Meet Dean in Information Technology

 

My most recent formal degree is a B.S. in Computer Information Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Previous to that I graduated from Hutchinson Technical College with a degree in Dairy Herd Management. However, my diverse educationalprocess started at day one and has continued every day since. Each day poses new demands and challenges, which drive my interest to learn something new.

 

 

In my current field, I began and continue my career with Brown Printing as a computer programmer/analyst. They recognized my work ethic and were eager to train me to create software to help solve real world problems before my degree was even completed.

 

I primarily supportour in-house pressroom data collection systems that are used in all three locations. I provide analytical support for the data as well as technical support for the software and hardware. I provide enhancements to our current software and write new software that gains our printing floor efficiencies and competitive advantages.

 

My day starts pretty normally; I read my e-mail and check my phone messages. The most important fires get handled first. My day ceases to be typical from that point on because of the irregularity of support needs. If the support is light, I am developing in either PowerBuilder or Oracle Forms and Reports as I design and implement enhancements and new software, depending on the current needs of my users. Some days I may not see my cube for more than an hour or two, while other days my chair probably gets tired.

 

The location and reputation attracted me to Brown Printing. I like the rural setting Waseca provides even though it is a nice mid-sized town with many amenities. My commute time is never determined by traffic other than the occasional tractor or morning school bus. The reputation of employee longevity at Brown Printing was also an influence in my decision to join this company. The bulk of my users have 15 to 20+ years in the printing industry at Brown Printing. A company’s ability to care for their employees individually can be measured by their employees’ tenure.

 

The moments I savor are when I can transfer a project from development mode to support only. It may not be a specific moment, but when the project shifts to support and the issues list is complete, it is an outstanding feeling. I feel my effort has contributed to the continued success of our company.

Self-motivation, communication, and determination are three traits needed to excel at Brown Printing. The willingness to take ownership in a project and move it forward without constant supervision does not go unnoticed. To provide a valuable product to our “customers,” I need to fully understand their needs, and communication is the key. The drive to achieve beyond the expected or required outcomes and follow though on commitments regardless of the challenges distinguishes an employee from their peers.

 

Brown Printing has three divisions, located in Waseca, MN; Woodstock, IL; and East Greenville, PA. I generally visit our other divisions every year. In addition, Brown Printing supports attendance to trade shows or other seminars related to IT and the printing business.

 

While I don’t have an intimate understanding of Bertelsmann corporate culture, it is very evident how they value employees’ opinions as well as the individual companies that they encompass. Corporate-wide surveys and the recent Waseca plant expansion are just two of the many ways they prove they value and desire to see success from the largest and most profitable company down to the new intern.

 

More important than work and achievements is my family. While I do enjoy my occupation, my family is my legacy, and being the pro-visionary for them is my greatest goal. I strive to provide them with the meaningful experiences I had in my childhood. We enjoy camping, reading, fishing, worshipping and gardening together, among many other activities. The joy we have in our life comes from our relationships and taking the time to appreciate the little things every single day.