2017 Young Professional Network Outstanding Young Professional Award Winner Q+A Session, Part 2
By: Laurie Walker, MHI Senior Membership Coordinator
Each year, MHI member companies have the opportunity to submit their employees for the MHI Outstanding Young Professional of the Year Award and the MHI Mentor Award.
We were proud to announce at PROMAT 2017 the winner of the MHI Outstanding Young Professional Award is Tyler Schmakel from Rasco Industries.
We were recently able to catch up with Tyler to learn more about him.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 29 years old. I have worked at Rasco Industries for the past 10 years. I started out working in the warehouse and have slowly moved my way up to the position I am in today. Since I was a child I have always enjoyed puzzles and problem solving. I have enjoyed taking that love and turning it into something useful for Rasco Industries.
What position do you currently hold at Rasco?
I am currently the Production Manager at Rasco industries. That involves educating our workers in the goals and vision of Rasco. Leading our team to be more efficient and imaginative with the products we create, but also in the process of manufacturing them.
You’ve had so many accomplishments during your career. In your opinion, what has been the most impactful for your company and industry?
Even though it is still in the process of being finished, developing an end to end database solution with the Filemaker platform has been the most impactful. It has been monumental in revolutionizing the way we operate daily. It gives us the opportunity for better customer service along with a streamlined manufacturing process. It’s a great foundation and will allow Rasco to grow for years to come.
What words of advice do you have for new young professionals entering the material handling industry?
Honestly I never expected to be nominated for this award, let alone win it. I think I would tell new young professionals to continue thinking outside of the box. Be forward thinking. Take responsibility. Test and push the boundaries of what you’re capable of. Never settle for good enough. It will make you a valuable asset not just for your company, but for the rest of your career.
What do you hope to accomplish and/or work towards in the next 5 years of your career?
To push forward with our company goals and values. To have purchasing and order processing as automated as possible. To allow myself and others the freedom and creativity to view our work in a different light. But most importantly to continue to make Rasco Industries a fulfilling and rewarding company to work for.
The Outstanding Young Professional Award is given to an MHI member under the age of 40 who has displayed professional accomplishments, effective leadership skills and contributions to their company and industry innovation.
The Mentor Award is awarded to an MHI member who offers professional guidance, is a positive and inspiring role model, instills and nurtures talent, advocates for employees and supports their professional development.
If you know of someone that would be a candidate for either award, be on the lookout for submission forms in January or check back on the MHI Young Professionals Network webpage. For questions, please contact the MHI membership team.
