Our Employee Spotlight for October is Chris Smith, our Safety and Compliance Manager. Chris likes the small-town feel of Mountain Top, where he lives with his family. He and his wife, Lisa, have seven children, ages 26 to 16. They also have two dogs: Bailey, a "not-so-mini" Dachshund—five—and Buddy, their "not-all-there" rescue, who is two and a mix of 18 different breeds. Let's get to know more about Chris.

AL: How long have you been with Action Lift?

Thirteen years, four months, and seven days, which is 4893 days at the time of doing this.

AL: Briefly, what does your job entail?

I am responsible for Safety Compliance, Training, and DOT Compliance.

AL: Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

My parents/Family

AL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I am drinking a tall glass of nonalcoholic vodka on the front porch as I watch the sunset over the mountain.

AL: What best advice can you give someone who just started their career?

Never turn down an opportunity, always strive to improve, and keep learning new things.

AL: What are the most demanding challenges you've had at work? How did you overcome them?

Maintaining the constant changes to OSHA and DOT regulations is a significant challenge. I overcome this by reading and training constantly.

AL: What's your secret talent that no one knows about?

I'm a pretty good cook. My BBQ Ribs and Chicken and my Strombolis are everyone's favorites.

AL: When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?

The outcomes of the training process drive me. For example, training someone very nervous about operating a stand-up lift and seeing how that changes after we work together to learn how to operate the lift keeps me motivated.

AL: Regarding successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my recent training opportunities, which have helped me grow my career.

AL: How have you grown professionally while on our team?

Pursuing the safety manager role has helped me grow professionally because I learn new things daily, and no days are the same. I am always up for a challenge to do well.

AL: Tell me something about you that most people don't know.

I love the old Wild West. In fact, on my father's side, there is a somewhat famous fur trapper/wilderness guide of the Old West named Kit Carson (Christopher Carson)

AL: Which of our 30 Fundamentals is your personal favorite, and why?

My favorite is #8 - Find a way!!! I have always said this when one of my kids or someone I am training says, "I can't."

Thank you for taking the time Chris! 

 

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