Our experiences shape us...

More than 10 years ago I had the responsibility of working closely with my managing director to close a site for our employer. We worked for months behind the scenes to prepare and plan the multi-dimensional program to transfer development knowledge and manufacturing operations for multiple product lines to new locations. It was an incredibly stressful and very emotional time. I was one of just a few team members that was going to stay employed after everything was done and that brought an enormous burden of guilt to carry through the project. My co-workers and friends showed incredible grace through the entire process. The key was communication. Our organization supported the right things, offering outplacement services and a very long notice period so the dedicated resources that had helped to build the business could seek new opportunities and find a soft landing. Looking back, I can see how much I learned as a result of being part of that team and I have used this experience time and time again in my career.

I posted a few weeks ago that we would be opening our doors at PFI to displaced employees from LSC here in Lancaster. Last week I had the privilege of representing PFI at the job fair LSC held for their employees. On behalf of a participating employer, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the team at LSC, PA Career Link and the Lancaster Chamber for putting on a valuable event. It was well organized and the LSC candidates were prepared and informed. Standing at the table and speaking with candidates, I felt their emotions as we talked about their history at LSC, and the mix of fear but also curiosity to try something new. These very personal interactions brought back strong memories of working with my friends 10 years ago as they searched for new opportunities.

Over the past year, we have been recruiting resources at PFI so we can continue to grow and support our customer needs. Unemployment is low in Lancaster County and it has been a struggle. It is not unusual for 7 out of 10 scheduled interviews to no-show. This week we are scheduling and interviewing applicants from the LSC job fair and it has been amazing. 100% attendance rate! We look forward to hiring 10+ resources as we add a shift and accelerate our performance.

We can't hire everyone, so to all the wonderful associates that I had the pleasure of meeting at the job fair, you are going to do great. Your experience, work ethic and dedication to LSC over 10-20-30 years is very transferrable. Local companies like PrecisionForm are going to benefit from having you join our teams. Just like LSC, we also have our 10-20-30 year associates at PFI who care about our company just as much as you cared about LSC. When some of you join us in the near future, it will be a different building you drive to, but we hope it will also feel a little like home.