What training or life experience have you brought to your position and how has it helped?
My original educational experience was focused on banking. I originally furthered my education on the idea that I would go into banking and then my parents decided that I should spend a year abroad so I took an opportunity to go to Japan with my family. (I should explain that I grew up a military brat). My family was transferred to Yokosuka, Japan and I went with them. My mother is Japanese and she wanted me to know her culture although I was born and raised in the U.S. I learned to speak Japanese and I loved it there so much, I stayed for about 6 years. I worked on the military base in banking and tutored English to Japanese students. When I returned to the U.S., I worked for a major Japanese company in the procurement deptartment.

I think I bring more life experience then education to this job. I have worked in different industries but I believe the concept of any job is the same. My philosophy is if you give 100% to your job and work with your peers as a team you will succeed. Lead by example.

So far, what have you found to be the most challenging aspect of your job?
Every day is challenging. Although I guess the most challenging would have been the past 2 years--there have been a lot of global changes in manufacturing, a lot of shifting, and I think almost everyone in the industry has felt the affects in some way. But we made it and I have learned from the experience.

What do you find most rewarding?
I feel rewarded every day. I leave the office most days feeling as though I have accomplished a job that day and have made a difference. That's important. You have to enjoy your job. You need to think that you make a difference for your company. I would wish that for anyone who has to go to work every day. It also helps that we have a great group of people working here.

What do you do when you’re not working (family, hobbies, interests, etc.)?
I am married with 2 children. That's a second job in itself but the most rewarding. My husband and I met in Japan when he was in the Marine Corp. so we share a love of travel. Now that he is out of the military we have settled here in Illinois. We both love it here but we also enjoy traveling. I have a son and a daughter who are my world. They make everything worth it every day!

I enjoy a weekly bowling league and I keep busy with my children's activities. I can't wait, my son starts his senior year of high school football in July! Our whole family enjoys going to the games.

What do you foresee for yourself here at Tungaloy?
I have been with Tungaloy America since 1998 and I have seen our company grow tremendously. Each year just gets better. We have moved offices here in Wood Dale, we have also expanded with the opening of our offices in Canada, Nashville TN, Charlotte NC, and Mexico. It's always exciting to see the growth of our company and feel that you're a part of the process.