REBECCA WADE, CDT: An Artist With Drive

Like many young artists, Rebecca Wade found joy in expressing herself on canvas. Now that canvas is a crown.

An aspiring painter and sculptor who was working toward a degree in computer graphics in 1997, Wade responded to an ad for a part-time position at a dental laboratory only because it mentioned 'artistic ability.' She was hired as an opaquer and—due to her obvious potential and ability to learn quickly—was moved into the ceramic department within just two months. It wasn't long after that she opted to leave school and focus her energy on her newly discovered career.

For the last 10 years, she's been using that talent and energy at DSG Clearwater where she now runs the Ceramic Department. "My number one goal in my role here was to create a true team and we've really done that," says Wade, whose 11-person team worked together to implement Lean Manufacturing principles in the department and meets weekly to discuss challenges. "We lift each other up."

Wade...