Erie as a carpenter, cabinet maker, foundry worker, and gas station manager. Bill joined Starn Tool in 1973 as an apprentice toolmaker. After graduation, he was promoted to Foreman, and VP of mfg. Bill purchased Starn Tool in 1992 from his father and since has grown Starn Tool as well as the Starn Family of Companies. He will be celebrating his 50th anniversary in 2023.
