Networking & Collaboration Between Roles Ensures Success

We caught up with four individuals: a star intern and three Tape Solutions employees who shared stories about their career journeys. These individuals are William Sparks, Engineering Intern and recent graduate of Hoosick Falls High School; Julie Luciano, Process Engineer; Eric Manning, Production Manager and James Weeden, Second Shift Supervisor.

When asked why in-person networking events are important, the answer was unanimous: They help empower employees to ask the right questions, find the right mentors and learn about personal passions.

Check out excerpts from some of the conversations we had with our fellow team members and learn what excites them in their current roles and beyond.

Tell us about what brought you to Tape Solutions?

William Sparks: My teachers asked me if I would prefer spending my time in an internship position rather than study halls. Of course, I said yes! My teacher helped me get an interview at Tape Solutions and I was able to start my internship the following week. This experience allowed me to get hands-on learning and understand what it is I’m getting into as I embark on my journey toward a Mechanical Engineering degree!

Julie Luciano: By trade I am an engineer, but I initially came to the business in a technical support role for the Sales team. After some time, my interests shifted to the more technical side of the business. I helped move the business to the digital era, implementing new paperless software and expanding the use of Salesforce as a robust platform to support global business needs. Later, I was promoted to a Sr. Customer Experience Specialist and Global Salesforce Trusted Advisor role. I eventually transitioned back to my engineering roots as a Process Engineer when I brought my goals and aspirations up to management.

Eric Manning: I am originally from Hoosick Falls. After college an Administrative Assistant position opened up. It was the perfect opportunity to be back home and gain some work experience. Following this role, I pursued shift supervisory positions and I applied for and got the 3rd shift supervisory position. I stayed within that role for about four years until I became the first shift supervisor for PSAT (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes). Once I knew the ins and outs of the position, my manager helped me move to a Supervisor II position and then to the production manager position. What started off as a temporary position became a career journey.

James Weeden: I started out as a night shift employee and had the drive to pursue a move to first shift. I also looked for management opportunities and was able to gain additional experience as a warehouse lead, within the scheduling department and, later, as a second shift supervisor. I am constantly looking for learning opportunities and assessing how I can apply what I’ve learned to mentor others who are starting off similarly to me.

What do you value most about your career and experiences thus far?

William Sparks: I value the opportunity to be in a work environment at such a young age and meet with people of different levels, backgrounds and experiences. This will help me with my studies at Marshall University and with my role as a Division 1 baseball player with my university team. The lessons about communication and teamwork will extend far beyond the four walls of the plant.

Julie Luciano: I value the wide array of knowledge within our Tape Solutions teams, including historical knowledge about products or processes. Saint-Gobain supports seeking out additional learning through Boost, Unicampus or classes related to your daily work. If you put yourself out there, the people from within are often willing to take a chance on you.

Eric Manning: I value the team. I’ve been in a lot of different roles so I am aware of how heavy the workload can get. My roles have taught me to trust in the group — that the planners, engineers, supervisors and others will do what needs to get done. Understanding how roles integrate helps everyone anticipate and address problems sooner.

James Weeden: Even though Saint-Gobain is a global company, Tape Solutions has a very hometown feel. Employees know and support one another. Everyone shows pride in their individual roles and doing them well. I value that there are lots of opportunities for growth and development.

Based on your own career growth, what lessons can you share?

William Sparks: The more experiences you expose yourself to, the better. Every experience teaches you new lessons, helps you find your passions and builds up a strong work ethic.

Julie Luciano: There is a ton of knowledge that can be gained from your internal network of peers.

Eric Manning: Despite the unknowns, you need to trust in the skills you have and be open to growth and development. Everyone has a job to do and success in one job impacts success in the next. By being open to new experiences, you can figure out a lot about where you’re headed.

James Weeden: Patience is key and it is important not to let today’s frustrations negatively impact tomorrow’s successes. Rely on your teams for advice and for helping you set goals and achieve them.