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10 N E W M A N U F A C T U R I N G A L L I A N C E Tasha Poplin Pioneer Metal Finishing, Green Bay What does your company make? Fiberglass Solutions makes custom fiberglass reinforced plastic products, serving many industries such as cheese production, dairy manufacturers, the pulp and paper industry, wastewater treatment facilities, water utilities, chemical companies, plating and coating industries, electrical utilities, vegetable processing, indoor and outdoor waterparks, and other custom markets. How do your company's products make a difference in people's lives? Through our focus and dedication, we offer high-quality work that meets the various needs of our customers. By meeting these needs, our customers can also offer a higher quality of work to meet the needs of their customers. What are your job duties? My position comes with a variety of job duties. With being part of a smaller family business, I've made myself available to adapt to many needs and situations within the company. Just a few of my many job duties are maintenance, customer service, and designing, managing and organizing crews and supplies. Why do you enjoy your job? I enjoy my job because I am given the trust and freedom to use my skills to complete the job that needs to be done. Why do you choose to live in Northeast Wisconsin? I was born and raised in Northeast Wisconsin and I've always loved the area and what it has to offer. My wife is also from Wisconsin, and we have decided to keep our family here to show them everything that Wisconsin has to offer. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND RESEARCH CHEMIST N E W M A N U FA C T U R I N G A L L I A N C E ALL STAR O N E W M A N U FA C T U R I N G A L L I A N C E ALL STAR O Online: Watch Tasha talk about working at Pioneer Metal Finishing. newmfgalliance.org Check out Pioneer Metal Finishing's website at pioneermetal.com Online: Watch Patrick talk about working at Fiberglass Solutions. newmfgalliance.org Check out Fiberglass Solutions' website at fiberglasssolutions.us Patrick Raymaker Fiberglass Solutions, Green Bay OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR What does your company make? Pioneer provides decorative and protective finishes to metal parts spanning multiple markets and manufacturing sectors. It could be a part used in a marine environment to hold up to extensive salt-based corrosion or an aesthetic improvement on a knife handle. What are your job duties? I am responsible for performing or delegating the research and material testing of new coatings/finishes for Pioneer, as well as overall process improvements. Why do you enjoy your job? My job at Pioneer is ever-changing and evolving. I enjoy this variability as I am provided with numerous opportunities to grow and learn nearly every day. I like that I am posed with challenges and am able to problem-solve independently or in collaboration with my teammates. I don't like to be bored at my job, and Pioneer keeps things interesting. Why do you choose to live in Northeast Wisconsin? I have been living in Green Bay my entire life. I enjoy the culture and camaraderie that is associated with the area. I also like the fact that Green Bay is a relatively small city but still offers different activities and locations that are entertaining and fun. How did you decide on this career path? I became interested in science while I was in high school. I was drawn to the rational approach to problem- solving. I worked through a few positions at different companies and realized that the research aspect of the scientific sector was what truly interested me. What education and training most prepared you with the necessary skills? I have a bachelor's in chemistry from St. Norbert College. In general,