Charles Washburn - Landscape Forms - Export of the Year
This article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
Charles Washburn never really saw himself in a leadership role but, now that he is an Operations Engineering Manager at Landscape Forms, other members of his team can’t imagine the business without him.
His passion for mentoring, his workplace culture values and his dedication to excellence in everything he does have made him stand out in the industry, and for that he is recognized as this year’s Manufacturing Emerging Leader.
Washburn says receiving the Emerging Leader Award is an honor.
“It’s a recognition of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my leadership, and also recognizes those who I have led throughout the years as well,” he says.
Living the Values
Based in Kalamazoo, Landscape Forms is an outdoor furniture manufacturer focused on high-design site furnishings, lighting, structures and custom environments. The business’s history, goals and culture are centered around “design, culture and craft” — ensuring that customers receive the beautiful, functional and durable solutions they have come to expect and that team members work in a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and positivity.
“Charles just embodies all of those principles,” says Natalie Jackson, Director of Talent and Organization Development. “He’s probably one of the most collaborative leaders we have here, someone who sets the bar high for his team, gets great results and really lives the values of the business through and through.”
Director of Technical Operations Blaise Beltowski says Washburn has made a significant impact on Landscape Forms since he began as a manufacturing engineer seven years ago.
“We had to twist his arm a little bit to get him into leadership and, when he did, he really gained momentum and speed,” Beltowski says. “He really understood what leadership was about, which is a conjunction of what an organization needs and what an individual wants or needs, and bringing those two things together. He’s also very good at setting clear expectations, providing exceptional feedback and bringing people along with him.”
In his role, Washburn works with their engineering, quality assurance, new product development and manufacturing training teams. He frequently challenges the status quo to find more optimal ways of doing things, such as how they deliver products.
“On top of that, he’s a culture driver,” Beltowski says. “He’s a change agent within the organization. Everyone is positive around him. Everyone has a ‘Charles impact’ story.”
Jackson adds that Washburn has built an incredible team through a strong leadership foundation, has been part of large projects for the organization and is even highly involved in fun events like their annual family festival in the fall.
“If you have a problem to solve, he’s the person you want on your team because he’s going to make it better,” Jackson says. “I think he can do anything, and he does it to the nth degree, whether it’s some incredibly challenging project here at work or at home. He just does everything to a level of excellence that is unmatched.”
Beltowski says that Washburn continually challenges himself to learn more.
“He’s also direct, honest and respectful in his communication, which embodies trust that is really important for leadership,” he says. “He has a high level of integrity, always modeling what a high-performance team member should be doing. And then he’s extremely empathetic, so he truly cares about the success of this organization and its people.”
Dedicated Mentor
Beyond making an impact at Landscape Forms, Washburn’s dedication to the growth of the industry is reflected through his mentorship of young adults interested in a variety of related careers.
He mentors high school students, internal team members and even coaches a local flag football team, Beltowski says.
“Mentorship is why I’m in leadership,” says Washburn, who is paying it forward with his alma mater, Western Michigan University, by sponsoring senior design projects and offering internships.
Washburn says he also enjoys working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as bringing high school students into the workplace to open their eyes to manufacturing careers and processes.
“Charles mentors the next generation from a standpoint of compassion and empathy,” Beltowski says. “He cares about ensuring that there’s future success out there within manufacturing and engineering and just in general throughout society.”
Due to his character, compassion and dedication to the growth of the industry and the education of future professionals, Charles Washburn has been recognized as the 2024 Manufacturing Emerging Leader.
The Manufacturing Emerging Leader award is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.