Robert P. Mudge is a South Dakota native and graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, in the late 70’s, with a BS and MS in Metallurgical Engineering. Mr. Mudge worked in industry from his graduation until 1982 when he co-founded RPM & Associates, Inc., which is now recognized internationally as a leader in solving wear problems for heavy industry. He has been an entrepreneur most of his professional career and has co-founded two additional companies. RPM Solutions, Inc., was founded in 1996, which manufactures high speed precision rotary atomizers used in pollution control systems. RPM & Associates began investigating Laser Deposition Technology in 2001 and operated a laser division until 2013 when a spin-off company, RPM Innovations, Inc. was created to focus on servicing their growing aerospace customer base. RPM Innovations is now arguably the world leader in “powder fed” Laser Deposition Technology (LDT). RPMI has been designing and building their own laser systems since 2009 and currently offers the world’s largest controlled atmosphere build volume (5’X5’X7’) for any powder fed laser deposition system in the industry. In an effort to grow the powder fed laser deposition industry, in June 2014, RPMI announced their laser systems are now available for purchase by the public.

On a personal note, Mr. Mudge was a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013 from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. In 2013 and 2014, Mr. Mudge was the 28th Maintenance Group Honorary Commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base and in 2015 Mr. Mudge was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Mr. Mudge and his wife of 43+ years have two married daughters and five grandchildren. Over the last 20+ years, Rob and Deb have been active in several local and international nonprofit organizations.

Please join us on March 15th at 11:30 AM at the The Rushmore Hotel (formerly called Adoba). To reserve your seat, please RSVP online.  Tickets are just $20, and you can pay online by following the link above.  While you can pay at the door, we will have limited walk-in seats available on the day of the event.

We are very grateful for our sponsors of this event.  If you are interested in sponsoring a monthly luncheon, please see a member of the board or email BlackHillsLeadership@gmail.com.

Sponsored by: