Reflecting on Success: A recap of our 2023 Milestone Anniversaries
At Safetec, we believe in fostering an environment where every employee’s journey is not just a job but a rewarding career. We take immense pride in honoring the dedication, loyalty, and achievements of our incredible team members who have reached significant milestones in their professional journeys.
Join us in celebrating the stories of those who have grown with Safetec, as we showcase the journeys of our colleagues reaching the 5, 10, and 20-year milestones. Here’s to our exceptional team – the heart of Safetec – and to the many more milestones we will undoubtedly celebrate together in the years to come.
Anthony Gioia (June 16th)
Batching/Planning Manager
Whether it’s lending a helping hand to colleagues or different departments, Anthony is always there to support others. He’s worn many hats while here, showcasing his versatility and knowledge across production, warehouse, and batching.
Anthony’s daily positive attitude is infectious, and his commitment to the company is unwavering. His loyalty, knowledge, and support have been invaluable to Safetec’s success. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team and look forward to many more years of shared accomplishments and growth.
Phonicia Aaron (December 29th)
Phonicia has undoubtedly become a cornerstone of our kit room, embodying dedication, precision, and a genuine passion for Safetec quality. Her work is consistently steady and accurate, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Beyond her professionalism, Phonicia brings a special light to our workplace. A lover of literature, you’ll often find her engrossed in a book during lunch in the warm months and at her workstation during the cold ones. Her musical heart beats to the rhythm of Larry Graham, with “One in a million” holding a special place in her heart. Phonicia’s infectious smile, spontaneous dance moves, and hearty laughter add an unmistakable vibrancy to our daily routine. It is evident to all who interact with her that she is not just a colleague but a compassionate and fun-loving soul. We are truly fortunate to have Phonicia as part of the Safetec family, and we look forward to many more years of shared success and joy.
John (Kui) Lai (January 22nd)
Manufacturing Team Lead
John started as a 2nd shift packer, and within 10 months, he was trained and promoted to machine operator. In 2019, he was trained as a backup quality inspector and backup team lead but was officially promoted to team lead in 2022.
John has been a great asset to our production team; he’s always willing to learn new things and is the first person to help a peer. Safetec wouldn’t be the same without seeing John’s smiling face every day; he brings joy to the production floor.
Yahaira Concepcion (March 12th)
Level 2 Operator
Yahaira started her career at Safetec as a packer in the kit room. She’s worked hard to learn to run several machines on the production floor, which helped her work her way up to a Level 2 Operator.
Yahaira is always willing to learn and try new things and uses her knowledge of the various machines to help her team members. Whether it’s helping others solve technical questions on a machine or helping translate English to Spanish for those whom English is a second language, she always does so with a smile and a great attitude. Moreover, Yahaira loves working at Safetec so much that she referred her brother, who is also part of the Safetec Family!
Cheryl Kostorowski (August 12th)
Quality Inspector
Throughout her decade-long journey with Safetec, Cheryl has proven to be an exceptional and hardworking individual. Her meticulous approach and eye for detail ensure that our products consistently meet the highest quality standards. Moreover, Cheryl’s willingness to assist with inspections and training at 887 demonstrates her unwavering commitment to our team’s success.
Beyond her professional excellence, Cheryl’s kindness and compassion set her apart as a remarkable human being. Her genuine concern for others and desire to do the right thing make her an invaluable asset to our company culture. Looking ahead, Cheryl intends to spend the final leg of her career right here at Safetec. Her love for the company is evident, and we are privileged to have her as an integral part of our Safetec family.
Mohamud Abdulaziz (September 9th)
Team Lead
Originally from Kenya, Mohamud is an outstanding team player who supports all aspects of the manufacturing process without question. He has a great in-depth knowledge of the machinery at our South location and feels comfortable problem-solving issues.
Mohamud enjoys coming to work because his coworkers make him smile every week by making jokes and having a good time. His positive attitude towards everyone has made him a leader in our company, playing a key role in interpretation for employees who are more comfortable speaking their native language since he speaks FIVE different languages: Kizigua, Somali, Swahili, Mai Mai, and English.
Lal Lian (November 4th)
Team Lead
Lal has exemplified dedication and growth within our organization. He started as an operator and worked his way up to becoming an outstanding Team Lead. His extensive knowledge of all the machines makes him an invaluable resource as he’s not only skilled but also passionate about training new operators on our equipment.
Lal’s unwavering commitment is evident in his outstanding attendance and punctuality. His love for Safetec goes beyond the workplace as he even referred his wife to join our Safetec family.
Brad Burger (April 3rd)
Machine Operator
Brad is an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking individual who takes immense pride in the quality of his work. With over three decades of experience in machine operation, Brad has developed a deep understanding and expertise in his craft. He willingly shares his knowledge and expertise with others, which makes him an invaluable asset to our team.
Brad is well-known for his reliability and unwavering commitment to getting the job done right. His compassion and dedication extend to all aspects of his life, making him a truly outstanding team member.
Miles McDowell (April 16th)
Batcher
Starting as a temporary employee, Miles has exhibited a wealth of knowledge and has become a skilled operator in the 5 years he has been with us. Miles takes on additional responsibilities without complaint and often shares his knowledge by training other employees.
He is a diligent worker and takes pride in his job, which is reflected in the quality of his work. We appreciate how much Miles is always willing to lend a hand and support his colleagues. It is an absolute pleasure to have Miles on our production team!
Jimar Burt (April 16th)
Batching Assistant
Jimar is an exceptional employee who brings so much positive energy to the workplace. He is not only reliable but also easy to work with. His can-do attitude and always smiling face make him a pleasure to be around. Jimar takes pride in his job and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
One of Jimar’s unique characteristics is that he loves to sing while he works, which helps to create a positive and upbeat atmosphere in the workplace. Overall, Jimar is such a valuable asset to our team, and we’re proud to have him as a member of our organization.
Kyle Bishop (May 3rd)
Buyer
We’re incredibly proud of Kyle’s growth and development over the past 5 years with our company. He started in shipping and through sheer hard work and determination, he has worked diligently to earn his place as a Buyer in our Purchasing Department. Kyle is not only an excellent team player but also willing to lend a hand in shipping when the need arises.
He consistently demonstrates his reliability by completing tasks promptly and courteously. Furthermore, he is always willing to go above and beyond to help his fellow teammates. Kyle is a valuable asset to our team, and we are lucky to have him.
Alex Hedges (September 4th)
Maintenance Supervisor
Alex is the epitome of a hard worker, consistently going above and beyond for the company’s success. With nearly 16 years of experience as a mechanic in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, Alex has brought with him a wealth of expertise. He has honed his skills over the years, becoming proficient in diagnosing and fixing intricate issues throughout our facility and on our production floor.
His infectious positivity and fun-loving nature make him a joy to be around. Beyond his professional dedication, Alex has a talent for smoking meat and has a passion for restoring old trucks.
Wen Di (September 5th)
Machine Operator
Wen has been a powerhouse at Safetec, bringing incredible knowledge of equipment and a friendly, can-do attitude to our team. Her ability to handle complex machinery has set a high bar for technical excellence and made our processes smoother.
Wen is not just a top-producing operator; she’s the go-to teammate always ready to lend a hand. Her punctuality, reliability, and genuine commitment to Safetec’s success make her a true asset.
Mohammed Mowla (September 10th)
Batcher
Mo’s journey at Safetec has been nothing short of inspirational. He began as a packer and worked hard to ascend the ranks to become one of our skilled batchers and a trusted trainer for new batchers. He consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our batching process remains on track, no matter the challenges that may arise.
His work ethic is a shining example, demonstrating that hard work and determination are key to success. We are grateful to have Mo has an integral part of our team.
Ku Reh (September 17th)
Machine Operator
We cannot say enough about this guy! Outstanding, dedicated, and always possessing a positive, motivating attitude. Ku is one of the hardest workers out there, yet he still finds the time to assist others. He is constantly surpassing daily numbers and is laser-focused on producing quality products.
There is never a minute Ku is not running his machine or looking for the next assignment. He is an essential key player in the success of our manufacturing facility.
José Medina (September 17th)
Facilities Custodian
José has consistently showcased unwavering dedication, infusing his personal touch into every task. Always lending a helping hand, he embodies a spirit of collaboration and brings boundless positivity that lights up any room.
We’re truly grateful for José’s hard work, unique contributions, and the vibrant energy he brings. Here’s to José and the incredible impact he continues to make.
Damone Barnes (September 18th)
Machine Operator
Damone’s eagerness to learn new equipment, adapt his schedule for operational needs, mentor colleagues, and maintain strong family connections outside of work showcases his outstanding dedication and character. He has been a great team member and contributes to Safetec’s success.
Kazi Aowal (November 19th)
Machine Operator
Kazi’s perfect attendance and unwavering punctuality speak volumes about his commitment to excellence. Not only does he bring a wealth of knowledge to his role, but his positive demeanor and super polite nature uplift the spirits of everyone around him.
He is always up to the challenge and willing to take on new responsibilities as he is currently immersed in mastering all of Safetec’s liquid lines. Beyond the workplace, Kazi’s role as a big family man further highlights his admirable qualities. Her
Alex Laboy (November 19th)
Machine Operator
Alex has consistently proven himself as one of our top operators, showcasing proficiency in handling any IMAR and Tuber. He is currently undergoing training on our Circle machines and continues to exemplify excellence in his commitment to expanding his skill set.
Beyond the workplace, Alex’s passion for the Buffalo Bills is truly unparalleled – his enthusiasm is nothing short of HUGE! We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled professional on our team.