As production manager I'm responsible for planning and scheduling our manufacturing operation to ensure that our products are produced efficiently, on time, and at or above the standards expected by our customers. I'm also responsible for ensuring that new products are phased in smoothly, developing and maintaining production metrics, and directing ongoing improvements to our process, equipment, and facilities. It's definitely a lot; but it's also a lot of fun! I'm fortunate to have a great bunch of co-workers and a shop full of truly gifted craftspeople who care greatly about the products we're making. I'm also really lucky to work for a company who makes products that genuinely excite me.
I came to Leon in a rather roundabout way. Shortly after moving to Ann Arbor, I started playing bass in a surf band (Tokyo Sexwhale) which was founded by three Leon employees. After meeting one of the owners at a practice, I was offered a job on the assembly line. I worked on the line for about two years, then worked my way into product design and development which I did for 9 months, and now I'm supervising our whole manufacturing operation--I couldn't have planned that if I wanted to!
Ann Arbor has really been a great place for me, and U/M's presence makes it really appealing to stay. I've been DJing at the campus radio station, WCBN, since moving to town; and I'm looking forward to starting an MBA program at the Ross within a couple of years.