AIM Magazine 2017 Print_AIM Magazine_2017_web | Page 65

GET THE R E E R A C M R E T - G N O L FOR A MIDWEST BLOCK & BRICK makes and distributes g munities is lookin m co d il u b s lp e h t A company tha to join its team. st e b e th f o st e b for the concrete blocks, brick, pavers, stone, and other masonry and landscape materials. You’ll find its products used in schools, businesses, shopping centers and homes around the coun- try. Careers at Midwest Block & Brick include machine operators, supervisors, sales and other positions. Salaries vary based on the type of job, but production team members can make $35,000 to $45,000 a year. Supervisors can potentially earn $75,000. Midwest Block & Brick always needs good people who have the skills needed to run the computer controlled machines that make its products. “Our technology is cutting edge for our industry,” explains Coltr Crowell, district sales manager. “The company has really in- vested in equipment that cuts down on the amount of physical labor required in the manufacturing process.” Midwest Block and Brick offers entry level production positions, but learning some basic mechanical skills could help you start out at a mid-level job in the company. Midwest Block & Brick looks for skills like welding and understanding electrical and hydraulic systems, things you can learn about in agriculture or construction trades classes. “Having that background, you could start out learning how to run machinery and be in a training track for a higher level position,” Crowell says. Midwest Block & Brick will help you learn new skills on the job when you’re starting out. The entire team also takes advantage of continued training to keep learning. “We offer additional training through our equipment manufacturers,” Crowell explains. “We shut down the plant for a week and do hands-on training for everyone and that’s something we’ll continue to do a couple times a year.” go into it looking at the big picture. Don’t expect to start at the top. It takes hard work and learning to move up in any job,” Crowell recommends. He also has some advice for anyone getting ready to start a new job. “Read ‘How to Win Friends and Influence Peo- ple’ by Dale Carnegie. It will help you be a better leader.” Midwest Block and Brick is focused on the success of both the business and its team members. “This is a family-owned company, and it changes with the times to keep up with customer demands. Our leadership invests in the company and its employees.” That investment includes benefits like paid time off, health insurance and a retirement savings plan. To find out more about career opportu- nities, and to apply, visit Midwest Block and Brick at 1589 Electric Avenue in Springdale. The company also looks for something that can’t always be taught — a good attitude. “You could have all the technical skills in the world, but if you don’t have the right mindset and can’t work with other people, you won’t succeed here,” Crowell says. “We’re looking for people with a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude who want to be part of a team. If you are willing to learn and work, the sky is the limit to how far you can go at Midwest.” The company has 400 employees in seven states and there are opportunities to move up to other loca- tions. “You could start your career and possibly move to a bigger city, like Kansas City or St. Louis, if that’s what you wanted to do.” Midwest Block & Brick wants to help you build a long term career. “If you’re looking to start a career, first find a job that fits you. Then SPRINGDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 65