A lot can happen in eight years. Just ask Cory Molineaux. During his career at Gentex, he not only broadened his skillset through various positions in operations, but also learned timing isn’t everything when advancing your education.
While working as a production trainer, several managers approached Corey and encouraged him to continue his studies. Thanks to their motivation and support, he started exploring the Gentex Tuition Reimbursement program.
“I kept making excuses for not going back to school, even though plenty of people told me I should,” he said. “The one piece of advice that stuck with me while I was exploring my options was when someone told me, ‘There will never be a ‘right time’ to do things in life, you just need to do them.’”
With encouragement from those around him, and help from the tuition reimbursement program, Cory applied to a lean manufacturing program at Ferris State University. It helped to prepare him for the Group Leader position he holds today.
“Going back to school was one of the best decisions of my life, I just wish I’d done it sooner,” he said. “The tuition reimbursement program was very easy to do, and I recommend it to my Gentex coworkers all the time.”
His education has helped Cory in his work as a Group Leader at James Street. He now leads a team of 50 people in their daily tasks, and works on process improvement projects to help the team and facility meet various manufacturing goals. While balancing the needs of his team with manufacturing requirements can create challenges and conflicts, Cory recognizes how his wide-ranging experiences have made him an effective leader.
“Since I’ve been in the same position as all of my team, it helps me understand and relate with any of the issues that are going through,” he said. “My team know that I’m looking out for their best interests because they know we share many of the same experiences.”
“I’ve run a lot of the machines the team is currently working on,” he continued. “They know that I have the knowledge to assist with issues they might run into. My history at Gentex helps to earn the team’s respect and trust.”
After almost a decade at Gentex, Cory is still energized by his job and by the wide variety of tasks he can take on at work.
“Being a Group Leader is similar to being a Machine Operator in some ways,” he said. “Every day is a little different and brings new challenges and problems to solve. Some days are easier than others, but there are constantly new experiences, and new conversations to have.”
Looking back on his journey at Gentex, Cory wouldn’t change much. He loves the experiences he has and the opportunities to continuously improve, both for himself and his team, as well as in the work they all do together.
“I am just a very happy and energetic person every day that I’m at Gentex. This is a great place to work and to stay for a while,” he said. “I wish I would have started here earlier in my life.”
If you or someone you know is interested in starting a career at Gentex, we encourage you to explore our open positions on our job portal. Click below to get started!
