M. Holland Commercial Development Program Supports Next-Generation Plastics Industry Talent

In 2016, M. Holland launched the Commercial Development Program (CDP) to introduce new college graduates to career opportunities in the plastics industry. We have since expanded the program to include M. Holland employees and early career candidates with sales experience who are eager to apply their skills to the plastics industry.

The CDP is a six-month training program where Sales Trainees learn the plastics industry by selling our entire product portfolio into a variety of plastic manufacturing companies. To effectively prepare for this endeavor, Sales Trainees must learn the language of plastics and our business from the inside-out. The CDP sets participants up for success with a mix of experiential and classroom learning, supplier and operations plant tours, and job shadowing Mployees on the Sales, Technical, Sourcing and Operations teams. Learning the business through the lens of a sales representative will prepare and expose Sales Trainees to the many other opportunities for career growth in the plastics industry.

“Supporting new talent entering the plastics industry is a critical initiative,” said Monica Christler, Executive Vice President, Commercial. “The M. Holland Commercial Development Program is designed to introduce our CDP participants to the industry and expand their exposure to different career opportunities so they can find a place to thrive and make important contributions to the plastics industry of today and the future.”

Since its inception, M. Holland has welcomed nearly 20 CDP participants with 100% placement in sales positions upon completion.

“The Commercial Development Program creates an ideal learning environment to get hands-on experience in the industry,” said Greg Watkins, Director, Commercial Development. “Our Commercial team is happy to ‘pay-it-forward’ by supporting program participants. Many among our number know what it’s like to enter the plastics industry without experience. Now we are the ones who get to pass on our hard-earned wisdom while training our future colleagues.”

The 2025 program welcomes six participants across different U.S. regions:

• Cody Carlson joins the West regional team in San Diego, California. Cody studied human biology and history at the University of California before earning his MBA at Point Loma Nazarene University.
• Danny Durand joins the Midwest regional team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Danny studied marketing at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.
• Garrett Harp joins the Northeast regional team in Buffalo, New York. Garrett studied history and business at St. Bonaventure University.
• Joe Hassler joins the Southeast regional team in Charlottesville, Virginia. Joe studied retail at Thomas Nelson Community College.
• Joey Piegsa joins the Ohio Valley regional team in Indianapolis, Indiana. Joey studied communication and professional selling at Ball State University.
• Wes Stang joins the Southeast regional team in Bentonville, Arkansas. Wes studied business at the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Cody, Danny, Garrett, Joe, Joey and Wes will benefit from the deep knowledge of M. Holland’s plastics experts through a mix of technical, product and industry training, exposure to internal operations, selling skills, and regular shadowing experiences. Their experience will serve them well as they enter full-time positions in their respective regions upon completion. M. Holland is proud to prioritize the training and support of new talent entering the plastics industry. For more information on career opportunities, visit www.mholland.com/careers.