Meet Our Team
Unparalleled customer service is a value ingrained in our company and interwoven throughout processes to provide our customers with the best experience and quality machined parts. Our team has a combined 170+ years of knowledge in manufacturing. The Rhine team is here for you long-term, creating a lasting relationship that evolves with your business’ product needs.
Darryl Schaefer
Owner, Coach/Mentor
Darryl credits his early working years on Wisconsin dairy farms for teaching him work ethic, responsibility, and perseverance. His experience in the machining industry extends back 40+ years, where he gained invaluable knowledge that helped him see the bigger picture of how manufacturing is done and done well. Today, Darryl’s passion and focus is on building and advancing Rhine Machining’s strong team into the future through coaching and mentorship.
Jeff Ernst
CEO/Engineering Manager
Jeff has over 25 years of hands-on and management level experience, having worked as a manager of engineering, operations, and applications. Jeff leverages his engineering background to propel Rhine Machining forward. He aims to provide meaningful employment, helping connect employees to projects. Jeff also nurtures client and partner relationships ensuring they are met with the best customer service possible. While not at the shop, Jeff enjoys hunting, volunteering as a firefighter/EMT, and spending time with his family in Sheboygan Falls.
Dave Brew
President/General Manager
Dave began his career at Mead Paper, gaining valuable experience in manufacturing and team leadership. He continued to develop his leadership skills over 32 years in the Paper industry holding positions of Superintendent, Complex Manager, and VP of Product Management. As President/GM for Rhine Machining for the last 2.5 years, Dave has been instrumental in developing a new Strategic Plan to update Rhine’s brand identity, lead company growth, and move into lean-based manufacturing.
Brent Frederick
Human Resources Manager
Brent is a Human Resource professional by trade with broad experience in the private manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries. Over the course of 30+ years, Brent has been fortunate to develop and execute HR policies and programs, workforce development, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and employee and labor relations to build a staff-focused culture. As Human Resource Manager, Brent leverages his knowledge and experience to support the continued growth and development of Rhine Machining and its employees.
Melissa Matzen
Customer Service Manager
Carol Vignali
Quality Manager
Russ Thiel
Purchasing & Inventory Manager
Mark Bailey
New Business Development Manager
Dan Luebke
Manufacturing Engineer
Mitch Franzen
Production Specialist
Chris Lodes
Maintenance Lead