Expert Prototype Manufacturing & Design in Saint Paul

Paul Dathe founded Evōk Polymers with a passion for helping people manufacture plastic parts, bringing over 25 years of expertise in engineering, product design, and injection molding problem-solving to the Saint Paul manufacturing community. His vision was to supply customers with the highest quality injection molded components at the lowest possible price through proprietary technology, deep industry knowledge, and white-glove customer service. Prior to founding EVOK, Paul led new product development for Caliber Products, where he designed and launched 13 new products, growing sales 540% and expanding the customer base from 25 to 144 with 100% retention. He previously served as senior mechanical engineer for Entegris, managing a $40 million product line of ultra-clean liquid delivery systems for semiconductor applications. Paul holds four U.S. utility patents, is a Six Sigma black belt, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Design from Bemidji State University with emphasis in rapid prototyping and 3D computer modeling. He is a member of the Allied Executives Business Leadership Peer group and the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

Jason is a seasoned industrial designer who brings a unique empathy-driven approach to prototype development, influenced by his multi-generational household perspective. Living with his wife, two sons, and mother nurtures his keen observation of human behavior, which directly informs his innovative and functional product designs. His design philosophy centers on understanding how people interact with products in real-world environments, ensuring ergonomics and usability are paramount. Jason's ability to translate human needs into tangible design solutions makes him invaluable for prototype projects requiring user-centered thinking. In his leisure time, Jason enjoys cooking, gaming, and unwinding, activities that keep his creative mindset fresh and balanced.

Shawn is a vital creative force with two decades of experience on advanced seating and mechanical design projects, bringing particular expertise in communicating evolving design concepts through complex mechanical and visual prototypes. His proficiency spans multiple materials and advanced rendering software including Otoy OctaneRender® for photorealistic visualizations and Adobe Creative Cloud for layouts, diagrams, and branding. Shawn excels at finding mechanical molded part solutions that can be prototyped and confirmed prior to tooling, significantly reducing risk on large-scale projects through thorough pre-molding design reviews. He holds several patents and has conducted research on diverse projects ranging from consumer lawn mower products to biotech and medical facilities. Outside of work, Shawn practices photography and enjoys the vibrant Twin Cities live music scene, keeping his creative perspective fresh and innovative.

Daniel's expertise in system and process design, coupled with his ability to cultivate strategic partnerships, distinguishes him as a transformative leader in the manufacturing industry. His passion for innovation and collaboration drives his work creating Lean Partnership-Based Organizations that empower small and mid-sized businesses to compete effectively. At EVOK, Daniel leads initiatives challenging traditional norms in part design, prototyping, tooling, and injection mold manufacturing, building a community centered on continuous improvement, mutual benefit, and genuine partnership. His vision extends beyond disruption to establishing new benchmarks for collaborative success and sustainable growth in Minnesota's manufacturing sector. Daniel's proficiency as a facilitator, public speaker, teacher, and coach, combined with his talent for team building and mentorship, makes him an indispensable force in transforming how manufacturers approach product development. Under his leadership, EVOK is redefining industry standards and creating a new model for partnership-driven manufacturing excellence.

Natalie is a dedicated apprentice in product design and management who embodies the harmonious blend of creativity and sustainability in modern prototype development. Her innate curiosity and discerning eye for innovation drive her to explore where design converges with environmental consciousness, bringing fresh perspective to EVOK's operations. Having been immersed in intangible design principles since childhood, Natalie understands the profound impact products can have on the planet, and her education in sustainability propels her commitment to infusing eco-consciousness into every project facet. Under the guidance of her father and seasoned professionals, she delves deeply into materials, manufacturing techniques, and technologies, always mindful of their ecological footprint. Natalie's journey extends beyond creating aesthetically pleasing objects—she aspires to shape a future where design seamlessly intertwines with sustainability, ensuring EVOK's prototype solutions leave a positive legacy for generations to come.

Julie has been with EVOK since its inception, bringing meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of financial principles to efficiently manage and maintain accurate financial records. As an experienced bookkeeper with a background in accounting and a keen eye for numbers, Julie excels in organizing and categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and producing clear financial reports that support informed decision-making. Her proficiency in accounting software ensures streamlined processes and timely delivery of financial information, enabling the business to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting strategic growth. Committed to professionalism and confidentiality, Julie provides reliable bookkeeping services that support the financial health and success of the team and customers alike. Her dedication ensures all vendors are paid on time, maintaining the strong relationships that underpin EVOK's collaborative approach to manufacturing excellence.