On February 2, 2026, Preston Fox, a member of the STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA team and former WVU football player, participated in a fireside chat at South Middle School in Morgantown, alongside fellow WVU football alumnus Nick Malone.
The session gave students an inside look at what it takes to succeed as a Division I student-athlete, with discussion topics including time management, balancing academics with athletics, staying focused through busy seasons, and how to think about future career paths. The event also included time for student interaction and autographs a highlight many students look forward to each year, especially when the football program is involved.
“This was an outstanding opportunity for STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA to be present in the community in a way that is personal, encouraging, and impactful,” said Chris Martinkat, President and CEO of STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA. “We’re proud to support opportunities like this that encourage students to stay focused, work hard, and explore what’s possible for their future.”
Connecting Student Experiences to Real-World Careers
For Preston, the event was especially meaningful as he shared not only his athletic background, but also his perspective on preparing for life after sports.
Preston’s connection to STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA began before he joined the company. He previously toured the facility as part of the Chambers Elite Climbers Program, where students learned more about the work done at STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA and explored career opportunities within the industry. He later traveled to Germany as part of the program experience, gaining additional insight into global business and innovation.
“Talking with students about time management and staying committed to your goals was a great experience. Touring STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA through the Chambers Elite Climbers Program gave me early exposure to career opportunities beyond athletics, and now it’s exciting to be part of the team here,” stated Preston Fox, Technical Sales Representative.
A Positive Day for Students
The fireside chat created an engaging environment for students to hear firsthand about the discipline, routines, and decision-making that helped shape life as a student-athlete and how those same habits translate into the workplace.
As part of the visit, Preston also looked at ways to add a fun, interactive element such as sharing Stobi plush dolls (our company mascot) with students to encourage participation and make the experience even more memorable.
STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA is grateful for opportunities like this that strengthen community relationships and inspire students to dream bigger, stay committed, and explore the many paths available to them.
