All Stars

M A N U F A C T U R I N G A L L S T A R S 2 0 17 5 S P O N S O R P A I D P R O F I L E How did you decide on this career path? I started at Sargento in 2007. I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. As I learned new jobs, I always wanted to do more. I love to learn and expand my knowledge, so taking on more responsibility makes me enjoy my career. What kind of education and training do you have? I have recently started college again to get an associate's degree in business management from Columbia Southern University and plan to pursue a bachelor's degree as well. I've also completed the Sargento leadership quadrant and other leadership courses. ARIENS COMPANY Brillion ROBOTIC/AUTOMATION SPECIALIST (DWD Category) Avg. salary range: $40,610 to $60,660 Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development PROCESS TECHNICIAN & BACKUP SUPERVISOR (Industrial Engineering Technicians) Avg. salary range: $43,090 to $62,550 Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development O n any given week at Ariens Company, at least one employee will be celebrating a milestone anniversary of 25, 30, 40 or even 50 years with the company. Many have had many different positions over their career. "Because we are a family-owned company, we can make day-to-day decisions that are focused on our long-term growth," says Dan Ariens, company chairman and CEO. For employees starting their careers, Ariens Company offers on-the-job learning opportunities including apprenticeships, job shadowing and internships in safety, Lean manufacturing and manufacturing leadership. Many employees who began working in direct manufacturing positions move to other departments within the company. Ariens Company has been building outdoor power equipment used by homeowners and professionals for more than 80 years. The company sells a variety of products including snow blowers, lawn mowers, professional zero-turn mowers and chore products like power brushes, edgers and even utility vehicles. Those products start out as raw steel delivered to two facilities in Brillion. Employees take the steel through many processes including stamping, laser-cutting, welding, painting, assembly and testing before they ship out as finished product. "There are many opportunities for people who like the idea of creating something tangible out of nothing," Ariens says. "The one thing that all manufacturing employees have in common is that they like to solve problems." When problems do come up, five "Company Core Values" set the tone for decision- making: Be Honest, Be Fair, Keep Our Commitments, Respect the Individual and Encourage Intellectual Curiosity. The company has been growing through acquisition, expanded product lines and investment in new technology. Employees who join the Ariens team have the unique opportunity to impact the business in a fast- paced, high-energy environment. prepared you for this job? My military background — I have been trained to never quit. If you cannot come up with an answer, start kicking down doors asking questions until you find a lead. Use all assets at your disposal. I have associate's degrees in electro- mechanical engineering technology and automation engineering technology, and an industrial maintenance certificate. I'm also currently going to UW-Green Bay for my bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology. Do you have or had a mentor? Currently, I am mentored by Long Xiong, a 2014 All Star. I can ask his advice on problems and we work well together to solve difficult situations. www.ariens.com Ariens | facebook.com/Ariens Gravely | facebook.com/Gravely Ariens | youtube.com/AriensChannel Gravely | youtube.com/GravelyChannel Ariens | twitter.com/Ariens Gravely | twitter.com/gravelymowers Dan Ariens | twitter.com/Dariens58 Ariens | instagram.com/arienscompany# Gravely | instagram.com/gravelymower# For more information about Ariens Company check out the following:

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