Emmanuel Caraza Aguirre is Manager of Manufacturing Engineering, Coatings, and Waste Water Treatment at Kohler Co. in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
He was born in Mexico has worked at Kohler since 2016, starting as Senior Staff Engineer in Metals Processing. He previously worked at American Standard and Stanley Black & Decker. He and his wife have two daughters.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
My career in finishing began in September 2001, a year with a lot of meaning for many people. I started as a quality engineer in the areas of surface finishes, and I was 25 years old. My responsibility was the areas of polishing and polishing, electroplating, PVD, and organic finishes.
What do enjoy best about the industry?
What I enjoy the most in the finishing industry is continuous learning. Every day something new is learned, new finishes, new technologies and ways to solve the problems that arise on a daily basis.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have any specific hero, but I can say my father. He taught me to face each of the situations that arose in my life during my growth. I can also include each person who taught me about each finishing process during my professional career.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I have had the opportunity to travel to many countries, and lived in several cities. I still have many more countries to visit, however I would like to live in a European country such as Spain or Italy.
What is your biggest fear?
Lose the motivation.
What is your favorite family vacation?
I love spending time with my family enjoying the beaches of Mexico, Cancun, Riviera Maya, San Carlos.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I would like to be less proud, and to be more condescending.
What really makes you angry?
What annoys me sometimes is being passive, and a lack of action. I like to be in motion and with continuous learning.
What motivates you to work hard?
I love to see a project completed; challenges motivate me. I have had many projects to develop, new processes which have left me a lot of learning; that motivates me.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Teaching others, coaching others, solving problems and improving processes.
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
Not one, at this moment.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
When I talk with one of my friends and see that they have used some advice that I have been able to share with them.
What is your favorite book?
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
What makes you laugh the most?
My little daughter; she is so funny.
What was the last movie you went to?
Black Widow.
What did you want to be when you were small?
Baseball player.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Restaurant chef.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Soccer and baseball.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
I’ve never rode a horse before, so I would like to do that.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
A funny song, probably: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley.
What would be your last meal?
Mexican style seafood, and grilled octopus.
Who is your favorite author?
Charles Dickens.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
I like them a lot.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
A combination of all of them
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
Win the lotter. If I won, I could support more people.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
My wife; she can't get rid of me so easily.
