Employee Spotlight: Trent Carmichael

July 31, 2020

In the chemical industry, supplying top quality product to our customers is non-negotiable. This is where our Summer Spotlight, Trent Carmichael, comes in. As our Quality Assurance Manager, he is the man behind the scenes- or in this case, in the laboratory- making sure your product is in-spec and compliant.

Wow! That sounds like an interesting job! So we asked Trent for a ‘Day in the Life’ snapshot:

Trent says, “I spend most of my time testing the compounds we make in-house and checking everything before it goes out the door to our customers. It is quite an enjoyable job… I spend a lot of time in the laboratory getting hands-on with chemicals. We analyze everything we make so that our customers receive consistent, high-quality products every time.”

Trent’s passion for quality work, as well as his loyalty to Team goals, do not go unnoticed by his teammates. Trent works closely with our production team who know him as someone who “never settles for anything less than perfection”. We feel confident that our customer base also appreciates the high standard of quality!

One fun fact Trent had to share about his job? “A lot of the instruments we use to test our chemicals are the same tools you would find in a forensics laboratory to analyze unknown substances! At CORECHEM, we use them to determine the concentrations of solutions and detect impurities in raw materials before we make them into finished products.”

If you’re looking for Trent after hours, you are likely to find him in his woodshop tinkering around with his latest project. If he’s not there, he might be on one of our local downhill biking trails. Trent also enjoys studying life sciences and chemistry.

Trent, thank you for being our Employee Spotlight this month! We have enjoyed getting to know you!

Employee Spotlight: Cara Rochat

May 4, 2020

This spring, we are spotlighting our Jack-Of-All-Trades, Fountain of Knowledge, proficient and longtime team member Cara Rochat!!

So what’s her ‘official’ title?! Cara serves as the Executive Assistant to our General Manager, Wesley Sherrod. Here she shares a little about her role:

“As Executive Assistant, I do whatever is needed to help Wes keep up with all his responsibilities. I answer questions, make all the product labels, keep up with meetings, coordinate food for staff events, basically fill in where needed and do everything I can to help the process go smoothly. My favorite part of my job is being able to assist others in their job.  I like to know that what I’m doing is making someone else’s job easier.  The most interesting part of my job is to see how the process works and help it run smoothly.

After working at CORECHEM for 11 years, I have worked in many different departments and with a lot of different people.  Working in different departments you get to see and understand why things are done a certain way, and you respect the persons in different departments because no matter what department you are in you are in the most important role to yourself.  Everyone in the business is important or there wouldn’t be a spot for them in our business.  I have worked as an Executive Assistant, Operations Coordination, Customer Service Representative, I have worked with DOT, OSHA, FDA, EPA in the labeling department and in making SDS’.  I have worked in Elim-O Production, I have labeled bottles for others to fill, basically I just do what is needed when it is needed.”

Fun fact about Cara? Everytime she walks through the door at least two people ask her if she brought snacks or food! Seriously, Cara contributes a lot to the company, food and otherwise. In fact, Cara’s extensive knowledge is somewhat legendary amongst her fellow employees. As former co-worker Deanna Ching (nee Holt) used to say solemnly, in answer to every unanswerable question in the front office, “Cara Knows.”

In her spare time, Cara likes to spend time with children, crafting and creating new things. While working from her grandparents’ home during the COVID-19 crisis, Cara snuck out on the weekends and delivered craft kits to all the children in her life. She enjoyed seeing the excitement on their faces when they saw the packages, and seeing the creations they came up with. “Seeing the children happy is my favorite thing,” Cara says. “Also, the personality of every child is different, but they are all joyful and interesting.”

Cara is introverted and likes to spend time alone, despite the fact that she is one of 8 children and doesn’t have much alone time! She enjoys crocheting, and says it’s always more fun if you are trying something for the first time.

Team CORECHEM is pleased to have you as our Spring Spotlight, Cara! Thanks for sharing!

Employee Spotlight: Jacob Story

January 31, 2020

Oh where, oh where, would we be without our warehouse manager, Jacob Story?!

As warehouse manager, Jacob is responsible for handling the incoming and outgoing shipments here at CORECHEM.

Customers that pick up product at our location have likely met Jacob as he loaded your vehicle! In addition to customer pick-ups, Jacob also helps our truck drivers as they load each morning, and pulls and wraps orders shipping via common carrier every afternoon. No matter whether product is shipped on our fleet, via customer pick-up, or on commercial carriers, Jacob is the usually the last person to see it as it leaves our warehouses.

He is also the first person to see product as it comes in to our warehouses. He says, “You learn something new every day.” Jacob processes incoming shipments, and has a passion for making sure product is received accurately and in good order as he unloads the truck drivers.

So which of these things does Jacob enjoy doing the most? He says that helping customers with pick-ups is a highlight of his day. “You never know the impact you have on a person’s day until you make them smile.”

All of us on the team appreciate Jacob’s characteristically friendly and helpful attitude! Jacob is a team member with a high level of dedication and passion for excellence. What does Jacob like most about his job? “Interacting with all the truck drivers and the staff meeting breakfast.” An excellent team player, Jacob says his is “one of the best jobs on earth. Not only because of the work, but because of the co-workers.”

In his off time, Jacob goes to the gym and spends time with his son. He also enjoys spending time with friends and family, and coaching his son’s baseball team. Jacob is looking forward to being an uncle to a wonderful little bouncing boy when his brother Zachary and his newly beloved wife have their first child. Jacob is interested in being a sports analyst and would like to travel the world someday.

Thank you, Jacob, for being a valuable contributor here at CORECHEM! We are pleased to have you as our January Employee Spotlight!

 

 

Employee Spotlight: Andrea Holt

October 22, 2019

In October, we’re shining the Spotlight on… our Sales Coordinator, and (coincidentally) brand-new aunt, Andrea Holt!

Andrea joined our team in April 2018 to provide the outside sales team with the additional internal support they very much needed. Since that time, she has proven herself to be dedicated, dependable, and competent. All of us on the team, as well as our customers, appreciate her commitment, and know we can rely on Andrea to take personal responsibility for everything that comes across her desk.

As our Sales Coordinator, Andrea takes care of quotes and customer inquiries, as well as supporting our outside sales team in various ways, including helping lay the groundwork for new opportunities. When we asked Andrea for some reflections on the job, she commented, “I never imagined myself in this industry, but in being a part of it, I have discovered a few things that are universally recognized and appreciated across every industry: respect for customer’s time, integrity in every interaction, and a passion to serve.”

What is Andrea’s favorite thing about working for CORECHEM? “At CORECHEM, all of the departments have a common sense of urgency to serve the customer’s needs. The managers work alongside the employees and take responsibility for the outcome. Also, value is placed on each employee, including their lives outside of work.”

When she’s not performing in her role at CORECHEM, Andrea enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her (growing!) family…

Fun Fact: Andrea became an aunt for the first time, today! In addition, she looks forward to welcoming a second niece or nephew before the month is out. Congrats, Andrea!

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

September 11, 2019

 ~It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!~

(L-R): Cris, Tim, Scott, Daniel

Team CORECHEM took a moment this morning to remember – and thank! – our truck drivers for the valuable service they provide for our customers.

 

“So… what’s the most interesting thing you ever saw on the road?”

Cris: Has been driving for 18 years.

“I was coming through Amarillo once, after one of their severe thunderstorms, and there was a strip of hail going across the interstate, 8-10 inches deep, in the middle of summer. Also, once I saw a severe thunder / lighting storm in Amarillo- for the duration of 2-3 minutes, constant, there was not more than two seconds between lightning strikes.”

Tim: Has been driving for 15 years.

“I was driving down through Mississippi in the middle of the night once, and they were moving a whole house across the interstate.”

Scott: Has been driving for 4 years.

“Once I saw a Swift driver forget to set his brakes, and his truck rolled away on him, right into a ditch. He stood there with the hose in his hands looking dumbfounded!”

Daniel: Has been driving for 4 years.

“I saw an elk standing right next to the interstate near Kentucky, just standing by the road, a huge female cow. She could have easily looked into my window, they are like a deer on steroids! I’ve seen some pretty horrific accidents, too, semi’s on top of vehicles and stuff.”

 

Thank you, Cris, Tim, Scott, and Daniel, for your dedication to the team and untiring service!

We appreciate you!

 

 

Employee Spotlight: Daniel Wright

July 24, 2019

For the July Employee Spotlight, we have long-time, loyal team member, our driver Daniel Wright!

Daniel has always been appreciated for his positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond. In the event of a last minute delivery, change in schedule, or special delivery requirement, Daniel always has a smile on his face and a can-do attitude.

Daniel started working for CORECHEM on March 2, 2015. During the four+ years he’s been on the team, he’s driven many thousands of accident free miles. By our rough calculations, we estimate he’s driven over 5 times around the globe!

As our primary bulk tanker driver, Daniel enjoys listening to his customers’ needs and finding solutions that meet or exceed their expectations. What does he enjoy the most about his job? He says, “I pick up and deliver bulk product. This is the chemical industries equivalent of no touch freight- everyone’s dream job.”

Before Daniel worked at CORECHEM, he was a delivery driver for an electrical supply company. “Moving into the chemical side of deliveries was a huge jump,” Daniel found. “Continuing education is key to providing our customers with the products they need in a timely fashion, safely.”

When he’s not at work, Daniel enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and their four daughters. His other interests include woodworking and martial arts. He currently holds a green belt in Krav Maga.

Keep up the awesome work, Daniel! We enjoy having you on the team.

 

Employee Spotlight: Timothy & Aundrea De Vore

This month, we have a duo Employee Spotlight on Mr. & Mrs. Timothy & Aundrea De Vore!

Tim & Aundi are recent additions to the CORECHEM team but are already making a positive impact. In fact, if you are a customer, there is a good chance Aundrea has already taken your order, arranged your freight, or helped you on the phone. All of us at CORECHEM appreciate this outgoing & friendly couple and their enthusiasm for getting involved and making things happen!

We asked Aundrea to tell us about her role at CORECHEM, as well as a little about herself:

“I joined the CORECHEM team as Customer Service Representative on September 10, 2018. Just three months later, I became our Customer Service Manager. While the opportunity at CORECHEM has been new and exciting thus far, it has also definitely been an adjustment for me.

The most important part of this job is getting to meet our customers and assisting them with any needs they may have. Having been here for several months now, I can say that I have truly enjoyed this, and what I have learned so far. Growing up, I was always taught to find a career that you enjoy while helping others. I believe that I have found the perfect fit for me.

I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Business Management at ECPI University. While studying my degree, I have been able to use some of the knowledge here at CORECHEM. I am hoping to bring new ideas to the table that will help everyone here excel. When I am not at work or studying for school, you can find me outdoors with my husband and two dogs (Camo and Lucy).”

Aundrea’s husband Timothy shared his thoughts with us as well:

“I joined CORECHEM’s production team on January 24, 2019. I have never worked with chemicals before, so being in this environment has definitely been an adjustment for me. I have been learning a lot, not only about the chemical industry but about myself.

I enjoy working for CORECHEM because I feel like I am a part of a team that cares. One thing I have found I like the most is that people at CORECHEM are always willing to help you and help you to challenge yourself, not only on a professional level, but on a personal level as well. That is what is amazing about the culture at CORECHEM.

I dream about going to school to get a degree in Engineering, in either electronics or industrial. My goal in life is to open an orphanage somewhere and to help kids in need. Not only that, I want to give back to God for everything He has blessed me and my beautiful wife with.”

Earlier this month, Timothy & Aundrea took a vacation to the Bahamas. We asked them to give us a recap, in lieu of taking team CORECHEM along! Here’s what they had to say:

“This was truly an experience that we will never forget. We started out by flying to Miami, Florida (Aundrea’s first time flying). We spent the day touring different areas of Florida and diving into their culture.

Once we boarded the cruise ship, we were off to the Bahamas. Our ports included Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk. Each port was unique and offered a lot of new experiences for both of us. Some of our favorite parts were enjoying the crystal blue water, seeing the coral reef and fishes while snorkeling, and soaking in all the sun we could get!

It was amazing to be able to spend this time together, but we are glad to be back at work serving and helping our customers.”

Thanks, Tim & Aundi, we’re glad you’re back, too!

Employee Spotlight : Olivia Pool

This month we would like to put the spotlight on a new team member: Olivia Pool. She joined the CORECHEM team on June 4th, 2018, to fill the much needed role as Supply chain coordinator. Her work here has already more than filled our expectations, and has brought a sense of relief to the entire team. We have asked her to reflect on the job thus far:

June 4th, I joined the CORECHEM team as the Supply Chain Coordinator. In my previous work history, I had been in several different logistics and management positions, but the opportunity at CORECHEM has been a new and unique application of these skills. Having just passed the one-month mark on my tenure, I was asked to take a moment to reflect on my experience to this point. As I considered these four weeks, three ideas came to mind: what I have truly enjoyed about this job, what I have learned so far, and what I hope to accomplish.

Coming in to the job, I expected to be overwhelmed: any company whose product offering is as extensive and knowledge intensive as CORECHEM’s would—naturally—be quite a task to master. In this regard, I have not been disappointed. I told a friend a few days after starting, “It just seems like there aren’t enough hours to the day! I start through my ‘to do’ list, and, the next thing I know, it’s already the end of the day.” The challenge of learning—learning about our products, our transportation channels, and our customers—has certainly kept my mind endlessly occupied. Most particularly the challenges all suppliers, producers and distributors are facing considering the driver shortage in the market was a dynamic I had not previously been truly aware of. I look forward to every day learning better ways to be more effective in my application of all the new knowledge I’m being gifted with. My favorite aspect of the job, thus far, has been the opportunity to learn about the various businesses with which we partner. To see all the vibrant and successful businesses in our community and the broader world using the products we provide to solve problems and make products that help people has been truly eye opening. American industry and the unique people who have built it never cease to amaze me. I have loved the opportunities I have had to talk with these hard-working people and learn how I can better make the work they do more seamless and effective. I take very seriously the responsibility I have been given to be a part of the daily workings of other people’s businesses, and I am eager to learn how I can fulfill this responsibility better as I learn and develop.

As I approached this new opportunity—considering what I wanted to accomplish in this new work—I hope to bring a sense of ownership to my work in the supply chain. Ownership in the sense that I treat this job with the same kind of seriousness and industry that I would if I owned the entire company, but also by looking at my work in supply chain here as though I owned our customer’s businesses. If I were a customer of CORECHEM , what priorities and convictions would I want the person in charge of acquiring my components and inventory to have. I have always enjoyed bringing this mindset to my previous pays of employment, and I’m eager to discover the ways I can apply these principles here. I’m so excited to have the chance!

Team Building

Each month at our staff meeting, CORECHEM Inc. employees join in a team building activity, employees are inspired to work together. We are encouraged to communicate, trust, innovate and strategize to complete, and maybe even “win” the challenge.

Here at CORECHEM Inc., we believe that culture is what we make it. If we want a culture that is fun and encourages growth and inspires teamwork and innovation, effort must be put into it. As in any culture, we realize that it starts at the leadership level. We choose activities that help sculpt our culture into one that allows each of us to be unique contributors to a vision that is broader and bigger than any one of us but would not be possible without each member of our team. It is our goal that, by getting ourselves out of our comfort zone and into a challenging situation, we learn to respect our team members and contribute our talents to the end goal. During these activities we encourage behaviors that are healthy to our team in a fun environment, so we can recognize the same behaviors and talents in our everyday tasks.

This month, our activity highlighted the principles of communication and trust. Each employee was paired up with an employee from a different department and told to sit back to back. One of the partners received a picture, and the other a piece of blank paper. The object was to tell the person with the blank piece of paper how to draw the picture without telling them what the picture was.  The results were impressive!

Other activities have included putting questions inside balloons and tossing them to each other, taping pair words on one another’s backs and asking questions to find the match, and building bridges out of pasta, and much more. Each activity has helped us grow together as a team.