2012 Leader Under 40: Zach Wilsterman, 39

President/Owner, Profiles Tool and Engineering, Tempe, Ariz.

By Plant Engineering September 11, 2012

Zach Wilsterman, 39

President/Owner, Profiles Tool and Engineering, Tempe, Ariz.

Years at Profiles Tool and Engineering: 12

Education: BS Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University

Zach’s contributions

“Zach is the epitome of what is needed in our industry and our country,” said Dante Fierros, president of the Arizona chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association. “Zach is proactive, bright, motivated, talented, energetic, strategic, and a proven producer. Zach exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit needed to rekindle manufacturing in our country. His company has steadily grown by adding a world-class ERP system and hiring quality personnel.”

Why a career in manufacturing?

“I am an engineer. I have a passion for figuring out new ways to create. I started with design and then manual machining. Someone introduced me to CNC machining. After my normal engineering workday, I found mentors to teach machining. From there I started my business in addition to my engineering career. I found I had a talent for this industry and grew Profiles Tool & Engineering Inc. as my full-time passion. From 2000 until now, I have grown too and weathered the economy successfully. I have a passion to grow even more in my industry!”