Nicole Wolter joined HM in 2009, working from the ground up in a variety of positions. She has a background in chemical engineering and finance, has extensive training on manual lathes and milling machines, and is certified in CAD and 3D Modeling. Under her vision and leadership, HM has implemented new technologies and processes – machinery, ERP system, employee training, and marketing. This has enabled HM to expand its product lines and attract more and larger customers. Nicole also received her NIMS CNC Mill Operations Certification to increase HM Manufacturing’s production standards and efficiency.
Nicole is a second-generation manufacturer and the president and CEO of HM Manufacturing. As a skilled and seasoned leader, she is invested in supporting the next generation of manufacturing leaders in addition to advancing the manufacturing industry as a whole. With numerous awards, publications and certifications under her belt, Wolter is an influential voice in helping promote legislation and public policies designed to stimulate industry growth. Nicole is on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) and engages with political and industry leaders for advocacy throughout the country. Additionally, Wolter is a part of the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) Executive Board and the TMA Education Foundation Board, coordinating grants to area high schools with manufacturing programs. As a McHenry High School Advisory Board member, she helps to improve their manufacturing program, offers internships, and mentors students about careers in manufacturing.
Awards
- 2016, the Daily Herald Business Ledger awarded Nicole and HM Manufacturing their Annual Award for Business Excellence in Manufacturing. The ABBEs highlight successful businesses and organizations and honor the people who make them successful.
- In 2017, Nicole was honored with the Influential Women in Business Award by the Daily Herald Business Ledger. The IWIB awards highlight outstanding women leaders who excel in business, civic and personal arenas.
- The 2019 STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards selected Nicole as an Honoree.
- In 2020, Nicole was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2020 Notable Women in Manufacturing. This award highlights 34 women in the manufacturing industry that work to influence and encourage women in manufacturing and STEM fields.
Nicole is a valuable “go-to” source for business and manufacturing media to promote manufacturing in the U.S. She has been on panel discussions, TV appearances, podcasts, a keynote speaker, featured as an op-ed writer for the Chicago Tribune, and interviewed for publications including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Crain’s Chicago Business, Daily Herald Business Ledger, SME Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Talk Radio, and more.