Low Volume Injection Molding Services for Startups & Prototypes

Paul Dathe founded Evok Polymers with a singular mission: helping startups and innovators manufacture plastic parts at the highest quality and lowest possible price. With over 25 years of experience in engineering, product design, and injection molding, Paul specializes in solving complex problems for custom plastic components. Prior to founding Evok, he led new product development at 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. His expertise spans tooling, functional assessments, 3D modeling, prototype fabrication, tolerance analysis, and mold flow studies. Paul previously served as senior mechanical engineer at Entegris, managing a $40 million product line for semiconductor applications, and began his career at Rollerblade before working at General Mills and Boston Scientific. He holds four U.S. utility patents, is a Six Sigma black belt, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Design from Bemidji State University. Paul is a member of Allied Executives Business Leadership Peer group and the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

Jason is a seasoned industrial designer with a passion for creating innovative and functional products that solve real-world problems. His design philosophy is deeply influenced by his empathetic observation of human behavior, honed through living in a multi-generational household with his wife, two sons, and mother. This unique perspective allows Jason to understand how products interact with users in diverse contexts, making his designs both intuitive and practical. He brings expertise in concept development, ergonomic optimization, and visual communication to every project. Jason excels at translating complex technical requirements into elegant, manufacturable designs that balance aesthetics with functionality. His collaborative approach ensures that startup clients receive designs optimized for low volume injection molding while maintaining the flexibility to scale. In his leisure time, Jason enjoys cooking, gaming, and unwinding with family, activities that continue to inspire his creative problem-solving approach to product design.

Shawn Monitor has been a vital creative force on some of the most advanced design and seating projects of the last two decades, bringing particular expertise in mechanical prototyping and visual communication. His unique ability to graphically and physically communicate evolving design concepts makes him invaluable for startups navigating the prototype-to-production journey. Shawn builds complex mechanical and visual prototypes in various materials, creating photorealistic renderings in Otoy OctaneRender and developing layouts, diagrams, and logos with Adobe Creative Cloud. He has been instrumental in finding mechanical molded part solutions that can be prototyped and confirmed prior to tooling, significantly reducing risk in large-scale projects. His involvement in pre-molding design reviews has saved clients substantial time and money by identifying potential issues early. Shawn holds several patents and has conducted research on diverse projects ranging from consumer lawn mower products to biotech and medical facilities. His ever-curious nature drives continuous exploration of new materials, processes, and design approaches. Outside of work, Shawn practices photography and enjoys the vibrant Twin Cities live music scene.

Daniel brings exceptional expertise in system and process design, coupled with a talent for cultivating strategic partnerships that help startups navigate the complex manufacturing landscape. His passion for innovation and collaboration shines through in his dedication to creating Lean Partnership-Based Organizations that empower small and mid-sized businesses. At Evok, Daniel leads initiatives challenging traditional norms in part design, prototyping, tooling, and injection mold manufacturing. His vision extends beyond disruption—he aims to build a community centered on continuous improvement, mutual benefit, and genuine partnership. Daniel's approach aligns perfectly with startup needs: transparent pricing, collaborative problem-solving, and sustainable growth strategies. Under his leadership, Evok is establishing new benchmarks for collaborative success in the injection molding industry. His proficiency as a facilitator, public speaker, teacher, and coach, combined with talent for team building and mentorship, makes him an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs bringing products to market. Daniel ensures every startup partner receives the guidance and support needed to navigate manufacturing decisions with confidence.

Natalie is a dedicated apprentice in product design and management who embodies the harmonious blend of creativity and sustainability—values increasingly important to modern startups and their customers. Possessing innate curiosity and a discerning eye for innovation, she explores where design converges with environmental consciousness. Immersed in design principles since childhood, Natalie grasps the profound impact products can wield 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 at Evok, Natalie delves deeply into product design intricacies, investigating materials, manufacturing techniques, and technologies while remaining mindful of their ecological footprint. For startups developing sustainable products, Natalie provides valuable insights into material selection, lifecycle analysis, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Her journey extends beyond creating aesthetically pleasing objects—she aspires to shape a future where design seamlessly intertwines with sustainability, helping startup partners leave a positive legacy for generations to come.

Julie has been with Evok since its inception, bringing meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of financial principles to efficiently manage and maintain accurate financial records. As an experienced bookkeeper, she excels in organizing and categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and producing clear, concise financial reports that help startups understand their project costs. Julie's proficiency in accounting software ensures streamlined processes and timely delivery of financial information, enabling transparent pricing discussions and informed decision-making. For startup clients, this translates to accurate quotes, detailed cost breakdowns, and reliable invoicing that supports their own financial planning and investor reporting. Committed to professionalism and confidentiality, Julie is dedicated to providing reliable financial services that support the financial health and success of both the Evok team and customers. Her efficiency ensures all vendors get paid on time, maintaining the strong supplier relationships that enable Evok to deliver quality materials and services consistently to every client project.