Most of us have had the experience of meeting with a guidance counselor at some point in our student career. We may have taken a career aptitude test and been given a list of possible job careers which focused around our natural talents and abilities. This process is designed to help an individual understand his own abilities and skills so that he can select a job which he will succeed in. Choosing a career which revolves around natural talents benefits not only the individual but also the company that he works for. As Bill Gates once said, “If you give people tools, and they use their natural ability and their curiosity, they will develop things in ways that will surprise you very much beyond what you might have expected.” This has certainly proved true in the case of ChemRite’s Senior Maintenance Technician, Craig Coffey.
Craig was raised in a Milwaukee area suburb where his natural ability with machinery was encouraged from an early age. One of his neighbors raced stock cars at a local racetrack, Slinger Speedway, competing weekly in the “Slinger Stingers” class. At just 12 years old, Craig started working on the cars installing motors. Craig enjoyed taking the cars apart and putting them back together, learning how each area of the machine worked and inventing ways to make it better. Later, the neighbor went on to race late models at the Milwaukee Mile. Craig attended and graduated from Germantown High School. He enjoyed playing basketball during his school years but his main interest always revolved around machinery. His machine shop teacher supported Craig’s natural talents and asked him to be the teacher’s aid.
While Craig was still in High School he applied for a general line worker position at ChemRite CoPac. He was asked to start the daycraig after he applied. His strong work ethic was noticed from the start. He also took the initiative in suggesting improvements within the production process. In one particular case, ChemRite was experiencing issues with the line efficiency for an ongoing project. Craig’s mechanical insight provided an inventive solution which resolved the issue. This caught the attention of ChemRite’s owner, Ron Whitt. Shortly thereafter Craig was asked to be a Line Supervisor. While in this position, Craig learned how to work effectively with others and gained knowledge of the entire production process. He also learned how to run each of ChemRite’s production lines and studied the equipment.
At times the engineering department was occupied with more pressing projects, so Craig began assisting them with minor repairs on the production lines he was supervising. Eventually the engineering department head asked Craig to start working with his team on the weekends. Craig picked up on things quickly and was an inherent fit for the department. ChemRite’s management team decided to enhance Craig’s natural abilities with a formal engineering education. So the company sent him back to school through an apprenticeship program. He graduated with a degree as a Maintenance Mechanic Millwright. Craig has proven to be an invaluable investment for ChemRite. Some of the highlights of Craig’s career at ChemRite include several custom filler installations, the installation of our R.O. water system and the custom fabrication of countless change parts for our production lines. Although he is a key player behind many of the innovative solutions ChemRite provides its customers, Craig humbly acknowledges that it is always a team collaboration. He says, “It takes everyone to come up with the right end concept.”
Craig and his wife, Teresa have been married for 13 years. Teresa is an Assistant Purchasing Agent for a local plastics manufacturing company. Together they have a 10 year old son, Brenden. Brenden shares his father’s natural aptitude for all things mechanical. They have a great time together riding ATV’s, motorcycles and boating. Outside of theses hobbies, Craig enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
This month marks Craig’s 20th Anniversary of employment here at ChemRite. ChemRite would like to express its sincere appreciation for Craig’s years of dedication and service. From the beginning of his employment here, Craig has daily used his natural ability to benefit our company and our valued customers. His admirable contribution has plays a vital role in ChemRite’s ability to provide innovative solutions and an industry leading efficiency average. From fast stock cars to unbeatable production line speeds, Craig certainly knows how to make machinery perform. If you haven’t already done so, we invite you to meet Craig and the rest of the ChemRite team. Come and see how our employees set us apart.