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

ConnieWalerius, Quality Engineer. 19 years

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

Quality Engineer – I support all business units for issues like supplier, internal and customer nonconformances (this includes containment, review, disposition, etc.), corrective action assistance and coaching, PPAP preparation (First articles, process capability studies, gage R & R), QMS internal lead auditor, Supplier auditor, audit escort for registrar audit and customer audits, also responsible for quality related documentation and help others in documenting processes.

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

I definitely appreciate the “small company” feel that we currently have and I am hoping in the future to retain this culture as we grow and mature.

4. What is a project you’ve worked on that you are proud of? OR Are there any initiatives or projects you’re currently excited about?

I am currently working on capability studies for a few large projects. It is exciting to see what tolerances we can hold with our internal processes.

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

Yes – Joe Krueger. I had been assigned to his Engineering group a few years ago – I am appreciative of his management style, his “open door” policy (truly – ANY time!) I really respect his approach to management and being a team player.

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

Ask questions – you will learn a lot – and if you keep asking you will keep learning your entire career.

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

I am a pretty open book at work and in all aspects of my life, but some folks may not know I had a significant other who was a quadriplegic – we were together 5 years before his accident and almost 25 years after his accident. He passed away in 2017. He was a very unique and charismatic individual and I miss him deeply.

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

My sister, her husband and I have a small business making and selling craft items – mostly laser and scroll saw wood pieces – we have our own Etsy shop and we sell at many craft sales throughout the year. We also enjoy using our Craftapped (buy one / get one) at many breweries in the Twin Cities.

9. Favorite place you’ve visited?

I’ve been on 7 cruises in my life, Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii – my favorite? Tie between Alaska in the summer and Aruba in the winter!

Interested in a career at The Specialty Manufacturing Co.? View our current openings.