1. Name, title and how long you’ve been at Specialty Manufacturing Co.

Jolene Kohler, Buyer for Valve Division, SafeWay and Integrated Services. I’ve been at Specialty for 3 Years.

2. What is your role at the company, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am a buyer for our valve division, SafeWay and Integrated Services. A typical day for me includes reviewing what is forecasted to be purchased and gathering quotes. I spend time analyzing the open PO’s that I have and compare them to current on hand and forecasted demand. I then decide when to defer or expedite. I also work with the engineers on gathering information on new components for projects that they are working on.

3. What aspects of our culture do you find most rewarding or unique?

I appreciate the transparency that our leadership provides to us through surveys and Strategic Planning

4. What is a project you’ve worked on that you are proud of?

I was very appreciative and excited to be a part of the Cultural Sparkplugs team that met and discussed strategic planning this year. I have also worked on a cost analysis for bringing items in house to be manufactured here vs purchasing outside. One of my favorite wins was eliminating a vendor service on a screw that we purchased. We previously purchased this part raw and then sent it to a vendor to have Loctite applied. This was not only creating a long lead time for this part but also drove the cost up. I was able (with the help from engineering) to find a screw that we purchase finished saving us not only time but money.

5. Is there a colleague or mentor who has had a significant impact on your career?

I would have to say Heather Shaw. She continues to teach me something new almost every single day. I feel like she took a chance on me when hiring me for this role and I appreciate that so much.

6. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in manufacturing?

Be prepared to never have the same day twice.

7. If you could switch roles with someone at Specialty for a day, what role would you want to try?

Anyone in Customer Service. I feel like it would be fun to talk to our customers and get to know them and to be a part of the other side of the ordering process.

8. What’s something about you that most people at the company might not know?

I read 25 books last year.

9. Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy painting, reading, interior design projects, and gardening.

10. Favorite place you’ve visited?

Cannon Beach, Oregon

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