Behind The Label is our employee spotlight series, highlighting the people who help bring the labels to life. In each feature, we share the stories of the individuals whose dedication, expertise, and teamwork help us serve our customers every day.
When second shift is running, there's a good chance David Kempainen is the one keeping it moving. As a second shift lead, he’s constantly training teammates and giving the okay on jobs before they roll.
David's Background
David joined GRLabel in 2010 as a press helper. Not long after, he moved to wash up, then stepped into a press operator role. Along the way he earned Master Operator status, which he points to as arguably his proudest accomplishment in his career.
The Role
On second shift, David splits his time between running presses and helping others do the same. A large part of his day goes to training and coaching, and to approving jobs as a hybrid foreman. He's also a student of the craft himself, with an eventual goal of learning every press on the floor to allow him provide support for any situation he is pulled to. He credits Scott Dobrowolski and John Crosby with helping him grow into more of a supervisor role, and his advice for anyone new is simple: bring effort, never stop learning, and enjoy the mechanical environment.
"I honestly view it as a form of art. When you go from a transformation of a “plain paper” into a properly finished label, it's really cool to see"
Culture
Ask David about GRLabel's culture and he points to bonds made out on the shop floor. A close knit group that is always willing to help each other out, both on the shop floor and in each other's personal lives as well. His own drive comes from a competitive streak, a desire to get better every day and make the best possible product for our clients.
David's Impact on His Team
You don't have to search for long at GRL to find someone praising David's work ethic:
Scott Dobrowolski, Director of Continuous Improvement:
"He consistently goes above and beyond, stepping in to run a press and volunteering to work third shift for a month to help reduce our backlog. No matter how many directions he's pulled on second shift, David always prioritizes what needs to be done and supports the team without hesitation."
John Crosby, VP of People, Culture & Projects:
"David's positivity, can-do spirit and hustle are infectious on everyone around him. It's what makes him a great operator, a great Lead, a great trainer and a great teammate. Everyone raises their performance in his presence."
April Hall, Director of Client Experience:
"David is amazing. There is never a day where he has a bad attitude, or isn't willing to help. He is the true definition of what an Iron Horse is. He is one of my favorite people in the plant. I can't put into words how much I appreciate David, his impact is felt throughout the entire organization. THANK YOU David!!!"
Outside the Office
David is mechanically inclined through and through. Away from work, he loves fixer-upper projects on cars, four wheelers, you name it. He even once repaired the transmission on one of GRLabel's company cars. If he weren't in manufacturing, he says he'd most likely be in construction, where he could keep putting things together in a mechanical setting.
It would be remiss to not mention how big of fan David is of the long running sitcom, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. For those who follow the show, David’s favorite character from the gang is Dennis Reynolds.