Some projects start as neat sketches. Others take shape through trial, error, and plenty of back-and-forth. At Weber Knapp, guiding those ideas into finished products requires both patience and creativity – two qualities that define Jeremy Redlecki’s career.
Since joining the company over twenty years ago, Jeremy has grown from product design engineering into his current role as Director of Product Development. Along the way, he’s learned how to manage what he calls “creative chaos,” keeping teams focused on building solutions that match customer needs and Weber Knapp’s high standards.
Here’s a closer look at Jeremy’s journey, his approach to leadership, and the lessons he brings to every project.
Jeremy Redlecki first came across Weber Knapp through a job posting on the RIT job board. The role aligned with his interest in product design, so he applied and soon began his career at the company.
He started out as a Product Design Engineer, working directly on new ideas and customer projects. As his responsibilities grew, he transitioned into the role of Product Design Manager, where he oversaw larger projects and supported his team’s development.
Today, Jeremy serves as Director of Product Development, guiding the design process and helping turn concepts into solutions that meet both customer expectations and Weber Knapp’s high standards.
Jeremy describes his role as guiding ideas through the design process until they become practical, workable products. Day to day, that can involve:
Reviewing new concepts and shaping them in the early design stages
Coordinating with engineers and production teams to test feasibility
Supporting his team with feedback, resources, and problem-solving
Balancing customer needs with Weber Knapp’s standards for quality and performance
Projects vary widely. One week may involve refining ergonomic office hardware, such as a sit-to-stand mechanism, while another centers on developing new hinge concepts. That variety is what keeps the work interesting.
“Every project is different,” Jeremy says, and that mix is what keeps the work engaging. Some call for more creativity, while others require patience as designs move through several rounds of refinement.
That balance shows up in projects with Weber Knapp’s lift gate hardware. Designs like these need strength and smooth motion to work well in everyday use, which means engineering, production, and testing all have a hand in shaping the final result.
Working through those details is where Jeremy finds the challenge – and the satisfaction – in his role.
When asked what makes Weber Knapp stand out from other manufacturers, Jeremy doesn’t hesitate: it’s the connection between engineering and production. “The cohesiveness of engineering and production to develop solutions and manufacture them all in one company,” he says.
That teamwork shapes every project he’s part of. Ideas can move from design through manufacturing under one roof, with the same teams involved at every stage. For Jeremy, that’s a source of pride – and a big part of why he values his role at Weber Knapp.
If someone new joined his department tomorrow, Jeremy’s advice would be simple: “Be curious and never stop learning.”
That outlook has carried him through each stage of his career at Weber Knapp. He started in product design engineering, grew into project management, and now leads as Director of Product Development.
The challenges have changed along the way, but curiosity has always pushed him to ask questions, test ideas, and keep growing. It’s a habit he believes would help anyone starting out in the field.
Jeremy’s career shows how persistence and curiosity can shape both a role and a team. Starting in product design engineering and now directing product development, he’s built experience step by step while keeping his focus on solving problems for customers.
That work is supported by Weber Knapp’s collaborative environment, where engineering and production move ideas forward together under one roof. It’s an approach that reflects the company’s focus on quality and innovation — and one Jeremy is proud to carry into every project.
Want to learn more about the people and projects shaping Weber Knapp? Reach out to our team today.