Regional Sales Manager at Gardner Business Media, Ken Hine, has spent the past six months working with companies across the plastics manufacturing supply chain developing strategic media and marketing solutions. In his role, he partners closely with clients to understand their business goals and deliver customized media plans that support brand awareness, lead generation, and thought leadership initiatives.
Gardner Business Media provides media, marketing, and event solutions for manufacturers, with a strong focus on the plastics industry. Through collaboration with engineers and industry experts, the company produces educational, data-driven content while also hosting trade shows and conferences across the sector.
Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University’s College of Business and holds a professional certificate in Digital Marketing. His path into plastics began through sales and supply chain logistics, where he supported plastic shippers with transportation solutions before fully entering the industry after being referred to Gardner Business Media by longtime mentor and family friend Dale Jackman.
Ken credits Dale with helping shape his understanding of both the industry and his professional growth. “Dale has helped me not only understand our business, but also industry quirks, etiquette, and plastics-specific knowledge,” he says.
What Ken enjoys most about the plastics industry is the people and the constant evolution of technology. He values the opportunity to learn across applications and systems while also recognizing the industry’s generational shift as experienced professionals retire and younger leaders step in. “It’s our responsibility to help drive efficiency and sustainability while embracing automation and AI-driven technologies,” he notes.
Ken also points to challenges such as economic uncertainty, resin cost volatility, and sustainability misconceptions. He believes the industry should focus on smarter capacity utilization, operational efficiency, and better communication around the lifecycle benefits of plastics.
Since joining Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) in 2025, Ken has found the experience invaluable for building connections and easing his transition into the industry. After attending his first FLiP event in Cleveland, he immediately felt welcomed and engaged by the community and has since expressed interest in sustainability initiatives and leadership opportunities.
Outside of work, Ken enjoys running, golf, yoga, meditation, and snowboarding trips to Colorado. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he also enjoys live sports and concerts, traveling, and cooking at home with his fiancée, Megan, and their two cats. His go-to plastic product is his Ninja Blender, which fuels his daily smoothies.
If you are interested in getting involved with FLiP, visit FLiP – Future Leaders in Plastics – Plastics Industry Association.
