NTID alumnus is driven to lead

Blake Trauger ’06 (applied mechanical technology), ’08 (mechanical engineering technology) has spent the last decade building a career in manufacturing leadership at Mack Trucks.

As a business team leader at the company’s Pennsylvania plant, Trauger oversees operations on the cab-over line, where the refuse collection trucks are assembled, with a focus on safety, quality, and delivery.

“It’s very similar to an operations manager role,” he explained. “I’m responsible for making sure the line runs smoothly, ensuring safety and maintaining the quality of our trucks from frame to finish.”

Trauger has worked for major global companies, including at Avery Dennison, where he led training and development projects across Europe, Asia, and the United States. He believes these experiences taught him how to communicate and collaborate across cultures—and how to succeed as a deaf professional in predominantly hearing environments.

“RIT and NTID prepared me well,” he said. “At NTID, I met international students, adapted to different learning styles, and built confidence. All of this prepared me to navigate the professional world, especially when I was often the only deaf person in the room.”

Trauger is also proud of his advocacy work for accessibility and inclusion. He’s actively involved in Mack Trucks’ Diverse Abilities Network, which supports employees with a range of disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“We have around 40 deaf employees companywide,” he said. “It’s really exciting to see sign language being used in the workplace. In fact, we even have deaf employees from Brazil, and I started learning Brazilian Sign Language on a work trip to that country. That kind of environment allows everyone to thrive.”

Trauger maintains a strong connection with NTID and visits campus frequently. As a result, he is continuing to expand internship opportunities for deaf students at Mack Trucks.

“NTID was such a foundational experience. I made lifelong friends there,” he said. “We still keep in touch—we’re all over the country, but we’re still connected.”

From a management and mentorship perspective, Trauger credits his time at NTID for shaping his leadership style.

“College taught me that everyone has different learning styles and communication preferences,” he said. “As a manager, I try to adapt to each person I work with. It’s a two-way street.”

And as a lifelong learner, Trauger practices what he preaches. In addition to his RIT degrees, he has earned a master’s degree in manufacturing systems engineering from Lehigh University and is now working toward his MBA at Kutztown University.

“I never want to be limited. I’m always motivated to learn something new—and to help others succeed, too.”

This story originally appeared in RIT News.