Get to know:

April Koons

April Koons, 31, has been working as a production worker at Holland Colours America’s for three years. She admits that while the work can be tough, the strong team dynamic and positive atmosphere make it extra enjoyable.

Which core value did April choose?

Core values

Our core values show what we stand for and what we believe in as employees and as a company. These are the following: passion, responsibility, courage and teamwork.

April feels like everybody has to be responsible for what they do. So each person in the circle has to be responsible for something to be able to get the product to the customer.

''I think everyone being responsible for the material that they're doing is what connects the pieces together.''

This is why April chose the core value of responsibility.

Interview with April

Q&A

April Koons is 31 and has been working at Holland Colours America’s as a production worker for three years. ''It is important to continue to challenge yourself in your work.''

What does a day at work at Holland Colours look like for you?

I work a 10-hour shift and I start at 4 am. When we come in, we start our meeting, get our schedules, figure out what we're running. Then I can see what has been packaged and what still needs to be packaged. What our working day looks like also has to do with whether we are short on people. If that is the case, I usually help with other things first before I can start my own work.

The work I do is quite a repetitive routine. It may depend on what I'm running. For example, with boxes, I have to make the boxes and then set my pack station up and pack it all out. Or, if it's twin packs, I have to get them all labeled, set up, and pack them out. But my work day kind of depends on what I'm running. There's not much cleaning besides spraying out my little pack station. I like that I know what I am doing and I don't know if I would want to be doing something different every day. I think that would kind of drive me a little nuts, but I like to just switch it up every now and then. I challenge myself by trying to get as much packed out as I can, setting a record. Pretty much just seeing if I can get everything packed out by the end of the day.

How is this responsibility reflected in your daily work?

Honestly, I feel like where I am now is kind of the soul of the process. I'm kind of the last step before shipping, so a lot does fall on me. I have to pack it out, to get it to shipping to be shipped out on time. I like having this kind of a responsibility because it keeps me busy. When there is a problem with a shortage of people, I certainly feel the responsibility to ensure that everything goes out on time.

Why is responsibility so important to you and in your work?

My work ethic is something I strive for. I'm the kind of person that, when it's in front of me, I want to do it right away and I think that's where some of my stress comes in. I don't like things waiting for me. If it's there, I just want it done before I leave. I know everyone is different and has a different kind of work ethic, but for me, taking responsibility for your work is something that is necessary for good collaboration and the best results for the company and our customers.

Which 3 words do you think best describe HCA?

Family oriented, Innovative, Activate

What makes working at HCA so enjoyable for you?

I like knowing that I can arrive a little early and make up my time. They let me come early, are very flexible with times and think about solutions so that I can also be there for my family. In addition, I am sure that, as colleagues, we will always go one step further and try to help each other as much as possible, especially in our work where we sometimes have a shortage of people. I think, out on the floor, we're all pretty close and I feel like everyone pretty much knows each other's personal lives. While working here I gained some friendships. On the work floor there is a really nice vibe, everyone has a good sense of humor. I really enjoy the people that I work with every day. It’s a tough job but having those people here to joke around with or talk to or things, it makes it worth also coming in because you have someone, yeah.

Question from Mike: What advice would you give to a new colleague on the first day?

Listen and watch the people that are training you. But just because they do it a certain way doesn't mean that's going to work for you. You have to be open to other ideas and come up with little tweaks. Just because one way works with another person doesn't mean it's going to work for you. There is more than one right way to do something.

Which question would you like to see answered in the next interview with another colleague?

How would you inspire a colleague to take greater ownership of their work?

Aprils advice:

‘’Just because you don't have the experience doesn't mean that you can't learn it. I think as long as you're willing to learn and you have that headstrong and that work ethic, the willpower, I feel like anybody can do it as long as you're willing to do it.’’