Lawrence Rittman

Product Development

Rubber Compounding • Material Science • Chemical Engineering

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linkedin.com/in/lawrencerittman

330-***-**** • Canton, OH

Resourceful rubber industry sustainability expert with expertise in formulating novel compound recipes and promoting chemical solutions. Adept at balancing viscoelastic properties within rubber compounds to optimize real-world properties with aim of improving traction and wear characteristics. Possess in-depth knowledge of rubber chemical applications and track record of meeting and exceeding development targets. Skilled in identifying customer needs, maintaining client relationships, driving revenue growth, and providing technical support to customers. Instrumental in conducting thorough material evaluations and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Strong aptitude in Passenger / Commercial tire treads, compounds development, intricacies of rubber formulation, and high-performance rubber products development.

● Polymer Chemistry

● Rubber Compounding

and Mixing

● Raw Material Evaluations

● Design of Experiments

● Sustainability Practices

● Technical Documentation

● Process Improvement

● Laboratory Testing

● Quality Control

● Problem & Issue Resolution

● Market Research & Analysis

● Environmental & Regulatory

Compliance

● Lean Six Sigma

Technical Proficiencies

Industry Tools & Instruments: Banbury internal mixer, Twin Screw Extruder, Rubber Mill, Rheometer, various rubber testing instruments to evaluate Mooney, Viscoelastic, Modulus, Elongation, Abradability, Dispersion Technologies (Software): Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) Professional Experience

Sustainable Materials, Bridgestone Americas, Akron, OH 2021 – 2024 Led a cross department initiative and vetted potential projects and opportunities to increase sustainable material uses across all SBU to support the bold goal of 100% sustainability globally by 2050. Advised and mentored other departments and outside suppliers concerning the global sustainability vision of the company.

● Elevated sustainability for commercial tires in response to key OE requests as well as spearheaded data-driven approach, achieving notable increases for a truck tire from 40% to 75%, and for an agricultural tire from 18% to 85%.

● Established and led monthly cross-functional meetings with Product Development, Advanced Materials and Sustainable Economics groups and provided status report slide decks for upper management. Market Insights, Bridgestone Americas, Akron, OH 2018 – 2021 Independently researched the market trends and forthcoming technologies shaping the trajectory of the mobility industry, encompassing Autonomous Vehicles, Tires as a Service, and IoT. Execute competitor analysis to inform the strategic planning process for future development. Cultivate business connections to forge prospective strategic partnerships, including opportunities for joint ventures.

● Established and published a monthly internal newsletter targeted to corporate leadership (director level to CEO) highlighting the market trends and technologies shaping the mobility industry (i.e. Autonomous Vehicles, Tires as a Service, IoT)

● Created and taught an internal technical class for teammates on the subjects of rubber materials and compounding annually for 8+ years, using a flipped classroom model. Spearheaded the creation of a virtual version for offside and work from home teammates.

Lawrence Rittman (Page 2)

Commercial Compounding Development, Bridgestone Americas - Akron, OH 2015 – 2018 Specialized in TBR (Truck / Bus Radial) treads. Developed TBR compounds to meet or exceed the business needs set forth by TBR Engineering Development and ultimately the end user. Collaborate with plants and process engineering to address production challenges associated with commercial compounding. Provide expert-level advisory support to teammates in achieving project objectives. Establish priorities for tire testing and lab compounding across the entire working group.

● Led benchmarking of 30+ truck tires from competitors in industry, consisting of eight crucial compounds for each tire line, and correlated findings with existing company products, while showcasing numerous innovative insights, all surpassing the initial timeline.

● Created a robust truck compound road mapping tool of all existing treads with their performance properties to facilitate communication and understanding between Commercial Compounding and Commercial Design Engineering. Passenger Tread Development, Bridgestone Americas - Akron, OH 2010 – 2015 Developed tread compounds to meet or exceed the business needs set forth by Passenger Trade Group and ultimately the end user. Delivered exceptional support in plants and process engineering in resolving production challenges related to tread. Provide expert-level advisory support to teammates in achieving project objectives. Establish priorities for tire testing and lab compounding across the entire working group.

● Developed and released 15+ new passenger tread compounds implementing novel technologies to meet stretch goals in traction and wear performance.

Advanced Materials, Bridgestone Americas - Akron, OH 2007 – 2010 Managed the evaluations of over 30 novel chemicals for use in new tire applications. Implemented three new materials with distinct competitive advantages. Worked closely with External Suppliers and Central Research as well as the Global Technical Team to identify potential materials for evaluation.

● Contributed to establishment of newly formed Advanced Materials Group, while focusing on materials development, including creation of TS standards, work instructions, and various work protocols and culture.

● Introduced 3 new materials for use in tread compounding, each offering distinct competitive advantages such as improved tread wear, wet traction, and fuel economy while improving material sustainability.

● Directed evaluations and assessment of 30+ innovative chemicals for potential integration into new tire applications. Raw Material Approvals, Bridgestone Americas - Akron, OH 2004 – 2007 Managed the evaluations of 150+ second sources of rubber chemicals for use in production tires. Worked closely with external suppliers while supporting the needs of production facilities throughout North and South America.

● Approved 100+ alternative sources of rubber chemicals for incorporation into production tires, saving $10M+ annually. Education & Credentials

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering The University of Akron, Akron, OH

● Polymer Science Specialization

● Minors: Chemistry & Applied Mathematics

● University Honors Scholar Diploma: Cum Laude

● Scholarship recipient: Society of Plastic Engineering Special Merit, Northeast Ohio Rubber Group, Lisle M. Buckingham Honors & Awards

Six Sigma Green Belt Training

Bridgestone Edge Academy and Edge University Technical Instructor / Coach Internal TS Auditor Bridgestone Americas

Department Safety Team Leader Bridgestone Americas Bridgestone President Award 2009, 2011, 2014

Eagle Scout Award (Boy Scouts of America)

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