Juana Chavez-Rangel is a Production Manager with Saporito Finishing in Cicero, Illinois.
She started as a phone operator at Saporito, which specializes in anodizing, metal plating, deburring, and aluminum treatments.
How did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry?
I started as a phone operator.
What does your job entail?
I am the main contact to assist in any scheduling/expediting orders, and I assist with any discrepancies with purchase orders vs. job travelers, as well as assist with shipments.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you?
I review emails from the night before and, follow up with order status/commitments with the line supervisor for any discrepancies, email customers to provide new commitment dates. I also review any open order reports that need to be followed up with and update notes in the system.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry?
It is a busy, fast-paced environment. I also learned about what part will be utilized after the process and the importance of its usage.
What preconceived notions about the finishing and coating industry have changed since you started working in it?
There has been a big shift due to the pandemic, and turnaround time has been extended. Also, price inflation, workforce, supply shortages, and vertical integration.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud?
It was the design of our classroom and training room. The room has helped with training sessions and meetings.
Why would you recommend to a friend a career in the finishing and coating industry?
It’s feeling a sense of belonging and liking the people you work with. And the knowledge of the importance of plating a part and usage afterwards.
What is the toughest part of your job?
Having to inform customers that their parts will not be completed on the scheduled date/time.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it?
Communication is the key. If we fail to communicate with customers, then they will not be able to meet their deadlines which creates issues on their end as well.
What was the first job you had in your career?
Phone operator at Total Quality Answering Service.
What type of college, school, or training have you had?
Received certificate in clerical office support at Morton College.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Taking courses to major in business. Growth is important to me both inside and outside of work.
What is the most humorous day/event you have had in the finishing and coating industry?
When you finally meet the person that is on the other side of the phone because they don’t look like how you imagined they were going to look.
What was your favorite subject in high school or college?
Science.
What motivates you to work hard at your job?
It’s my family and my personal commitment. And to have a workplace to go to and achieve or accomplish my responsibility.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests:
Indoor cycling and jogging; are stress reliever and helps keep me somewhat fit.
What three things do you think of the most each workday?
Workforce shortage, assuring the parts get done in a timely manner with great quality and following up with the team to ensure no hiccups occurred/Ing that will delay orders.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career?
Jennifer Guerrero, a family friend.
What is your favorite book you have read?
It Ends With Us, by Colleen Hoover.
