MAKER

“I learned that I enjoy the stability of manufacturing and the fruits of my labor.”

Rodney Chandler

MEET RODNEY

  • Hometown

    Hartford, CT

  • Position

    Production Supervisor

  • Employer

    Atlas Stamping & Mfg.
    Newington, CT

Q&A

What led you to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Ever since ninth grade, I have always had an interest in manufacturing. As soon as I graduated high school, I enrolled in trade school to follow this passion.

What has your journey been like?

I grew up in Hartford. My family still resides there. Many of my friends still reside there. In fact, my neighborhood was so rough that I was wounded in a drive-by and decided to take another path.

Following trade school, I got my first job in manufacturing, where I worked for 20 years. That job eventually led me to Atlas, where I am now working my 15th year. Initially I had a desire to build houses. Yet 35 years later, I have found myself incredibly passionate about another field — machine manufacturing. I’m the production supervisor, which is an integral part of the C-suite management team. 

What have you learned about yourself?

It has become very clear to me how self-motivated I am. Regardless of my situation, I have learned to power through and always bring my best effort in the workplace. Whether it’s at work or in my daily life, I feel as if I am always bringing maximum effort, regardless of who’s watching. I learned that I enjoy the stability of manufacturing and the fruits of my labor.

Do you have any advice for people thinking about a career in manufacturing?

Give it a try. Put your best foot forward and come in with some optimism and things will work out. Plenty of my coworkers were not planning for manufacturing careers initially but love what they do now.

What do you do in your free time?

At the end of the day, I love spending time with my family. Getting to use my free time to develop a stronger bond with the closest people in my life has been incredibly beneficial for me. I go to church, do many home improvements, and spend time with family.