WINTER 2020

EMBRACING THE DREAM…

EMBRACING THE DREAM… EMPLOYEES RESPOND If the first proof of a successful company is its customers, the second is its employees. The longevity of the years spent at the company is a testimony of their work and environment. Deanna Wall (20 years), Sales Manager, reminisces “from my first day I was told that you treat every customer like they are your only customer. Wall said she has worked on projects that she never thought possible because the leader of the once small company had ‘big dreams.’ David Williams, said he felt a sense of pride embedded in every worker that what they are responsible for is done right. Mellisa Isenberg (14 years), Office Assistant, has been impressed that Kovach makes a point to greet each office employee by name every morning, letting each employee know they are appreciated and welcomed. Barb Light (10 years), Office Assistant, says Kovach is “one of a kind, not above doing any job that needs to be done. He can be seen riding the mower or with a broom cleaning up.” Production Manager, Tony Pasanen comments“the culture that exists encourages a strong bond between co-workers to meet the day-to-day challenges.” Shipping Supervisor Steve Osborne (15 years), states “Kovach leads by example whether on the floor working elbow to elbow, running equipment, working on the roof or in his office long after others have left.” Carrie Brown (5 years), Office Assistant, knows why Ken Forging is so successful. She said, “Rich has led a successful business because of who he is as a person both inside the job and outside in the community.” John Knierim, Impactor Department Supervisor, has guided the crew for 26 years. Knierim said, “They are all highly devoted; taking pride in their work no matter what the job is.” A positive work environment is what Steve Klug (14 years), Controller, admires. “An owner who listens to the ideas of his employees and deals with issues on a daily basis helps everyone achieve their workplace goals.” Dan Reger (33 years), Forging Foreman, appreciates the commitment Ken Forging makes to its staff - “they treat me like family and Rich has always worked hard to provide jobs for his employees.” Quality manager, Chris Dewey (15 years), feels the Kovach family supplies customers with “products and turnaround times unsurpassed in their field.” He added, “We uphold ourselves to higher standards than anyone else.” Duane Hulderman has only been at Ken Forging as the I.T. manager since 2017, but has seen great strides in the technology system. “Our infrastructure is now completely fiber, allowing us to produce our products and services quicker, with the same level of quality.” continued on page 22