Rory Wolf
Rory A. Wolf
Professional Member
Richfield, WI
Eleven-year member Rory Wolf has been actively engaged in TAPPI’s Polymers, Laminates, Adhesives, Coating and Extrusion (PLACE) Division since first joining in 2000 at the behest of a former colleague and long-time TAPPI member, Dave Markgraf.
With both his undergraduate (University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee) and graduate (Marquette University) degrees focused on business and marketing, as well as his career efforts, Rory has channeled much of his membership energy serving in several leadership roles within the PLACE Division helping to get the word out about the numerous courses, conference sessions, roundtables, and TAPPI PRESS products that PLACE sponsors. Currently he serves as the Awards Chair for the PLACE Council. Home to hundreds of technical professionals, the PLACE Division provides opportunities to learn from experts in the flexible packaging industry, like Rory, as well as other engineers, operators, and managers who experience and resolve complex, industry challenges on a day-to-day basis.
Today, Rory works as Vice President Business Development/Technology Director for Enercon Industries Corporation in Wisconsin. He has authored two books on plastic surface modification by atmospheric plasma technology and has published 26 technical papers. Additionally, he has authored 35 articles for industry publications such as Paper, Film & Foil Converter (PFFC), Converting, Flexible Packaging, C2 Europe, and Journal of Surface Science & Technology, among others. At Enercon, he is responsible for developing and leading global business plans and product market strategies for surface treatment systems for flexible packaging and 3-dimensional parts, induction cap sealing systems for consumer packaging and ozone generation systems for promoting adhesion and odor control. He also developed and manages Enercon’s leading Atmospheric Plasma Surface Treatment program and is responsible for identifying, qualifying and contracting global networks of manufacturer representatives for all product lines.
Currently transitioning through PLACE’s Leadership Council and serving as Emeritus Chair, Rory says he is on the hunt for a new role and new opportunities within TAPPI’s membership ranks. “When you have the chance to work with ‘best and the brightest’ in our industries by becoming an actively engaged member, you can clearly see the value that membership brings to you, both personally and professionally.”
Q. Why Did You Decide To Join TAPPI?
I was invited to join TAPPI by a former colleague of mine, Dave Markgraf, who himself was a long-time Professional Member, Chairman Emeritus for the PLACE Division, and the person who initiated Enercon’s sponsorship of the Andreas Ahlbrandt Leadership Award within PLACE. I owe a debt of gratitude to Dave for involving me in this great organization.
Q. Please describe your involvement with TAPPI over the years.
I have worked as the Marketing Chair for the PLACE Division, and have assumed rotational roles through the Chairman position. As I am now Emeritus and transitioning through the Leadership Council, I am looking for a new role within the member ranks of TAPPI and/or PLACE … any takers?
Q. How has TAPPI helped you in your career pursuits?
Involvement in TAPPI and the PLACE Division has allowed me to network and collaborate with the “best and the brightest” within the industries represented by TAPPI and PLACE. But it is when these collaborations become lifelong friendships that you realize what membership can truly bring.
Q. Tell us about some of your interests outside of TAPPI and your professional life.
I am an amateur photographer (see the sample photo included), and also play acoustic guitar with a Contemporary Christian group. Additionally, I serve as a Project Business Volunteer for Junior Achievement and as a Campaign Volunteer with the United Way of Wisconsin.
Q. Can you share a unique or fun fact about yourself?
Well, I suppose this is as good a time as any to reveal this … I design group games for Powerpoint (not very exciting, right?).
Q. Closing sentiments?
TAPPI membership has incalculable benefits.
I have had the personal pleasure of meeting and collaborating with industry leaders who make ground-breaking contributions to society. Membership has allowed me to form not only the strongest possible technical network, but also lifelong friendships with truly amazing people. From a support standpoint, the front line TAPPI staff is tireless, highly resourceful, and a completely enabling can-do attitude. In short, TAPPI membership will advance your career, broaden your network, meet old friends and make new ones, and receive a lot more than you give.