Double Decades

By Melanie Mowry Etters

Paul Christian and Donnie Buist have both celebrated a major employment milestone with TSE Industries of Clearwater. Christian and Buist each have more than 10 years working with the company. TSE Industries rewards long-term employees with special recognition, and each was given a $1,000 Amazon gift card just like any other employee.

Both men have held a variety of positions at TSE Industries over the years. Christian’s job title is Engineered Polymers Division Operator and Buist’s current title is Maintenance Custodian. Their upbeat attitude is valued by their coworkers and supervisors.

Christian and Buist receive services funded by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

This is the first job for both men. Christian got his job with TSE out of high school. Buist attended an adult day training program for roughly 20 years before landing his position at TSE a decade ago.

TSE Production Manager Fred DiPietro said, “Paul does a good job. Anything he is asked to do, he does. He has a positive attitude and is always smiling. Because Paul expressed a desire to do more, when an opportunity arises internally we move him into it, so each day could be a different task.”

Christian said, “I enjoy working here because of the people. I like the job itself too. It gives me something to do. Everyone is nice. It is just like a big family here.”

Buist is a man of few words until he knows you well.  Buist said, “I was one of the first people with a disability that was hired by TSE Industries.”

Human Resources Manager Michelle Hintz-Prange said, “Donnie loves his TSE friends. Donnie is dedicated and always willing to help with projects.”

TSE Industries is a manufacturing company that produces custom molded rubber, precision machined plastic parts, and specialty chemicals. Christian inspects the rubber wheels used inside of Automatic Teller Machines that roll the money out to the public.  Buist is responsible each day for taking inventory and making sure the break area is fully stocked with everything the employees may need. He stocks the coffee machine and keeps the room neat and tidy.

Many days the men are responsible for sweeping up the plastic chips that are produced by the machining process. The men use large brooms and shovels to discard the plastic waste into the trash bins.

When not at work, Christian lives with his family in St. Petersburg. He loves old time country music and regularly attends concerts. He has seen Crystal Gayle, Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, and Merle Haggard. Hintz-Prange says “Paul you are an old soul.”

Buist is a cat lover with an adopted cat named Alley. He has an apartment in St. Petersburg that he shares with a roommate. He has volunteered with an animal rescue program helping them with their cats. During the Christmas season just for the fun of it, Buist offers his time to assist on a tree lot. “I volunteer for Steinwald Tree Farms in December.  I help him out.” Buist also participates in Special Olympics and goes bowling every Friday night to hone his skills.

HR Manager Hintz-Prange said, “These are our two biggest helpers when we have our company parties. As a benefit for helping set up, they get to go to the front of the buffet line. They don’t miss a party.”

Christian wants to continue to be successful at TSE Industries in the future, saying, “I still see myself here in 10 years. I like learning new skills.”

Buist wants to continue being a part of the TSE family into the future too. Buist said, “I want to work.”

TSE Production Manager Fred DiPietro with Paul Christian.


Left to right: Human Resources Manager Michelle Hintz-Prange, Donnie Buist, Paul Christian, Fred DiPietro.