WJI September 2019 Feature Sample

WIRE JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2019 2019

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INTERNATIONAL

www.wirenet.org

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Two years ago, WJI presented the wire and cable industry’s first-ever class of “Rising Hotshots,” a dozen people, age 40 or under, who were deemed to be talented professionals worthy of recognition.

Based on the “30 under 30” series in Forbes, the candidates, approved by the WAI’s Board of Directors, presented a wide cross-section of expertise.

This feature presents 15 equally impressive industry professionals. Two had been interns, and a third had connected via a school program, but all share a work ethic that inspires their colleagues, from one staffer who in less than a year became indispensable, to another who amazes coworkers with his ability to figure out ways to improve equipment.

The feature includes further observations from Peter Carino, Wire Resources, Inc., who two years ago discussed how to keep good employees—and two other related pieces—the Industry Voices column on p. 20, and a Milestones Q&A with Pelican Wire on p. 22—that also address the role of employees.

Of note, WJI will offer this feature again next year, only it will not be age restricted: the focus will be on Plant Managers.

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Employment workforce snapshots • Only 40% of employees say they know their company’s goals, strategies and tactics. (Source: Bain & Company) • Just 29% of manufacturing’s labor force is female, with only 7% in middle-skilled jobs. (Source: Gallup) • Industry in the U.S. may have as many as 2.4 million jobs to fill between now and 2028. (Source: Deloitte Insights)

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• In 2017, 25% of manufacturing employees were over age 55. (Source:

Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation)

• The x-factor? Robots may replace up to a tenth of the world’s manufacturing jobs. (Source: Oxford Economics) • More than 90% of employees want to work for a company that is socially responsible. (Source: Paychex)

This manager knew how to orchestrate his career Jacob (Jake) Haney, age 37, is the product development manager in Prysmian’s R&D Department at its Indianapolis-Indiana Technical Center. He joined General Cable, now Prysmian, in 2008. His current responsibilities include developing and servicing industrial and medium-voltage cables and building wire products. He previously worked as a development engineer for Lincoln Electric. He holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University, where the longtime musician also played cello in its symphony orchestra his first year, before the engineering classes “got really crazy-time consuming.”

Per the company nomination, “Jake combines his outstanding technical expertise with the ability to make a connection with product application/customer requirements. He is always willing to learn and has held multiple job functions, including applications engineering, product specifications and cable design and development to broaden his expertise in a short time. His communication skills have been effective and he works well at all organization levels as well as with external customers and welcomes challenging project opportunities. He has made strong contributions to standardizing our industrial products and working with regulatory agencies after the merger of General Cable and Prysmian. Jake always asks the right questions leading to the right recommendations for resolution of customer problems. His handling of complex situations is very impressive.”

Jacob (Jake) Haney Product Development Manager, R&D Department Prysmian Years of Experience: 14 College: Purdue University

She was taught to ‘horse around,’ but not at work Lisa Patterson, age 37, oversees day-to-day operation of WireMasters, Inc.’s Rhode Island production facility. In 2007, she joined the company when it was called Wyre Tek, LLC, co-owned by her dad, Kerry Patterson. Following his passing in January 2015, the business was sold to WireMasters, and she stayed on as site manager. She was instrumental in the company’s QPL approval/retention process for M27500 cables, and oversees QC. She trains operators in machinery/ equipment use, and performs minor maintenance and repairs on a variety of production equipment. She holds an associate’s degree in equine studies and a B.S. degree in equine business management/journalism.

Per the company nomination, “Lisa’s knowledge and attention to detail have been key elements in her leadership of the cable manufacturing operations at WireMasters’ Rhode Island facility. She recently led the operation through a challenging site relocation into a larger and more modern facility and a successful re-certification of the QPL for our major products. Besides her hands-on knowledge and ability to operate all the machinery, Lisa has excellent communication, leadership and production planning skills. She has earned the respect of seasoned experts through her dedication and excellent decision-making skills. Lisa is passionate about the industry and dedicated to providing the best customer service experience in our niche of the industry.”

Lisa Patterson Production Supervisor WireMasters, Inc. Rhode Island facility Years of Experience: 12 College: Johnson & Wales University

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