February Employee Recognition: Lori Jockers
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our outstanding team members, Lori Jockers! With her unwavering dedication and creative problem-solving skills, Lori has been making a significant impact on our organization. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the best possible service and contributes to a positive work environment. Get to know Lori and learn more about her experiences and insights.
Q: What do you do at Natech?
As a project engineer at Natech, I guide and support clients through every stage of the product development process, from ideation to production. I work on early-stage projects that involve 3D modeling and prototyping, as well as mid-stage projects that require designing for injection molding, assembly, and manufacturing. I also oversee mold transfers, repairs, and validations, where I help to verify that the determined process is both repeatable and reliable.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at Natech?
The collective mindset. Everyone here is looking to grow and advance constantly. There are always ways you can improve yourself and being surrounded by people who strive to be better every day continues to inspire and motivate me.
There isn’t a project or program that Lori isn’t ready to jump in and help with! When Lori is leading a project, I feel confident that our clients are in great hands from a technical and project management perspective. Her attention to detail, focus on client experience, and high-level of accountability is always impressive. I love walking by her desk in the morning to see a smiling face (with some Dunkin’) and getting to hear what she’s working on. She’s an amazing team contributor to the engineering group and to Natech.
Ashley Turrell
Q: How do you feel like you’ve grown or changed at Natech?
Besides improving my technical skills and manufacturing knowledge, I’ve become a more confident and communicative person.
Q: What skills have you learned here and how has that helped the company?
I learned how to design for injection-molded parts and created several different products that are still being ordered for production, keeping our team busy. I also learned how to validate molds through mold qualifications, which has helped ensure that we build high-quality tools and develop robust mold processes.
Although Lori is bright, her biggest assets are her kindness and attitude. She is always willing to offer support no matter who, when, where, how, what, or why. It’s evident that she is always learning, and is building expertise in areas that both our organization and our clients need.
Dan Duminuco
Q: How did you start your career in manufacturing?
When I started college, I pursued art as my main interest, but during my first semester at SUNY New Paltz, I decided to take Calculus for fun. I wanted to find a way to combine my creative side with my interest in math, so I began researching careers that fit this description. That’s when I discovered roles like Product Designer and Design Engineer. I eventually earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Art Studio.
My first internship was at the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center, a 3D printing facility at my college. There, I had the opportunity to work on repairing 3D printers, slicing and printing designs for the school, and collaborating with the Design team on creating products for local businesses and entrepreneurs. I’ve been working in the manufacturing sector ever since!
Lori is a real go-getter! Her organizational skills and open, friendly demeanor with her clients and teammates make her a tremendous asset to the team and the company!
Mike Botta
Q: What are your proudest achievements?
I’m proud of starting my own business, being an engineer, and designing fully functional injection molded parts.
Q: What motivates you?
I’m motivated by personal progress, seeing my own continual growth and strength.
Lori is a diligent engineer, dedicated to her clients and to her team. Her display of growth is impressive and her drive to achieve success is infectious. Lori brightens any room she walks in, and she’s always happy to help out or just listen. She is a Natech powerhouse of positive attitude.
Jake Traub
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my fiancé, family, friends, and my two dogs, Ghost and Zelda.
Q: What’s one thing that you can’t live without?
Dunkin’ Donuts tea.
Q: What is something that most people might not know about you?
I’m an artist! I’ve been drawing ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon. Charcoal is my favorite medium to work with. Designing, crafting, and creating have been big parts of my life for as long as I can remember.
Q: What goals do you want to achieve in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I hope to buy a house, get a master’s degree in manufacturing, and earn my Professional Engineering License.
Q: What are your favorite Natech memories?
One of my favorite memories is when my manager took the time to review in detail my first technical Natech engineering drawing, which helped me create a very detailed engineering drawing. I also cherish the daily memories created with my project team. We’ve learned and laughed so much at work, and they are a huge contributor to my happiness here.
Q: What are three traits that define you?
1) Hard-working
2) Creative
3) Kind
Q: What are three traits that define Natech?
1) Ambitious
2) Strategic
3) Inclusive
Q: Why do you feel proud to work at Natech?
Natech works with a variety of life-saving technologies that I’m proud to support. Natech also has many skilled engineers with different backgrounds and disciplines, and I’m proud to work alongside them and grow with them every day.