DC

Jason Spears: Logistics Manager DC Kenosha

 

English (pdf)

Jason first joined the ViskoTeepak family at the Kenosha, Wisconsin location back in 2013. His first position was running the Nagemas and large diameter shirring machines. He was then moved to 2nd shift supervisor in production. In 2018, he switched positions again and became the Logistics Manager at the Kenosha Distribution Center. Today he is 37 years old and soon been with the company for a decade.

Jason, tell us something about yourself and your team.
“Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management & working as the Logistics Manager here at the Kenosha (DC) Distribution Center. Our team handles shipping and receiving functions for the US, and there are currently 11 of us working here. I believe most people would say Kenosha feels like a small town, but Kenosha is the 4th largest city in Wisconsin. The DC cooperates with every department in Kenosha and multiple departments throughout the company either directly or indirectly.”

What do you see as the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part is being able to service our customers both internally and outside of the organization. Customer service is one of the most important things we do here.... oh yes, and I hear we make some rather good casings. 

The opportunities ViskoTeepak provides are a true testament that where someone starts is not where they must end up. Numerous employees throughout the company have started in one department or position and moved on to bigger and better things.

Meet some of the team

Teresa Linke (middle left) has recently transitioned to the position of Warehouse Specialist at the Kenosha DC. Best of luck in your new role!

DC

What are the biggest challenges we are facing at the Kenosha DC?
The biggest challenges we face are staffing and dealing with the backlog at the US ports. This creates an unstable flow of raw materials into Kenosha.

You are the manager of your team. What are the key factors to creating a strong team?
The biggest thing is everyone at the DC, at some point throughout the day all share a laugh, which is important, especially on the tough days. The next thing would be that we all have something to contribute, and everyone appreciates what one another brings to the table. We have a family-type atmosphere at the DC.

To have a strong team you must be reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. This goes a long way here as everyone is relying on one another to do their part. I trust them to do a job and in return they also trust me to do the same. I also think in some form or another you must embody the company mottos of trust, ambition, and fun.

Soon ten years are behind you with the ViskoTeepak Family. What do you think the future will bring?
I would like to see a nice, shiny brand new 200,000 sq. ft. building here in Kenosha… just kidding. I see nothing but growth in the future for the company, so investments in atomization would be a start. Drones will not deliver our casings, but who is to say they cannot pick them up for a customer. It would be nice if any waste products could be converted into fuel. I would also love to see the company have trucks of our own to be able to deliver products and provide better service to all our customers.