When did you join John Zink, and what brought you here?

I joined as an intern in 2014 and became a full-time team member in 2015. The culture is what initially attracted me to John Zink. Before my first interview, I researched both John Zink and Koch. I was struck by their emphasis on the importance of humility and integrity within a business. During my internship I found that these principles were not just words on a poster but defined how the company operated.  

Can you tell us about your role?

I manage innovation projects from idea inception to commercialization. While I’m not always the technical or business expert, I collaborate with internal teams to define project value, address risks, and bring solutions to life. Most of my time is spent collaborating with internal teams and helping them articulate the value of a project, identify key risks, work towards a solution, and ultimately commercialize the project. Helping teams overcome challenges is the most rewarding part of my work. 

What’s a skill you’ve developed at John Zink that you didn’t expect to?

Early in my career, I worked in a lab running a mini VRU system. When I needed to modify it for tests, I learned to bend and cut metal tubing and install compression fittings. That experience gave me hands-on troubleshooting skills and the confidence to experiment quickly and improve equipment performance. 

What is your favorite tradition or event at John Zink?

Each year, John Zink has an ice cream social for all employees. The event includes an ice cream toppings bar with all the options you could imagine. It’s a fun way to bond with coworkers and enjoy a sweet treat.  

How do you contribute to John Zink’s culture of innovation?

Supporting a culture of innovation involves fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to experiment, take risks, and pursue new ideas. My role allows me to help teams evaluate new ideas and test them while mitigating risks. Helping teams pursue these ideas and bring them to life is something I enjoy about my role. 

How has being part of Koch Engineered Solutions (KES) enhanced your experience?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with people throughout KES, many of whom have worked at other Koch companies. Each of these people bring unique experiences and perspectives from their previous roles. Learning from these individuals has greatly increased my personal capabilities within my own role.  

If you could swap roles with anyone at John Zink for a day, who would it be and why?

I would switch places with one of our service techs or RCAs. Their work gives them unique insights into how our equipment operates and how customers use it—knowledge that’s invaluable for improving our products and services.