(888) 347-7014
January 9, 2026
We are pleased to announce updates to our Bales team, with the addition of new talent as well as recognizing our customer-facing existing members who continue to drive our success.
MEET THE BALES TEAM
Stacey Bales
PRESIDENT
Stacey Bales brings 25+ years at Bales Metal Surface Solutions, serving as President since 2009, with board roles at HR Source and the Chicago Surface Finishing Foundation. She has been recognized with TMA’s inaugural Young Leader Award, the NASF Award of Merit, and spots on the Products Finishing 40 Under 40 and Plastics News Rising Stars lists, all guided by a people-first leadership style.
Stacey Bales brings 25+ years at Bales Metal Surface Solutions, serving as President since 2009, with board roles at HR Source and the Chicago Surface Finishing Foundation. She has been recognized with TMA’s inaugural Young Leader Award, the NASF Award of Merit, and spots on the Products Finishing 40 Under 40 and Plastics News Rising Stars lists, all guided by a people-first leadership style.
Doug Pabst
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Doug Pabst offers 20+ years of manufacturing and transportation leadership experience, combining an MBA from Northern Illinois University, Six Sigma Black Belt certification, and FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses to drive efficient, highperforming operations. He has led initiatives improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening customer relationships.
Doug@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4089
Doug Pabst offers 20+ years of manufacturing and transportation leadership experience, combining an MBA from Northern Illinois University, Six Sigma Black Belt certification, and FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses to drive efficient, highperforming operations. He has led initiatives improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening customer relationships.
Doug@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4089
Wyatt Harding
QUALITY MANAGER
Wyatt Harding contributes 30+ years of quality and manufacturing experience, with deep technical expertise in injection molding, electroplating, electroforming, metal finishing, and chemical operations. He leads customer-focused improvement initiatives, develops practical solutions to complex challenges, and ensures precision, reliability, and high performance across all manufacturing processes.
Wyatt@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4081
Wyatt Harding contributes 30+ years of quality and manufacturing experience, with deep technical expertise in injection molding, electroplating, electroforming, metal finishing, and chemical operations. He leads customer-focused improvement initiatives, develops practical solutions to complex challenges, and ensures precision, reliability, and high performance across all manufacturing processes.
Wyatt@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4081
Rich O’Brien
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Rich O’Brien provides 30+ years at Bales, pairing extensive institutional knowledge with a consultative, relationship-driven approach to solving complex technical challenges. He is recognized for building long-term trusted partnerships and delivering tailored, high-impact solutions. His expertise spans both technical processes and strategic problem-solving.
Rich@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4092
Rich O’Brien provides 30+ years at Bales, pairing extensive institutional knowledge with a consultative, relationship-driven approach to solving complex technical challenges. He is recognized for building long-term trusted partnerships and delivering tailored, high-impact solutions. His expertise spans both technical processes and strategic problem-solving.
Rich@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4092
Rich Wozniak
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Rich Wozniak brings 35+ years of mold-making and manufacturing experience, from CNC milling and EDM machining to operations leadership in plastic injection and LSR overmolding. He uses his technical expertise to help molders solve complex challenges, develop tailored solutions, and extend mold life through precision coatings and finishes.
RichW@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4078
Rich Wozniak brings 35+ years of mold-making and manufacturing experience, from CNC milling and EDM machining to operations leadership in plastic injection and LSR overmolding. He uses his technical expertise to help molders solve complex challenges, develop tailored solutions, and extend mold life through precision coatings and finishes.
RichW@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4078
Kevin Cavanagh
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
Kevin Cavanagh is focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. He excels at understanding client needs and providing tailored solutions to meet each customer’s unique challenges. Known for timely communication, consistent followthrough, and a proactive approach, he ensures customers are supported at every stage, helping them navigate complex situations.
Kevin@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 630-310-5314
Kevin Cavanagh is focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. He excels at understanding client needs and providing tailored solutions to meet each customer’s unique challenges. Known for timely communication, consistent followthrough, and a proactive approach, he ensures customers are supported at every stage, helping them navigate complex situations.
Kevin@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 630-310-5314
Irene Schmidt
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Irene Schmidt delivers responsive, solutions-driven customer service with a strong focus on communication, coordination, and reliability. She excels at understanding customer needs, resolving issues quickly, and fostering long-term relationships, ensuring every interaction reflects Bales’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Irene@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4091
Irene Schmidt delivers responsive, solutions-driven customer service with a strong focus on communication, coordination, and reliability. She excels at understanding customer needs, resolving issues quickly, and fostering long-term relationships, ensuring every interaction reflects Bales’ commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Irene@BalesUSA.com
Direct: 331-777-4091