Walk by Gentex’s 220 Riley location during shift changes and odds are you’ll see a lone cyclist cruising in and locking his bicycle by the door. Strike up a conversation with him, and you’ll quickly find out that Gentex Production Team Member Jason Snell puts thousands of miles on his bikes every year by riding in almost every weather imaginable. Keep talking, and you’ll realize that his persistence and grit not only apply to cycling, but to his work and life as well.
“I’m always go, go, go, go,” said Jason. “I can’t stop.”
For Jason, his “can’t-be-stopped” attitude has given him the strength he needs to make it through many challenges–challenges that led to him working at Gentex, almost by chance.
After a serious accident derailed his previous career in hospitality, he tried two different courses of study at local colleges. Neither direction panned out, but for Jason, it helped him to feel like he was moving forward again after a major setback. “College didn’t work out, but I know it helped me a lot to get back to real life again. Ever since then, I keep moving forward,” he said.
Later on, after going to a job interview in Holland, Jason drove past Gentex and noticed the signs for interviews going past. “I figured, hey, I should apply here too if they need help,” he said. “The recruiters helped me set up an interview, and almost right away I was hired for first shift.”
“I thought, Whoa, this is cool!” he added.
After a few months and several medical setbacks that caused him to miss work, Jason switched to second shift—which allowed Group Leader Will Parks to put Jason on a specific line where he could commit the work processes to memory and be successful.
“That was a very beneficial change for Jason,” said Parks. “Since making the change, Jason and his two other linemates have set production records for 220 Riley with zero quality concerns.”
“I’ve never met someone who’s come from struggling with performance at work to breaking production records like Jason has,” he added.
Jason’s dedication to his job shows a level of commitment and a competitive, independent streak that shows up across his life. He’s quick to mention how he’s always working to do better and to improve since it motivates him, but also how his family is a big factor in his drive to do well in life and take care of his work and himself.
“I like being independent. It’s one of the things that has gotten me this far,” he said.
“I don’t plan on giving up. I need to keep going– to support my family and to get things done.” said Jason, “I always give it my all, and I'm not going to stop.”
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