Kym Rosner is the Zinc Team Leader at Professional Plating Leader in Brillion, Wisconsin.
She enjoys being able to support her team, learning, and growing together along the way.
“Every day is different,” Rosner says.
Professional Plating is a triple threat when it comes to finishing; not only is it one of the largest electroplaters in the Midwest, but it also has a large powder coating operation and an electrocoat facility. Visit www.proplating.com
How did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry?
I met my future husband and was looking to move into the Brillion area. One of his friends worked at Professional Plating and had many good things to say about the company. I applied and started working on the epoxy e-coat line.
What does your job entail?
I support and lead the zinc team; we have three zinc rack lines and one barrel zinc line.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you?
I start by reviewing items from the night before and answer any questions I can through email. I make a list of items to go over, review, or bring down to the shop floor. I go out on the floor to support and answer any of the team’s questions. If I don’t have the answers, I do what is needed to get them answers. When I go back to the office, I work on plan changes, send pictures to customers if needed, work on team reviews, order if needed, make time off requests, and work schedules. When the second shift team comes in, I will go out on the floor again to support anything they need. When I come back to the office, I finish up anything I can and make a list of items needing to follow up for the next day.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry?
Being able to support the team, learning, and growing together along the way. Every day is different.
What preconceived notions about the finishing and coating industry have changed since you started working in it?
The industry is more male-dominant; however, there are more and more women getting into the industry today.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud?
We had a new rack line put in last year, and I worked with my manager more on this line from start to finish. It is exciting to see it all come together and have the zinc team embrace the new line.
Why would you recommend to a friend a career in the finishing and coating industry?
It is interesting and has different challenges at times. Our company is a great place to work. We have a lot of internal growth, which is great to see the team learn and succeed.
What is the toughest part of your job?
It is when there is a conflict between personnel. I am a positive person, and negativity can spread fast. We need to stay positive and keep the good vibes at work going.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it?
I help, teach, and grow with the team doing our best along the way to give our customers a great finish.
What was the first job you had in your career?
I worked in food service at a buffet restaurant.
What type of college, school, or training have you had?
Home Health Aide training course, FVTC training through Professional Plating. Peer Leadership University, Leading and Supervising Series, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I plan to stay working at Professional Plating, learning more in the same position or moving on to something else within the company where I am needed.
What is the most humorous day/event you have had in the finishing and coating industry?
At the end of a week, an operator was dropping rinse tanks, but one of the valves at the end of the line wasn’t closed, so it was overflowing out of our last zinc loading station onto the floor. She was frantically calling us on the radio, not knowing what to do. The zinc manager answered and went down to close the valve. It wasn’t a big deal at all, but it scared the operator. The next week our general manager bought her arm floats and a floatation device in case she flooded the place again.
What was your favorite subject in high school or college?
Accounting; I like numbers and to make everything come out the way it should.
What motivates you to work hard at your job?
The team I work with; I want to help in any way that I can and be able to answer any questions they have.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests:
I like to read and craft when I can. My husband and I also bowl in a league every other week for fun.
What three things do you think of the most each workday?
Making sure the lines produce good quality parts, the team works safely, and getting daily tasks done, feeling good about accomplishments.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career?
My manager, Kerry Behnke. She is always supportive of me and will go to bat for me anytime. She always has my back. She is patient with her everyday teachings, and she always takes time for questions.
What is your favorite book you have read?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.
