Michael Megleo is a third-generation manufacturer—a career he says he didn’t necessarily plan to pursue but one that he enjoys and is proud to be a part of.
Megleo bought Advanced Prototype Molding in Wauconda, IL, from his father, Bruce Megleo, two years ago. Michael’s grandfather started the business in the 1960s, focused mainly on making models and prototypes. Over the years, the business’ services expanded in response to customer requests.
Michael started working in the family business when he was a kid. As a ten-year-old, he helped his dad on the shop floor. After studying at the University of Iowa and learning how to run a CNC machine, he returned to the family business with ideas to expand the company’s services.
“I started to take the business in the direction more like a full-service company,” Michael said. “We noticed we were making prototypes for people who weren’t taking their products to the finish line. Expanding our capabilities seemed a good way to service our customers better and grow as a company.”
One such product Advanced Prototype Molding has had a key part in is the “Stupid Car Tray.” (Yes, that’s its name!)
“It’s a car tray that sits in the passenger seat and flattens out the seat. It becomes like a little desk. The ‘Stupid Car Tray’ is sold on Amazon, at Walmart, and I-80 truck stops,” he said. “The inventor of the product lives in my neighborhood. He had the idea, but not a design. We worked with them to build a prototype, and eventually took it to production and distribution.”
And while being involved in developing product concepts is satisfying for the 42-year-old, becoming the owner of Advanced Prototype Molding brought with it the desire to evolve the company culture to be more human-centered.
His company culture concept stemmed from his positive relationship with his father, Megleo said.
“When I got to college, I was unsure if manufacturing was something that I wanted to do, but the turning point was when I realized I liked working with my dad. I thought returning to the family business would be a great opportunity to be together every day,” he said.
It took time for Michael to arrive at that conclusion, he said. He had observed how hard his father worked to lead the business.
“Initially it seemed easier to go to college and work for someone else. I eventually concluded that it would be more fulfilling to hire people and contribute to their individual goals,” he said.
Michael says it is crucial that his 15 team members feel comfortable coming to his office to talk about work, life, and “whatever it is.”
“I want to celebrate our successes. I want to celebrate birthdays and holidays. I want to make people feel they’re needed and show them we appreciate everything they do for me, the company, and their fellow employees.” Advanced Prototype Molding has an open-door policy where he hopes the team members “feel welcome to come in and talk to me about anything,” Michael said.
“My goal is to create a space where people feel valued and appreciated. We are building something together and everyone’s contributions are impactful to the success of the business.”
For Michael, that emphasis on connecting with other humans goes beyond the walls of Advanced Prototype. It extends to the Technology & Manufacturing Association, where networking is a significant emphasis for members.
He said that joining TMA brought networking, meeting people, and understanding other industries and crucial industry connections. “I also got a website designer, realtor, and insurance expert through TMA. So it is a whole network of people there to help you,” he said. “I have gotten jobs through TMA, a bonus.”
But overall, for Michael, the most significant impact of being a part of TMA is that the networking changed his view on his business as a whole.
“Previously I may have been more inclined to hold on to my contacts and keep them private. Now I’m more willing to share them directly with my customers and provide alternative avenues to get their projects completed.”
Michael focuses on doubling the business and services over the next ten years. But there are a few things that could make that growth goal a little trickier, he says.
“The biggest challenge now is looking at the world and trying to figure out what’s going on all the time. You know, this has been a weird year. We’re having great months and bad months.
People are pulling back inventory after two years of trying to get as much inventory as possible,” he said.
“Keeping an eye on market conditions and attempting to adjust for business needs 6-12 months out is challenging.”
And where does Michael see himself in five years?
“Still in the same office. I see myself as growing this company, hopefully doubling in size in five years, if not more, and being happy with that,” Michael said with a smile.
“I hope I’m just here, growing. What I want is for everyone to be happy here. The more people there are, the more fun it will be. A bigger family…”
Learn more about Advanced Prototype Molding at www.advancedprototype.com.
By Fran Eaton, TMA News Bulletin editor, May/June 2024