When did you join John Zink? What initially attracted you to John Zink?  

I joined John Zink in May 2021, drawn by the business' culture and growth opportunities. Starting as a value stream manager, I managed production schedules and shortages across product lines, which deepened my product knowledge and network. After two years, I transitioned to project manager, combining my love for customer interaction with my operations experience. Nearly four years in, I can say the reasons I joined still hold true. 

Can you describe your role at John Zink and what your typical day entails? What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

As a project manager, each day brings new challenges and opportunities. My role spans the entire project lifecycle, from receiving an order to project closure, and everything in between. What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with both internal teams and external customers. It is a lot of fun to work together to find solutions to complex problems and deliver successful results that satisfy our customers. 

How has John Zink supported your professional growth?

John Zink and Koch truly believe in self-actualization and have been very supportive throughout my career journey. They provided encouragement as I transitioned from production scheduling to project management. With my experience and background giving me a comparative advantage, John Zink recognized the value I could bring to the business and our customers, positioning me in a role that aligns with my passions and fosters my professional growth. 

Can you describe a time when a colleague’s support made a difference? 

The collaborative culture here is incredible. There have been many instances where engineers or designers walked me through models to help me better understand our designs and equipment. Someone from production has also taken the time to go over fabrication drawings with me. This level of support has not only expanded my knowledge but also made me a more confident project manager.  

What is your favorite tradition or event at John Zink?

My favorite event at John Zink has been going to the Drillers’ game for our summer company party. My two kids got to bring the baseball out to the pitcher’s mound, where another John Zink employee threw out the first pitch. They still talk about how cool that was. Also, just seeing the John Zink flare light up every time the Drillers hit a home run. My kids say, “Daddy’s work made that.” That makes me feel proud to be a part of a company that does fun things in the community.  

What does John Zink’s legacy mean to you? 

Our products are used in refineries all over the world, and it’s always exciting for me to visit customer sites or even drive by a refinery while on vacation and see one of our XP flare tips in action. I believe our long-standing legacy is built on the quality of our products and the exceptional customer service we provide. As a project manager, I’m excited to continue building on that legacy, ensuring we deliver both high-quality products and superior customer service. 

Which PBM principle resonates with you the most, and how do you apply it in your role to create value?

The principle of self-actualization resonates with me the most. We all possess unique skills, talents, and motivations, and it’s really cool to see how Koch and John Zink encourage everyone to explore what truly interests them and to pursue their passions. I’ve experienced this firsthand in my own career journey, transitioning from operations to execution. Gaining experience in various areas has helped me become more well-rounded in my role as a project manager. 

It’s awesome to work for a company that not only encourages you to follow your passions but also provides the support necessary to help you achieve your professional goals. 

Reflecting on your time at John Zink, what makes you most proud to be part of this team?

As a project manager, I have the privilege of working with people from all across the organization. There are so many incredible people here, and I’m proud to collaborate with them. I've learned so much from my colleagues, and what stands out is how everyone is always willing to share their knowledge and work together to meet our customers’ needs. 

Just for fun-what's the most memorable meal you've ever had, and where was it?

Dinner inside Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World with my family stands out. Seeing my kids’ excitement as they met the characters was magical. We’re heading back this May, and I can’t wait!