Accelerate January 2021 Magazine

WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG Tell us a little bit about yourself. I started with Eaton Corporation in December of 2019, as a press brake operator. My family and I moved to Waukesha from Milwaukee. The move has been a life-changing experience for me and my family. It’s a beautiful area, the people are friendly, the schools are great, and there is so much to do. We spend time on the recreation trail with my son, Sincere (2). My daughter, Kiara (15), is doing great at school. It’s truly the little things in the community that mean the most to us. At Eaton Corporation’s Badger Drive location, we are undergoing a 233,000-square-foot expansion, investing $34 million into the community. During a groundbreaking ceremony in November 2020, I had the opportunity to meet Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly. I shared my story about moving to Waukesha, joining Eaton, and the impact it has had on me and my family. Why did you decide to get involved with the trades? I have always liked working with machines. A mentor took me under his wing years ago. He taught me how to set up and use the machines and how to use the measuring tools. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in my life who have taken an interest in my career and who have made me feel like there’s nothing I can’t do. Describe your tpypical day. Press brake operators are responsible for manufacturing tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake. Press brakes, or brake presses, are computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools designed to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate material, particularly sheet metal. Our production teams start off each day with a quick meeting, where we discuss and learn about activities in the plant and focus on safety. As a press-brake operator, I review blueprints and paperwork with information on material needed for my current project. I make sure the material part numbers are accurate, so the job goes smoothly. SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRADES OTIS CAROLINA Press Brake Operator Eaton Corporation 26