--- title: Blog | employee ownership description: employee ownership | Grand River Rubber & Plastics Company was established by the acquisition of the Ashtabula Division of Geneva Rubber in 1976. In January, 2011 the owners sold the company to their employees. Grand River specializes in lathe cut washers, tubular gaskets and flat drive belts. Sales in 2010 were over 39 million with a work force of 200 employees. Grand River Rubber is an ISO 9001 registered company. --- [![Grand River Rubber & Plastics Co.](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/GrandRiverRubber_August2018/images/Grand-River-Rubber_Logo_2C_H-1.png)](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/) - Search - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-river-rubber-%26-plastics) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Grand-River-Rubber-Plastics-125889584133675/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/grandriverrp) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpF_QpJvOxPDSmYGxkAezxA) - Products - [Lathe-Cut Gaskets](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/lathe-cut-gaskets/) - [Sweeper Belt](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/sweeper-belt/) - [Pail Gaskets](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/pail-gaskets/) - [Materials](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/materials/) - [Rubber Materials Selection Guide (ASTM)](https://www.info.grrp.com/astm-selection-of-rubber-materials-guide-1) - [About](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/) - [About Us](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/) - [Employee Ownership](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/employee-ownership/) - [Company History](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/company-history/) - [ISO 9001-2015 Certified](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/0136717_ENG_Grand-River-Rubber-Plastics.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/faq/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/privacy-policy/) - [Cancellation Policy](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/cancellation-policy/) - [Contact](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/contact/) - [Contact Us](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/contact/) - [Get Quote](https://www.info.grrp.com/get-started) - [Blog](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog) - [Employment](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/employment/) Search # Grand River Rubber & Plastics Blog ## [Celebrating Cheryl Hellmer's Nearly 25 Years at Grand River](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jul 8, 2026 12:07:44 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/undefined-Jul-08-2026-03-55-45-2240-PM.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river) For nearly 25 years, Cheryl Hellmer has been one of the friendly faces helping keep Grand River running smoothly. Since joining the company in July 2001, she has worn many hats and built a reputation as someone who can tackle just about anything that comes her way. Whether she is processing invoices, supporting employees, planning company events, organizing fundraisers, or answering questions outside her office door, Cheryl is always ready to lend a helping hand. As she prepares for her well-earned retirement at the end of August, we're taking a moment to celebrate her nearly 25 years of dedication, service, and friendship at Grand River. *Learn more about Cheryl and her experiences at Grand River!* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [employee feature](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) ## [Sales Team Spotlight: Meet Kellie West](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Feb 6, 2026 12:35:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/undefined-1.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west) At Grand River Rubber & Plastics, our sales team plays a vital role in connecting customer needs with our manufacturing expertise and few people embody that commitment more than Kellie West. Kellie brings responsiveness, collaboration, and deep industry knowledge to every interaction. *Get to know Kellie, her role, and what makes her an essential part of the sales team.* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [employee feature](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) ## [Meet Dawn DeFelice and Lindsey Selip - Customer Service Spotlight](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-dawn-defelice-and-lindsey-selip-customer-service-spotlight) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jan 17, 2023 12:37:41 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/2.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-dawn-defelice-and-lindsey-selip-customer-service-spotlight)   [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-dawn-defelice-and-lindsey-selip-customer-service-spotlight) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-dawn-defelice-and-lindsey-selip-customer-service-spotlight#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [sweeper belts](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/sweeper-belts), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) ## [Meet Jason Bernardo Jr. and Sr., Grand River Rubber’s Father-Son Duo](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jason-bernardo-jr.-and-sr.-grand-river-rubbers-father-son-duo) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Nov 2, 2022 9:45:33 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/GRRP%20Jason%20Bernardo%20Jr%20%26%20Sr.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jason-bernardo-jr.-and-sr.-grand-river-rubbers-father-son-duo) [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jason-bernardo-jr.-and-sr.-grand-river-rubbers-father-son-duo) 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jason-bernardo-jr.-and-sr.-grand-river-rubbers-father-son-duo#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [sweeper belts](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/sweeper-belts), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) ## [Meet Vicki Ellsworth, Customer Service Representative](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-vicki-ellsworth-customer-service-representative) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jul 29, 2022 9:23:19 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Vivki%202.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-vicki-ellsworth-customer-service-representative) When you start asking questions of Grand River Rubber & Plastics employees, a common theme emerges: there’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ workday, and they seem to like it that way. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-vicki-ellsworth-customer-service-representative) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-vicki-ellsworth-customer-service-representative#comments-listing) Topics: [Lathe Cut Gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets), [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) ## [Meet Jim Hlebovy, Process Engineer](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jim-hlebovy-process-engineer) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jun 23, 2022 2:21:48 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Jim-1.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jim-hlebovy-process-engineer) Jim Hlebovy joined Grand River Rubber & Plastics in 2018 as a Quality Engineer, then the position evolved into a Process Engineer. He has worked in both Quality and Engineering. Jim said that as a child, he wanted to be a mechanic or someone who worked on equipment to fix it. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jim-hlebovy-process-engineer) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-jim-hlebovy-process-engineer#comments-listing) Topics: [Lathe Cut Gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets), [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) ## [Planning for a Successful 2022](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/planning-for-a-successful-2022) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Mar 22, 2022 8:52:59 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Planning%20for%20a%20Successful%202022.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/planning-for-a-successful-2022) Being in the rubber business for nearly five decades, we’re accustomed to evaluating new materials, evolving engineering techniques, and adapting to meet our customers’ needs for lathe cut gaskets, pail gaskets, and belts for many market segments, including oil filters, transformer, agriculture, plumbing and many more. **(This is a long read, but we promise it’s worth it!) ** [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/planning-for-a-successful-2022) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/planning-for-a-successful-2022#comments-listing) Topics: [Lathe Cut Gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets), [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [COVID-19](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/covid-19), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber), [On-Site Health Clinic](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/on-site-health-clinic) ## [Ensuring Quality, Competitive Products](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/ensuring-quality-competitive-products) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Dec 13, 2021 4:10:50 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Laura.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/ensuring-quality-competitive-products) *Meet Technical Services Manager Laura Boniface* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/ensuring-quality-competitive-products) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/ensuring-quality-competitive-products#comments-listing) Topics: [quality policy](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quality-policy), [NSF/ANSI Standard 61](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/nsf-ansi-standard-61), [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) ## [Why Working with an Employee Owned Company is Good for Customers, Suppliers, Employees, and Community](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/why-working-with-an-employee-owned-company-is-good-for-customers-suppliers-employees-and-community) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Apr 30, 2021 2:25:45 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/box.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/why-working-with-an-employee-owned-company-is-good-for-customers-suppliers-employees-and-community) [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/why-working-with-an-employee-owned-company-is-good-for-customers-suppliers-employees-and-community) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/why-working-with-an-employee-owned-company-is-good-for-customers-suppliers-employees-and-community#comments-listing) Topics: [quality policy](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quality-policy), [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [Work at Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) ## [Getting To Know Kellie West Inside/Outside Sales](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/getting-to-know-kellie-west-inside/outside-sales) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jan 18, 2021 3:49:08 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Photos/Kellie%20w.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/getting-to-know-kellie-west-inside/outside-sales) This month, we are pleased to feature Kellie West, Inside/Outside Sales Representative, who joined our team in August 2020. Below, we highlight the professional journey that led Kellie to Grand River Rubber & Plastics, why she describes herself as an “education addict” and what she enjoys doing in her spare time. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/getting-to-know-kellie-west-inside/outside-sales) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/getting-to-know-kellie-west-inside/outside-sales#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership) [All posts](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Lathe Cut Gaskets (29)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets) - [employee ownership (13)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership) - [Work at Grand River Rubber (8)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) - [die cut gaskets (5)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/die-cut-gaskets) - [sweeper belts (4)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/sweeper-belts) - [employee feature (3)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) - [orings (3)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/orings) - [quality policy (3)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quality-policy) - [COVID-19 (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [NSF/ANSI Standard 61 (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/nsf-ansi-standard-61) - [On-Site Health Clinic (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/on-site-health-clinic) - [drum & pail (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/drum-pail) - [materials (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/materials) - [molded gaskets (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/molded-gaskets) - [o-rings (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/o-rings) - [Custom Gaskets (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/custom-gaskets) - [Drug & Pail (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/drug-pail) - [EDPM gaskets (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/edpm-gaskets) - [Grand River Rubber & Plastics Expansion (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/grand-river-rubber-plastics-expansion) - [ISO 9001 certification (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/iso-9001-certification) - [Manufacturing Partnerships (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-partnerships) - [Manufacturingjobs (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/manufacturingjobs) - [OEM Manufacturing (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/oem-manufacturing) - [Quailty Policy (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quailty-policy) - [Rubber & Plastics News (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/rubber-plastics-news) - [Vacuum Flat Belt (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/vacuum-flat-belt) - [chopper gun (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/chopper-gun) - [dynamic applications (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/dynamic-applications) - [food grade applications (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/food-grade-applications) - [oil and gas (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/oil-and-gas) - [product spotlight (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/product-spotlight) - [santoprene (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/santoprene) - [seals (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/seals) - [static applications (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/static-applications) see all ### Grand River Rubber & Plastics **2029 Aetna Rd, Ashtabula, OH, 44004** **([Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSL6jYM49VJ79sMm6))** **Phone: [(440) 998-2900](tel:4409982900)**   | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-iso.png)](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/0136717_ENG_Grand-River-Rubber-Plastics-3.pdf) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-ims.png)](https://www.fda.gov/food/federal-state-local-tribal-and-territorial-cooperative-human-food-programs/interstate-milk-shippers-list) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-esop.png)](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/employee-ownership/) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-ecovadis.png)](https://resources.ecovadis.com/ecovadis-solution-materials/ecovadis-medals-and-badges) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-googlerating.png)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Grand+River+Rubber+%26+Plastics&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1012US1012&oq=gr&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggBEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg8MgYIARBFGDsyBggCEEUYOzIGCAMQRRg5MgYIBBBFGDwyBggFEEUYPDIGCAYQRRg8MgYIBxBFGDzSAQgzMjk2ajBqMagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&sei=97OcaZveM8-fptQPy6mQ2AY#lrd=0x8832202aeb8e47f5:0x6d99a5aaf1946e66,1,,,,) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | © Grand River Rubber & Plastics Co. 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