Build A Dream Career At Cavalier Tool
Published Sep 30, 2024 | Posted in Culture, News, People
Build A Dream at Cavalier Tool and Manufacturing Ltd.
All you need are the relevant skills and the right attitude and opportunity will surely come knocking at Cavalier. Cavalier’s three Canadian plants and three Indian offices employ an array of business professionals, engineers, and highly skilled trade workers. Cavalier’s World Headquarters in Windsor, Ontario hosts not only their Office Staff and Engineering Department but also the largest of Cavalier’s three plants where nearly all of final assembly is completed on Cavalier Molds.
Staff work on molds for a diverse set of industries like Recreational Vehicles, Consumer Goods, Commercial Goods, Agricultural Equipment, Automotive Parts, Infrastructure, and Heavy Truck. With Capabilities to produce Injection Molds, Aluminum Molds, Gas Counter Pressure Molds, Compression Molds, Injection Compression Molds, Multishot, Structural Foam, and Stack Molds. It takes the right people, on the right equipment, doing the right thing to effectively and efficiently serve all these different industries via this large range of capabilities.
Cavalier was thrilled to have recently hosted a team from the non-profit Build a Dream at Cavalier Headquarters.
Build a Dream Visits Cavalier
Build-a-Dream is a non-profit that delivers specialized programs to encourage and empower female students to explore careers where women are under-represented, while also working to create a gender-balanced workforce and change global perspectives on women’s contribution to society.
The Build a Dream team came to Cavalier to interview some of the female role models employed across the organization. This included Chief Financial Officer Diane Woodiwiss, Purchaser Pina Longo, and one of Cavalier’s EDM Programmers Cynthia Cooper. This is part of a wider initiative to highlight women excelling in skilled trades and STEM careers. Build a Dream calls it their Women in Industry Campaign.
“Partnering with and showcasing the women at Cavalier aligns perfectly with our organization’s mission to recruit more women into skilled trades and STEM careers. Collaborative and intentional partnerships like these enable us to reach our goals and fulfill our vision. They foster community, inspire dreams, and dismantle barriers.” says Build a Dream President and Founder, Nour Hachem. “Cavalier exemplifies how leadership, industry, and mission-driven initiatives can unite to create a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
Cavalier Tool and President Brian Bendig’s collaboration with Build a Dream began long before this recent visit.
“I first met Brian Bendig over a decade ago. From the outset, Brian demonstrated unwavering support for my decision to establish Build a Dream as a nonprofit organization,” says Hachem “Brian has consistently shown up at every career expo, putting meaningful and intentional effort into his booth to engage with families. Brian’s commitment to supporting those in need and advocating for those who require our assistance has been a pivotal aspect of our shared journey.”
“I agree that women should be in industry, I’ve got two daughters myself and I think it’s important for there to be a voice in the industry supporting women and their journeys through the trades,” says Bendig. “I like what Build a Dream is doing with the Women in Industry campaign because it shows young women that anything is possible and there’s women out there right now succeeding in the trades.”
Diane Woodiwiss – Chief Financial Officer – Cavalier Tool
When the Build-a-Dream team sat down with Cavalier CFO Diane Woodiwiss. They talked about career paths, the importance of mentorship, and making connections with people.
“I’ve been very lucky to have people I could look up to and learn a lot from in my past experiences. That’s why I find it important to give back where I can and help people to succeed” says Woodiwiss.
Woodiwiss stressed how important it is in a leadership role to have open lines of communication with her people. “It’s important to be honest with them, let them know what’s going on, and always ensure they feel welcome to approach me with any questions they may have.”
When asked what advice she gives to young women aspiring to leadership positions Woodiwiss said “It’s important to learn as much as you can early on in your career, try new things, and find a good mentor who can help you along the way – But most importantly, be confident in your skills and in yourself”
“If I could go back and talk to my teenage self, I’d tell her to have some fun. Learn and do as much as you can up front but also make as many connections as you can. – You never know where life is going to take you and who you’ll meet along the way”
Woodiwiss began her finance career in Public Accounting. She emphasizes the importance of making connections and learning from the people you meet.
“When I was in public accounting, I met a lot of successful people that owned their own business; I was able to learn a lot from them – In industry you can learn a lot from your co-workers as well and what they do” says Woodiwiss.
“You can be a mentor in so many ways. When I was in public accounting, I helped people to get through their exams, but later in life I’ve been able to help people with their careers. I think it all comes down to where you are in your career and what type of mentor you want to be”
Woodiwiss came to Cavalier in December of 2022. “My experience at Cavalier has been positive. The leadership has actively encouraged my contributions, making it clear that my presence is not only accepted but celebrated. This kind of receptiveness is crucial for anyone stepping into a new role, especially in a trade where women have historically been underrepresented.”
Speaking on Build a Dream Woodiwiss said “As we move forward, it’s imperative to continue supporting initiatives like Build a Dream. Together, we can pave the way for more women in trades, ensuring they have the resources and community needed to thrive. The future is bright, and women are an essential part of that vision.”
Pina Longo – Purchaser – Cavalier Tool
Next up for an Interview was Cavalier Purchaser, Pina Longo. Pina started her career in sales at another company when she was recruited by the previous Cavalier Purchaser. When she sat down with Build-a-Dream for her interview she talked about the benefits of having a strong mentor, the importance of communication, and encouraging young women to enter the trades.
Pina has worked at Cavalier for eleven years, she handles all of the purchasing at the North American Tooling Manufacturer.
Speaking on the importance of a good mentor in her career Pina said “That same gentleman that recruited me was and still is my mentor here. He’s my direct supervisor and he helps me every day – There’s lots to learn about this industry; especially when you’re coming in with no prior knowledge”
When looking for a mentor, Pina stresses the importance of communication. “Constant communication is his best trait. Consistent communication and mutual respect are critical components of success in this business”
When asked what inspires her to continue her career Pina said “My daughter is my inspiration – to give her something that she can look at, what she can do with her life, and how good she can be. She’s my inspiration every day.”
And if she could go back to speak with her teenage self, Pina would tell her to stay in school, consider all her options, and go into the trades.
“I didn’t do that, I started out in marketing and accounting and here I am purchasing for a great tool shop. I would say the same to other teenage girls, don’t be afraid of the trades. It’s viewed as a male-dominated industry and it is, but girls can do so much, and they can do the same things as the guys.”
Cynthia Cooper – EDM Programmer – Cavalier Tool
Cynthia Cooper is an EDM Programmer at Cavalier. Inspired by her father and a high-school teacher who led her to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Cynthia went on to land a job at Cavalier in February of 2020. The very next year she won a Canadian Tooling and Machining Association’s (CTMA) Pre-Apprentice Award.
In her interview with Build-a-Dream Cynthia talked about her experiences and advice on career development in the trades, her journey from OYAP to programming EDM machines, and how she’s thankful for the supportive work environment at Cavalier Tool and Manufacturing Limited.
“My dad has always been a hands-on person, that’s really where my journey started,” says Cynthia “I originally wanted to be a mechanic because I would always see my dad working on cars. – when I reached Grade Eleven my shop teacher convinced me to join the OYAP program.”
When asked about her experience with the OYAP program, Cynthia said “It was fun! The projects that we did were first-level college projects; So by the time I hit college I got to skip that first year and go straight into the second year.”
Through this program, Cynthia accumulated 1500 hours at Cavalier Tool and Manufacturing.
Her total score for the ranking of attributes of Punctuality/Attendance; Reliability/Dependability; Quality of Work; Problem Solving Skills, Attention to Detail, Initiative and Ambition; Ability to work successfully in a team environment; Attitude, Compliance with Company Rules and Procedures and Follows Safe Work Practices, was a whopping 96%!
What about the next generation of young girls considering this trade? Cynthia says that although it can be overwhelming at times, there are plenty of friends to be made and fun to be had. In short, there’s nothing to be scared of!
Cynthia is most proud of the opportunity to program EDM machines at Cavalier. “When I started I didn’t think I’d be able to program and run these machines, it normally takes around seven years and I was able to do it in three – I’m really proud of myself and grateful for the opportunity to work with these machines”
Speaking on how she was able to move up so quickly Cynthia says it was a case of being in the right place at the right time. “I was working on a Wire EDM machine and when an opening came up I told them I wanted to program – Cavalier got me a computer and paired me up with somebody who I could train and program with – I’m really grateful for this opportunity”
“This work is hands-on. It is quick learning. It’s not a lot of years of studying and it’s really active, too. And now for girls, this helps encourage maybe more to join in.” Cynthia said after winning her Pre-Apprentice award.
Learn More About Build a Dream