For Allison Rocheleau Baker, working in the plastics industry is more than a career—it’s part of her family’s legacy. As the Communications & Marketing Manager for Rocheleau Tool & Die, Allison is part of the fourth generation of her family to work in the business. Her role is as dynamic as her background, blending marketing, safety, public relations, and event planning into a rewarding career.
While she grew up immersed in the world of plastics, (Allison’s father was the company’s president and her grandfather before him), her first career started in academia. But in 2022, when the pandemic prompted her to reevaluate her career, she turned to her family for guidance.
“Coming back into the family business felt like a natural next step,” she recalls. “We sold our home, moved to Massachusetts, and I started this exciting new chapter.” Now nearly two years into her role, Allison has found a renewed sense of purpose in the plastics industry while simultaneously pursuing her MBA with a focus on marketing.
To Allison, joining the plastics industry felt like coming home. “The smell of the shop is so nostalgic for me,” she says. “It feels like part of my home.” She fondly remembers the day her dad brought her into the assembly area of the shop, where he invited her to write her name on the frame of a machine destined for Australia.
In her current role, her work includes managing the company’s social media, coordinating trade shows, writing machinery manuals, and even stepping into her role as safety coordinator. “Every single day is different,” she says. “That’s what makes it so exciting.”
A pivotal moment in Allison’s professional growth has been her involvement in PLASTICS’ Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) mentorship program. Through FLiP, she’s paired with Camille Sackett of Accede Mold and Tool, a mentor who shares her experience as a marketing professional and MBA student. “It’s been such a beneficial experience,” Allison shares. “We’ve talked about everything from time management to strategies for small marketing teams. It’s great to connect with someone who understands the challenges I face.”
Allsion loves the fast pace, constant innovation, and collaborative spirit that characterizes the plastics industry. “What excites me most is how the industry is always changing,” she says. “There’s so much creativity and problem-solving involved, especially in addressing regulatory challenges and sustainability goals.”
Working alongside family adds another layer of meaning to Allison’s career. “We work hard together to ensure the success of the company,” she says. “It can be challenging at times, but it also brings us closer. There’s a shared sense of pride and purpose in what we do.”
Through Rocheleau’s partnerships with local schools and technical programs, Allison is helping to inspire the next wave of talent. “Plastics are everywhere, and the opportunities in this industry are endless,” she says. “It’s not just a job—it’s a chance to build a fulfilling career.”
When asked what’s the one plastic product she can’t live without, Allison said, “With two young kids, staying organized is key to staying sane. I’m obsessed with plastic bins and trays.”
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
