Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication: JR Snyder's Journey with Scotchman Industries
This May, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone — JR Snyder’s 25th anniversary with Scotchman Industries.
JR's journey with us began in the summer of 1999, when he interned while attending Lake Area Tech in Watertown. After graduating, he officially joined the team on May 30, 2000, fulfilling a commitment made through his school’s program. What began as a short-term obligation quickly turned into a lasting and impactful career.
Starting out on the MS machine, JR's natural ability to understand the inner workings of our equipment and his skill for programming soon became evident. By 2004, he had earned the role of head machinist, a position that showcased his deep technical expertise and leadership potential. From there, JR dove into mastering every CNC machine on our floor, writing custom programs, training countless employees, setting up parts, and ensuring each product met Scotchman's exacting standards.
When we invested in the larger Mazak machines, JR was again the go-to person. The challenge was immense—he had to program all the parts, create the necessary jigs, and troubleshoot on the fly, all while fielding the daily question from Jerry Kroetch: “Why aren’t we running yet?” Through it all, JR delivered. His command over part numbers and machine processes remains unmatched. While most employees become experts in a few components, JR can identify and place the vast majority — a skill only a handful at Scotchman can claim.
His expertise didn't stop there. With the introduction of our laser and press brake machines, JR was again on the front line, traveling back and forth to Connecticut with Jason Rhodes for training, learning every detail to ensure a smooth rollout back home.
Leadership opportunities continued to follow. When Ralph Kroetch prepared for retirement, JR stepped into the role of Assistant Shop Foreman. His promotion came just before Ralph suffered a serious motorcycle accident, which accelerated JR’s transition into the role. He quickly adapted, managing the added responsibility with the same diligence he brought to every challenge before.
In August 2024, JR was promoted once again — this time to Shop Foreman. His unmatched attention to detail, product knowledge, and deep experience make him an essential part of Scotchman’s success. For a quarter of a century, JR has played a key role in shaping the quality and consistency that Scotchman Industries is known for.
JR, thank you for 25 years of outstanding service. Your commitment, expertise, and leadership continue to inspire us all.
