Paul Scharnhorst sees his job in shipping as having a direct effect on customer satisfaction. And since he helps with packaging, shipping, bottling, labeling and sometimes assembling—things that touch every customer experience—he's right!
“To me, my job benefits the customer because they're the one receiving the product and opening it up,” Paul says. “If the company has somebody doing the shipping that's doing sloppy work—slapping labels on crooked, sending out packaging that looks terrible when they open it—the customer's not going to be happy. When the customer receives a package that's all wrapped perfect, organized and nice, they're going to be happier and they're going to know that somebody has taken the time to do it right.”
Having a job at Engrave-A-Crete gives some personal satisfaction to Paul, who had previously worked short stints on warehouse jobs provided by temp services.
“I told them when I interviewed that I didn't want another six-month job,” Paul says. “I wanted a job that feels like home, where it's more like a family than a get up and drag yourself to work every day job. I enjoy working here, so anything I can do to help the company will improve my stay here. I have to do the job right, do it good, and do it fast. That's my motivation.”
Paul is quick to admit he's had no experience with decorative concrete prior to working at Engrave-A-Crete, but his work in construction helps him relate to contractors and the challenges they face each day.
“During high school I worked for a local construction company before and after school and on weekends. I had a good boss who was willing to work with me. He knew I was young, but that I wanted to do it not just for the pay, but because I wanted to be busy and motivated. I worked there for two years. That got my passion going for construction.”
Following high school, Paul enrolled in classes to become an architect.
“I worked with an architect in Kansas City while I took classes. That meant I was inside all day every day and it got old quick. I didn't go back the next semester because I knew I didn't want to be sitting inside for the rest of my life. I like to keep moving.”
When not at Engrave-A-Crete, Paul enjoys working on the farm. He is also a member of a dart league and often competes in tournaments.
“I've played a lot of sports,” Paul says, “and darts is one of the hardest. It takes a whole lot more than physical activity. You have to zone out and zone in, and I've not completely figured it out yet. But I will force myself to make it work, because I have to be the best at what I do!”