New CREOL Industrial Affiliate Makes a Difference by Creating Endowed Fellowship
Industrial Laser Machines plans growth in Winter Park while employing CREOL graduates and supporting students
What comes to mind when you think of a typical corporate headquarters? Is it serious, proper, and stuffy?
The Winter Park offices at Industrial Laser Machines (ILM) are anything but that.
“We have a very unique culture here,” CEO Dwight Kimberlin says.
The office dog Willow greets visitors in the conference room as they munch on donuts. The camaraderie between ILM’s 22 employees evokes the feel of a mom-and-pop shop. But don’t be fooled by the size – the growing operation is competing with industry titans.
ILM manufactures powerful solid-state lasers used in manufacturing. Kimberlin says his formula for success blends innovative engineering, responsive customer service, and the
passion of his team. At ILM, visits from Willow aren’t the only benefit – add frequent catered parties, 100% cost coverage of health care, and generous paid time off.
“People realize that they’re valued, that they’re listened to, and that they can contribute in a meaningful way, and that’s how we create this synergy,” Kimberlin says.
That philosophy of investing in people extends beyond ILM’s walls. ILM recently joined CREOL’s Industrial Affiliates Program, making a valuable addition to the college’s growing number of industry partners. And Kimberlin’s commitment goes further: His contribution of $25,000 has established a Graduate Endowed Fellowship at CREOL, which will make an advanced degree in optics and photonics possible for more brilliant graduate students that face rising housing, food, and transportation costs.
“Especially today, education is just more important than ever,” Kimberlin says. “I consider CREOL to be a center of excellence in the world of photonics. I’ve seen the quality of the students that have come from CREOL, and I want to give back to UCF.”
ILM employs CREOL graduates, and as the business grows, Kimberlin expects to hire more. While the team maintains business relationships to supply and service their products in three continents, they’re also developing the next generations of laser components, nanosecond laser systems, and picosecond laser systems. Kimberlin says the international operation starts with local investment.
“I want to support my local community,” he says. “We just have a really fun time here.” Click here to support the next generation of CREOL graduate students.
