Meet this month’s employee spotlight, Rodney, a PMG Manufacturing Tech working his fourth PMG project. Learn more about him in the Q&A session below!
How long have you been working in manufacturing?
I used to work military law enforcement and then got into security for contract projects at manufacturers. Then, I got myself onto the production side in some positions with labor dispute projects about 10 years ago. I did replacement work for a long time before getting into contract projects. My first PMG project was last year.
What drew you to the trade?
I really enjoy doing things that keep me busy and let me do things I’m good at. I like to do things that produce something I can look at and say I did that, I made that. I like the travel, the production, not being bored, the money, and learning. I like all of it.
Have you had any formal training?
Most of my manufacturing training has been on-the-job training. I’m kind of a jack-of-all-trades. I started with home improvement working with a friend. I really do a little bit of everything and like continuing to pick up new knowledge and training while I’m working.
Before working at PMG, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Working at American Crystal Sugar in North Dakota, I was the Lime Kiln Foreman and I cross-trained a lot of positions. Over the course of 12 months, you learn every single thing about the process of how a sugar beet comes out of the ground and then turns into granulated sugar after so many different steps. You would never think so much was involved and so many different products were made just to make the packet you get at Starbucks. Otherwise, maybe guarding VIPs in Honduras when I was in the military.
What do you like most about working for PMG?
The interactions. There is more interaction with this company than any company I’ve worked for before. I’ve never worked for a company that is this hands-on. It’s not the kind of hands-on that is trying to keep tabs or something; it’s the kind that disseminates information down the chain. Here, the guy at the bottom is going to hear from the top when they do a good job and I appreciate that. When you do a good job for a company and actually get appreciated for that, it’s the best and I appreciate that. When I have a question, it gets addressed, always from all departments. Project Management, payroll… you guys are just awesome. I’m truly lucky to work for PMG and I don’t want to work for anybody else. PMG does what it can to make things possible and comfortable. PMG is like a support mechanism. All I have to do is a good job and everything else is you guys (PMG).
What is one thing you miss or wish you had with you while on the road?
I wish I could do the work I do, get the pay I get and have it be closer to home, but after being in the military, you get used to it.
How do you balance your career at PMG and family?
If you’re in a relationship and you have a decent foundation, you can make this work. It’s also the best knowing that you have the option to travel with your significant other.
What are some career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
Some of the best career lessons I’ve gotten was from the military and I’ve carried it on. I’m used to people being where they’re supposed to be and doing what they’re supposed to do when they’re supposed to do it. We’re all in this together and the more we help each other, the better we all do. Team work needs a team.
When you’re not working, what sort of hobbies do you like to do in your free time?
At home, I have twin 3-year old grandsons and they’re a handful. I spend a lot of time with them and with my fiance. I belong to and am involved with an ELK lodge at home. I like a good card game, a good pool game and I’m the master at dominoes. I’m a die-hard Patriots fan. When I’m out on a job, I like to keep it business. I take advantage of things at the hotel like the hot tub or grilling, but that’s about it when I’m working.
What is something fun you’re looking forward to in 2019?
My fiance and I are moving into our first home together this December and I haven’t seen my mom in almost 3 years. I’m planning on surprising her with a visit this winter after my current project wraps up.
In honor of Veteran’s Day this month, we’d like to send a special thanks to Rodney for his time in the service. We’d also like to thank the other men and women at PMG who’ve served in our country’s armed forces.
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”
-Abraham Lincoln
