When Your Main Forming Guy Is Out

Everyone, I got hit with Cyclospora, that parasite going around the U.S. in the produce. Been down for several days and it got me thinking.

If your plant runs fine when your main forming guy is out, fantastic. If he asks about taking a day or week off, and you start holding jobs until he's back, that's a red flag. That's not news to you. You've known it for years.
And if this is your plant, this is your wake up call.

There are many opportunities out there to train the young apprentices and the up and coming specialists. Good running jobs in the schedule, schedule some apprentice training. Bad running jobs coming up, get that up and coming specialist next to your main specialist.

And if you’re a young operator or even if you’ve been doing it for years, and he’s on your shop working, get alongside him. Watch. Ask questions.

Do you know how many phone calls I have got over the years, ‘Do you know anybody who'd come out full time, we need somebody good?’ I feel for them I really do.
You have him. He's been on your floor six years. Nobody spent the time and effort putting him next to the right guy.

(Photo: Me and one of the best specialists who I enjoyed working with and learning from. Some of it on the floor, some of it after.)

Originally posted on LinkedIn. Join the conversation there.