Nathaniel Fowler is the Day-Shift Supervisor for Electro-Spec Carolina in Lexington, South Carolina.
Electro-Spec is continually recognized as one of the leading specialty plating and surface finishing companies in the U.S., with a customer base that expands into North America, Europe, and Asia. Visit https://www.electro-spec.com
How did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry?
I originally applied to Electro-Spec Carolina to work in the maintenance division; however, they offered me a plating position which I found to be fulfilling, and I have only gone up from there.
What does your job entail?
I organize and manage plating schedules for the day-shift platers. I also plate specialty items and products that need to be handled with care. I also help manage problems or troubleshoot within the shift.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you?
I start off my day by greeting all my co-workers, and as I do that, I check in to make sure my co-workers know what their assignments are for the day. Throughout the day, I run and plate parts, and I help make sure everything is running smoothly throughout my shift. Toward the end of the day, I compose an email of what needs to get done for the night shift and the following day shift.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry?
I love the problem-solving aspect of my job. What I find most fulfilling about my job is figuring out how to run new parts and how to troubleshoot parts that are difficult to plate.
What preconceived notions about the finishing and coating industry have changed since you started working in it?
I didn’t have any preconceived notions going into this position.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud?
We have these large square block pieces that have dead holes, and we have had a lot of difficulties plating them. However, I have found a way to re-wire the process, and we have not had difficulty with them since.
Why would you recommend to a friend a career in the finishing and coating industry?
I would recommend this job for people who enjoy working with their hands, as well as problem-solving.
What is the toughest part of your job?
I never feel as though there is not enough time in a day to complete everything I want to.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it?
I find it very difficult for people to understand what I do day-to-day, so I show them a video to explain what my job is and what I do.
Are you involved in any industry associations or trade groups?
No.
What was the first job you had in your career?
Electro Spec Carolina as a Rotary Plater.
What type of college, school, or training have you had?
High school degree.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Married to my current girlfriend, own a home, and hold a higher position in my company, Electro-Spec.
What is the most humorous day/event you have had in the finishing and coating industry?
I have a habit of putting my hands on my hips when I’m looking around, and when I do that, my co-workers call me “the Boss Baby.”
What was your favorite subject in high school or college?
History.
What motivates you to work hard at your job?
My girlfriend.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests:
Movies, VIDEO GAMES, FISHING, and spending time with my friends playing card games/board games.
What three things do you think of the most each workday?
What needs to get done? How are we going to do it? And what do we need to do tomorrow?
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career?
My supervisor, Eric VanWye.
What is your favorite book you have read?
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
