Getting to know Dean...
| Name: | Dean |
| Company: | Brown Printing |
| Title: | Computer Programmer/Analyst |
| Location: | Waseca, MN |
My life in a nutshell:
My childhood on a farm deeply shaped my interests and hobbies.
Currently, on my little acreage, I find something to play with almost every day, like feeding the chickens or weeding the garden; some people may call it work but its enjoyment for me.
Satisfaction and fulfillment come from accomplishments both at work and home.
A favorite quote by Franklin Delano Roosevelt says it best, “happiness is not the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of the achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”
Describe your educational background. Where did you study, what degrees did you receive?
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 educational process 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.
Describe your career history. What have been your professional experiences prior to your current position?
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.
What are your current roles and responsibilities?
I primarily support our 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.
Describe a typical day at your job.
My day starts pretty normally; I read my email and check my phone messages, the most important fires get handled first. My day ceases to be typical from that point on due to 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.
What attracted you to your company and position? What is your favorite thing about your job?
The location and reputation attracted me to Brown Printing. I like the rural setting Waseca provides even though it is a nice mid-size 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 15-20+ 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.
What has been your most memorable moment (so far) in your job?
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.
What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your 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 confronting challenges distinguishes an employee from their peers.
Have you had the opportunity to travel as part of your job?
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.
Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and its corporate culture?
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 where they prove they value and desire to see success from the largest and most profitable company down to the new intern.
Finally, please write a paragraph or two about yourself, your interests, hobbies, goals, meaningful life experiences, role models, memories, etc..
More important than work and achievements though 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, worshiping 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.
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