For our Spearhead Family post this month we are highlighting our newest Spearhead Group team member, John Coffman, Quality Control Manager. John joined Spearhead this February and shares insights below on what it means to be part of our team.
Tell us about joining The Spearhead Group. What makes you excited to join the team?John: There are many reasons why I am excited to join Spearhead. I was so lucky to find a job close to home based out of the Quality Lab in Yardley. It was meant to be! The company’s passion for sustainability and quality really factored in my decision to join Spearhead. Not too many companies put their money where their mouth is when it comes to quality and sustainability–Spearhead does. They are always actively thinking and working on ideas with long-term benefits. It’s exciting to be a part of. In addition, my role allows me to be hands-on in our test lab with the awesome products we work with and develop.
Tell us a little more about your background and what excites/inspires you to work on product development? I graduated from Temple University with a History and Political Science degree, and soon got involved in Quality Control, working at U-Haul’s manufacturing plants. I think what I love most about my career path in Quality is being on the floor collaborating with production and engineering staff, as well as vendors and suppliers to troubleshoot problems and find solutions to manufacturing processes. This is when I can most directly apply problem-solving skills while getting to know the people I work with and do business with. It’s awesome!
The Spearhead Group has 5 core values (1. Focus on Sustainability and Diversity; 2. Innovative Thinking; 3. Do the Right Thing; 4. Acts with Equal Respect for Clients, Colleagues and Suppliers; 5. Go the Extra Mile with Entrepreneurial Spirit). How do you practice these values?
- Focus on Sustainability & Diversity: Like many people, I love being outside and enjoying what nature has to offer. As a result, I have been very conscious of the amount of waste I contribute to the world and try to cut back where I can. It is important to me to work for a company that values the environment. Spearhead walks the walk, and the team is always thinking of sustainable designs when it comes to packaging. I love it.
- Diversity: I don’t think civilization would have gotten this far if it was not for being open to and accepting diversity. This was one of the things I loved most about Temple University. I had friends and classmates from all around the world and the campus was so accepting of everyone. It created discussions that were so valuable and fun that it makes me wonder how anyone would not want to create this type of environment.
- Innovative Thinking: Innovative thinking is so important to problem solving and process improvement, something I confront every day in manufacturing. Spearhead applies innovative thinking not only to Quality (for example, creating new performance tests for our products) but also to development, enabling us to constantly move forward.
- Do the Right Thing: The first thing that comes to mind is the important message behind the Spike Lee classic movie, Do the Right Thing. Doing the right thing is extremely important not only in business, but in life. It’s a way of living and working that really speaks to a person’s character and integrity. Whether admitting to a mistake, being truthful to a client or a friend, or just following a traffic law, our actions affect everyone around us….so, Do the Right Thing!
- Acts with Equal Respect for Clients, Colleagues and Suppliers: I think this value goes hand in hand with Doing the Right Thing. When working with clients, suppliers, and coworkers, we are all in this together. Not against one another. With that in mind, being considerate of certain conditions, whether a client or supplier, can only contribute to a productive and open relationship.
- Go the Extra Mile with Entrepreneurial Spirit: Having this type of attitude and work ethic is important in the manufacturing and business sectors because of the constant changing world around us. The ability to adapt and be open to change is constantly tested by the pace of change in technology and manufacturing processes. As companies continue to automate, new problems continue to arise. As a person who works in Quality, this keeps me on my toes and constantly thinking of ways to be proactive and anticipate issues that may arise. You know, the fun stuff!