LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE COMPANY In addition to steering Custom Rubber Corp., Braun has played a pivotal role in advancing the rubber industry. As a founding member of the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM), Braun has championed collaboration and knowledge-sharing among manufacturers. The organization was born out of a need to provide a dedicated platform for non-tire rubber manufacturers, who often felt overshadowed within the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). “At a certain point, it became obvious that we needed our own professional organization,” Braun says. Together with industry leaders Regan McHale of Eagle Elastomer and Bernard Grégoire of Hamilton Kent, Braun helped establish ARPM. The group enlisted Troy Nix, a seasoned association manager, to direct the organization. “It’s been a really fun ride,” Braun reflects. “Since First Resource has taken over management, ARPM has done amazing things.” ARPM offers members invaluable resources, including benchmarking surveys, economic forecasts tailored to the rubber industry, and networking opportunities. Braun emphasizes the long-term value of these connections. “Many of our new customer referrals come from industry relationships,” he notes. “Networking pays dividends over time.” EMBRACING INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE Custom Rubber Corp.’s success is rooted in its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The company leverages benchmarking tools and economic insights provided by ARPM to stay ahead of industry trends. During the pandemic, these resources proved especially critical in navigating uncertainty. “Understanding what professional prognosticators are saying is important,” Braun says. “The uncertainty isn’t going away, so staying informed is key.” Beyond data and forecasting, Braun values the intellectual stimulation that comes with leading a manufacturing business. “If I get bored with paperwork, I can walk the shop floor,” he says. “There’s always something new to learn and solve.” LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As Custom Rubber Corp. approaches its 75th anniversary, the company remains committed to growth and diversification. By serving a wide array of industries and leveraging decades of expertise, it is well-positioned to thrive in an ever-changing market. “Manufacturing is challenging but rewarding,” Braun reflects. “We’ve faced tough times, but we’ve also built a strong foundation for the future.” With Braun at the helm, Custom Rubber Corp. continues to uphold its legacy of resilience and innovation—a true testament to the enduring spirit of American manufacturing. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Custom Rubber Corp. offers molded rubber handle grips. Custom Rubber Corp. offers rubber to metal bonding. Custom Rubber Corp. offers custom molded colored rubber. » Many of our new customer referrals come from industry relationships. Networking pays dividends over time. » Charlie Braun, President, Design Engineer 12 / INSIDE RUBBER / 2025 Issue 1
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