Richard Horn | Vice President of Operations
1. How long have you been at WireCrafters?
I have been the Plant Manager at WireCrafters since May 2008, so 11 years.
2. What is the best thing about your job?
I thoroughly enjoy working with the team here at WireCrafters. From the President to the Shop Floor, everyone has a great heart and wants to accomplish special things. Leading this group is an honor and pleasure!
3. What is your favorite story to tell from WireCrafters?
Professional:
Really proud of my team when we first implemented Powder Coating at WireCrafters. After weeks of planning and months of execution, we conducted a plant realignment and then implementation of a state of the art Powder Coating System. We did not miss a customer shipment during the transition, and were at planned capacity on the line within days of implementation. A great project plan, executed well, with great results. I was proud of what the team accomplished.
Personal:
When we visited Cleveland to “run-off” the powder system, we went to dinner with the vendor to a really nice steak house. Our Finishing Supervisor (Jerry Smith) ordered a filet WELL DONE, much to the dismay of the waiter. When he received it, it looked like a charcoal briquet. Our host tried to send it back, but Jerry insisted “That is what I want!”. I still give Jerry a hard time about that, but he insists it is the best steak he ever had. I am skeptical!
4. What do you like to do when not in the office?
Spend time with my wife and daughter at home, and workout in an attempt to stay fit. Been training for an Ironman Triathlon, so that has consumed a considerable amount of time for the past several months.
5. If someone asked to be your apprentice and learn all that you know, what would you teach them?
I would stress the importance of planning, “Have a plan. Work the Plan”. You can’t get to where you are going without a roadmap. Also, I would stress the importance of empathy and follow-up when leading people. We manage machines and process, but we LEAD people. So, you never know someone’s circumstances or issues until you put yourself in their shoes.
Communicate
Communicate and set objectives, give people the tools and knowledge to be successful, and then follow-up on your actions to get the desired results. Go to the shop floor to understand issues first hand, and know the real situation before you act. Have fun when leading people. It is an honor to lead them, so treat it as such. Act when given charge of a task, have a plan and move forward.
6. What is a quote you appreciate?
“A good plan violently executed now is far better than a flawless plan executed next week.” George S. Patton
Each month, we focus on one employee. We ask questions about what they do at the company as well as what they do in their free time. Answers range from going to the lake, to writing poetry. We have a lot of unique talent among our workforce. Make sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get more spotlights each month!
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