Thanks to TERRA I Have Worked My Way into a Career

By Jezabel Southard

Posted on March 17, 2015

Five years ago, an internet search led Chris Sawin to TERRA’s Seattle office.  With a solid background in manufacturing, he was ready to take his career to the next level.

Chris met with Melissa McCoy, then a recruiter in our Seattle office, now Area Manager of our Arizona market.

Melissa knew right away where Chris would be most successful and found him a lead assembly position with a leading aerospace manufacturer in Seattle.

Fast-forward to present-day and Chris is still working for that company and has used his production lead experience to take on a high-profile, big impact position with the organization!

Now, Chris is the Lean Focal, a leadership role on the Lean Management Team focused on improving productivity, safety and effectiveness while reducing waste. He leads trainings at new hire orientations and presents to senior staff regarding goals, safety and progress.

Chris practices Kaizen principles – continuous improvement in quality, technology, processes, productivity, safety, and leadership.

Not only is Chris great at what he does, he loves what he does.  He lights up when talks about the work he is doing and the goals he has set out to accomplish. And that’s what makes this a true success story.

Read on to learn more about Chris’ story, from Chris himself!

Tell us a little about you and your background.

I’m ex-army, four and a half years of active duty, during which time I had the opportunity to study the Thai language and travel to Thailand and Cambodia. Prior to working for my current employer, I worked as a Production Lead, running the “small parts” department at a steel fabrication shop.

How did you hear about TERRA?

I found TERRA through an internet search. I believe it may have been a Craigslist post.

How did your experience with TERRA compare to what you expected or experienced from other staffing firms?

Having previously worked for [a large national staffing firm] and having had a very negative experience with them, I was reluctant about working with another staffing firm. TERRA has developed a great relationship with my current employer, making the transition from temp to hire a very smooth and timely one.

What else would you like us to know?

I started as an Assembly Lead when TERRA placed me and have since then worked my way into a position with the Lean Management Team. It’s been great to work into a new career and expand my skill set.

Thank you for sharing your story, Chris! And for letting us play a role in it!

Categories: Success Stories

Tags: career advice, employment agency, how to get a job, seattle, Success Story

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