AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 53

“ Work is what you put into it ,” Givens said . “ If you work hard , opportunities will come to you .”
Givens is not the only company officer who started at the company with a torch in his hand .
Gene Bolinger , Service Manager , started as an apprentice from a high school welding program . He ’ s been with the company for 21 years .
“ I worked six years as a welder before I got into the service department ,” Bolinger said . “ I worked up to team leader , then call manager , and then to service manager .”
The service department provides technical support , orders parts and tries to settle disputes .
“ I came in as receptionist with no skills ,” Wolfe said . “ I asked questions and saw how the different office jobs worked . Now , I ’ m subbing as an accounts payable representative .”
Wolfe hopes to move up if a permanent opening becomes available .
“ I think I have a head start toward getting a promotion ,” she said . “ They can see how I perform in a higher position .”
Sometimes finding the right employees is hard , Weiser said . Workers must have basic math skills .
“ We find too many that can ’ t do simple math and can ’ t read a tape measure ,” he added .
“ After the invoice , we take care of it ,” Bolinger said . “ We have 18 service employees across the U . S . We also provide service in Puerto Rico , Canada and Mexico .”
Bolinger gave a lot of the credit for his advancement to a great group of leaders .
“ They took me under their wing ,” he said . “ I was willing and eager to learn .”
Sami Wolfe hopes to be promoted after showing initiative .
Additionally , the company looks for people who are willing to put in the time it takes to learn the job .
“ If they are inside of three months on the job they might quit ,” Bolinger said .
“ If they work for six months , we feel like they will stick with it ,” he said . “ It will pay off for them in long run .”
The company ’ s starting entrylevel pay is $ 12 to $ 15 per hour , but it goes up quickly , Givens said .
Medical , dental and vision insurance are part of the company ’ s employee benefits . Other benefits include a 401 ( k ) retirement plan , a company-paid life insurance policy , and vacation time that reaches five weeks per year after 15 years on the job .
According to the company , many employees appreciate J . V . Manufacturing ’ s commitment to its workers .
“ People leave and then want to come back ,” Givens said . The company probably has 100 employees who have worked there for 10 years , about 30 have over 20 years at the company , and 10 have over 30 years , Givens said .
If you are interested in a career at J . V . Manufacturing , you can apply at the company office at 701 Butterfield Coach Road in Springdale .
“ Don ’ t be afraid to start small ,” Wolfe said . “ That allows more room for improvement and advancement .” 51