Rubber Heart is proud to celebrate the news that ACE Laboratories CEO and Founder, Erick Sharp, being named Rubber News 2024 Executive of the Year, featured on the front page of their November 25th, 2024 issue.

It’s incredible to think that just 10 years ago, Erick started ACE Laboratories as a one-man band with a bold vision and a strong focus on collaboration, defying the odds to disrupt a corporation-dominated industry. Under his leadership, ACE has achieved an impressive 30% year-over-year growth, establishing itself as a global leader in polymer testing and development with a worldwide customer base.

As Erick shares in the article, “Did I feel like I was jumping off a cliff and building the airplane on the way down? Yes, it felt like that several times. But I am always of the mindset that we can accomplish bigger things by working together.”

This collaborative approach is at the heart of Erick’s leadership, driving not only our technical and business successes but also building an inclusive, forward-thinking work culture. At ACE, we’re proud to have a fantastic team that reflects our CEO’s commitment to diversity. Thirty percent of our workforce comes from STEM programs at local universities, and 30% are women – a deliberate effort by Erick to challenge the gender norms of an industry that has traditionally lacked such representation.

What stands out most is the admiration and respect Erick has earned from his team, investors, partners, and industry peers. As Doug Foster, MBA, ACE’s Director of Technical Services, describes in Rubber News: “He embodies the qualities that make a truly exceptional leader: vision, ambition, incredible work ethic, and a genuine desire to improve lives both within and outside the rubber industry. His vast technical knowledge is matched by his ability to communicate clearly, with humor, humility, and warmth, making him approachable to everyone.”

Congratulations Erick on this well-deserved honor! Your passion and vision continue to inspire us every day and make a real difference in the rubber industry.

Read the full article by Andrew Schunk in the November 25th, 2024 issue of Rubber News (pages 1, 18-20) – he has delivered an expertly written feature that really does capture Erick’s remarkable journey and the rise of ACE Laboratories.

Read the full article here: Erick Sharp Executive of the Year 2024 | Rubber News