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.
Every label that leaves Grand Rapids Label must get to where it needs to go. It needs to be perfectly wrapped and correctly packaged to the customer’s preference. Much of that responsibility falls to Jorge Magana, a key member of our shipping team whose steady presence and terrific attitude have made him one of GRLabel’s most dependable and inspiring team members.
Jorge’s Journey
Jorge came to GRLabel in May 2021 through referral by his daughter, April Hall. Before joining the team, he had several different stops in the Grand Rapids area including Amway’s Grand Plaza, Walmart, and Dematic to name a few.
His path to Grand Rapids is a story in itself. Born and raised in El Salvador, he served in the army beginning at age 17, but his experience in the military was cut short by a soccer injury. It turned out to be fortunate timing for Jorge, as a Civil War broke out in El Salvador not long after. He credits this injury to potentially saving his life.
Jorge moved from El Salvador on December 24th, 1980, and has called Michigan home ever since. The discipline instilled in him during that time has stayed throughout his life and is highly visible in his career.
The Role
Jorge’s work centers on making sure outbound orders are fulfilled and packaged correctly. What might seem like a straightforward step in the process is anything but. A small change in how an order is packaged can have a real impact on the final product experience for the customer.
“It’s the accommodations. Every order has specific requests, and small detail can change everything. That’s what people don’t always see in shipping.”
Jorge takes pride in that precision. He understands that the customers’ instructions aren’t suggestions, they’re the standard.
What Keeps Him Going
When asked what Jorge enjoys most about his work, and his answer required no hesistation: the people.
“When the company is doing better, the employees are doing better. We’re all working toward the same goal.”
He’s been particularly inspired by the example set by Jaime Molette, the leader of GRL’s Bindery Department. Her knowledge, willingness to help, and the genuine care she brings to her work and other around her are what drive him.
Jorge also has a unique connection to the shipping floor working alongside his grandson, Ethan Razmus. Jorge’s approach remains the same though. He steps in where needed and holds everyone to the same standard. But it’s a bit of family running through the work that speaks to the kind of environment at GRLabel here today.
Advice & Perspective
One of the biggest shifts Jorge has witnessed during his time at GRLabel has been a culture of slowing down to get things right. A quality first mindset that resonates deeply with how he handles his own work.
“Have patience. Doing it right is the most important thing. Don’t rush to make your numbers look better and put out a bad product”`
His teammates describe him as someone who steps in willingly and never loses sight of the fact that nobody’s perfect. This outlook that makes him both a reliable and a steady presence on the floor.
Outside the Office
Outside of Work, Jorge is a bigtime University of Michigan sports fan, particularly their football and basketball programs. He also thoroughly enjoys watching soccer and may even attend a world cup game in Chicago this summer.
If he wasn’t working at GRLabel, Jorge notes his “dream job” would be to mentor and inspire those who are less fortunate and in tougher times. He’d love to be able to share how doing things the right way will always come back around to surprise you positively.
With retirement in the not-so-distant future for Jorge, he is looking forward to traveling much throughout the state Michigan in particular. Places like Mackinaw City have inspired Jorge to go seek out more of Michigan’s natural beauty and hidden hotspots.