Faces of Manufacturing

Richardton
Years in MFG: 15+

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Colton awesome? Colton has led the design on hundreds of custom builds working closely with Amber Waves customers to make sure their projects fulfill all their design requirements. In the last several years Colton has also taken on the responsibilities of making sure our bin line and custom manufacturing lines have the laser cut parts delivered on time and build correctly. Amber Waves has grown triple in size over the years by delivering premium products to our customers, this wouldn't be possible with out Colton’s dedication to quality and work ethic. Shoutout to Colton: thank you for all you've done, all you’re working on, and all you'll continue to do.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? I enjoy the innovation of improving products and manufacturing processes, along with integrating new technologies and the pride of building something you can be proud of.

Fargo
Years in MFG: 1.5

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Monah awesome? Monah cares for her teammates deeply. She is energetic, outgoing, and compassionate. Her personality brings a unique goofiness to the office that is complimented by her patience and diligence with helping others. She is always happy to help out someone in need and views challenges as opportunities to grow. She stays true to herself and will pick the harder ‘right’ over the easier ‘wrong’ in any circumstance. She also serves as a Corporal in the US Army Reserve and takes service to her country seriously. The selflessness that is displayed with this title is evident in how she carries herself as a person and treats others.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? Working in the manufacturing industry is an amazing experience for me. I like working with people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse experiences. Additionally, working with our teammates in this industry is great because I’m exposed to people who work hard to create a good life for themselves and their families. It inspires me to do my best every day.

Jamestown
Years in MFG: 26

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Spencer awesome? Spencer has been a people leader at Cavendish Farms for more than a quarter of a century. He has led the charge to upgrade policies and procedures. Over the past year he has trained over 250 team members in preparation for plant shutdowns and projects. His diligent work has resulted in a 12% increase of plant uptime. Due to his leadership the site has suffered no project-related near misses or fires. Spencer heads up the site Emergency Action Teams. He has facilitated monthly and annual training on topics including chemical safety, incident response, and first aid. Additionally, Spencer is an environmental leader who is responsible for most of the site's compliance. He is a recognized leader, not because of his position, but because of his care for people. He has been a champion of the Cavendish Farms Cardinal Rules implementation - designed to keep people safe from risk activities. Spencer has had hundreds of conversations/coaching sessions with team members about personal safety.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? My background has always been the mechanical side of things, when given the opportunity to switch from the automotive industry to the industrial industry and be able to help make something that is sent all of the world gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Mandan
Years in MFG: 7

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Saul awesome? Saul started out as a general laborer working in our raw meat department. Early on we saw the potential in Saul mainly due to his dedication, work ethic and ability to work together with other team members. Saul worked his way up to Assistant Foreman, Foreman, and earlier this year to Supervisor. Saul has a unique ability to bring people together to accomplish any task, on budget and on time. Most recently, Saul has been put in charge of our Process Improvement Team (PIT). His goal by the end of the year is $300K in floor loss savings in our raw meat and stuffing departments, there is no doubt with his drive and determination that he will be able to surpass that goal. Saul is an innovator, always looking for cost-savings solutions that he willingly shares with management and employees. He rarely takes credit for his accomplishments but passes those accolades to his team. Saul is a fantastic teammate and a joy to work with on a daily basis, he is most deserving of recognition by the Faces of Manufacturing.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? I like the constant challenges that this industry offers its employees and being able to make good, quality products for consumers in order to create memories.

Wahpeton
Years in MFG: 36

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Rod awesome? Rod is not your typical manufacturing plant manager. He is a farm boy, turned engineer, to VP of Operations, to Head of Plant Management for a global industrial belting brand. He brings all of his past experiences to his current role, giving him a unique background. He is a servant leader who is smart, perceptive, technical and witty. Rod has a deep passion and cares for the employees. To him, the team is his work family. He often says, "It's not about head count it's about heart count," and "When you love what you do it doesn't seem like work." His employees have invited him to weddings, birthdays, the hospital, and funerals. He knows every employee in a special way - that is not common among manufacturing leaders. These personal relationships help enrich the lives of the team both in and outside the plant. In addition, Rod has helped lead the factory to increase productivity and sales by more than 120%.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? Every day is a new challenge! As an engineer, I'm "wired" to solve problems and find solutions, so each day is an exciting adventure in how to improve processes and make things at the facility better, impacting everything from safety to quality to throughput and more. The dynamicity of a factory environment satiates my innate need to keep busy. I'm never one to enjoy boredom!

Grand Forks
Years in MFG: 4

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Adam awesome? The entire MUSKOX team could list UNLIMITED reasons why we are thankful to have Adam as a boss. His positive attitude is undeniably contagious and his weekly inspirational speeches makes team members want to give 110%. He keeps the team motivated to deliver the best products and customer service possible because of his personal passion to revolutionize the snow removal industry.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? There are so many things that I enjoy about working in the manufacturing industry, but my favorite things is taking an idea from a simple concept, moving it to production, and then finally taking it to market. It is extremely rewarding and exciting.

Bismarck
Years in MFG: 10

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Todd awesome? Todd is an unsung hero in manufacturing, working in an industry that many are quick to judge, often overlooking the profound impact of his work. His influence on Pure Dakota and North Dakota's medical marijuana industry is nothing short of transformative - especially navigating incredibly strict government regulations. Todd doesn't use regulations as an excuse to be complacent, He uses it as motivation to improve the medical marijuana program so that the nearly 10,000 ND patients can access products that address their medical conditions. His journey from a tech-driven farm boy to a pioneer in a highly-regulated and often misunderstood industry is a testament to his character and tenacity. Under his leadership, Pure Dakota has grown to produce roughly 85% of the state's medical marijuana products. Todd continuously pushes the boundaries of what's possible in medical marij. manufacturing.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? I’ve been involved in manufacturing my whole life — from agriculture and livestock to my latest venture, Medical Marijuana. What I love most about this industry is starting from nothing and producing a high-quality end product. I enjoy advancing my processes and techniques to continue to evolve and improve the products I create. Nothing is more important to me than producing–or in my case, growing–the healthiest and highest quality medicine possible. Seeing the positive effects my industry can bring to both the end user and also the economy makes enjoying my career easy.

Fort Totten
Years in MFG: 20

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Joseph awesome? Joe brings nearly 20 years of hands-on manufacturing experience to the production floor of SMC. His ability to retain past production run experience and transfer that knowledge into learning moments for our less-experienced operators is vital to efficiently molding quality products daily. Joe is willing to put in the effort required for effective training and his leadership is key to growing future manufacturing leaders on our production floor and beyond. He has a quality mindset and is leading our efforts to improve production job skills training as well as crosstrain production members to increase our throughput and our ability to be a supplier of composite products for the defense industry.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? SMC has given me the opportunity to develop various skills in different areas on the production floor. I enjoy that I have helped other employees grow to achieve new levels of skill.

Fargo
Years in MFG: 23+

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Derek awesome? Derek is an expert welder with decades of dedicated service at Spectrum Aeromed. He plays a crucial role in the fabrication and production processes and is a vital part of Spectrum Aeromed's R&D team. Derek is committed to excellence, and his strong work ethic inspires and motivates his team daily. He not only ensures the precision of mechanical parts and manages the operation of various machining tools, but also maintains a clean and safe work environment and oversees preventative maintenance efforts. Derek's long tenure and contributions are vital to the ongoing success and innovation at Spectrum Aeromed.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? With 30 years of manufacturing experience, I have had many great opportunities to learn and grow within the business. Working with my hands is a passion of mine, and my role allows me to utilize my skills in fabricating, machining, and welding, providing both versatility and schedule flexibility. I enjoy seeing the equipment I produce go from a piece of raw stock to parts of lifesaving equipment going out the door to customers, used everyday throughout the world. The many years of experience in the business enables me to support our R&D team in developing new products and continuously improving our current designs to ensure we are delivering the highest quality products to our customers.

Mandan
Years in MFG: 24

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Chris awesome? Chris leads and mentors a team of ‘Miscellaneous Steel’ fabricators. Miscellaneous Steel is arguably the most challenging division of the Steel Fabrication Industry; the products fabricated must come together under the direction of a design engineer. Often the product will need a mix of hands-on welding and precision fabricating techniques utilizing specialty tech. In addition, miscellaneous steel products often must ‘fit up’ to a larger project. The timing and design of this custom work must coordinate with that project. Many hurdles can arise during these products. Thankfully, Chris is a problem-solver. Chris understands every aspect of Miscellaneous Steel because he has worked his way up from fabrication to machine operation, project management, and construction development. Chris understands how to make an idea into a tangible product. In addition, he advocates for his team, their products, the company, and the steel industry.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? I like the everchanging challenges that each project presents and the path to find a solution or process to efficiently and accurately deliver a quality product to our customers. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you see a project come together and know you played a part to get over the finish line. I enjoy my co-workers and the company I work for. There is a true sense of teamwork and support that makes a person want to give your all, because you know the person next to you will do the same with the support from management to succeed.

West Fargo
Years in MFG: 2

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Sydney awesome? Sydney overall is a model Marvin employee. She began her manufacturing journey working on our production line, transferring to Workspace Experience about a year later. She at some point works with everyone in the facilities and also is the face for all of our guests. Sydney lives the values - doing the right thing, being stronger together, thinking differently, raising the bar, and believing it is possible. Daily, we see these displayed by Sydney. Always a smile, always energetic and willing to go the extra mile. This year Sydney has started working with Tours and Training on all the Destination Marvin visits and that has gone exceptionally well. Shoutout to Sydney: Thank you for all you do! You are a huge part of the team and organization’s success.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? I love working in the manufacturing industry because I get to learn something new every day. When I started at Marvin working as a production associate on the line, I was able to experience what that atmosphere was like. I really appreciate having that experience because I am now able to understand a lot of what is discussed in meetings I attend with Engineers, Production Managers, etc. Now in my current role as a Workspace Experience Coordinator I get to see even more how this industry is run and it is more complex than anyone would know. Between the amazing culture and the constant encouragement to grow in our roles it has been nothing short of a great experience working for Marvin Windows.