Meet John

Describe your educational background. Where did you study, what degrees did you receive? 
I studied at Western Maryland College in Westminster, MD, and I received a BA in exercise science with a minor in business management.

Describe your career history. What have been your professional experiences prior to your current position? 
I began my management career in 2000, with Entemann’s/Thomas Arnold under George Weston Bakeries Inc., where I was a foreman and later a sales supervisor. I moved to another arm of G.W.B. Stroehmann’s Bakery in 2004, where I became a distribution/transportation supervisor. After two years of that I was lucky enough to stumble upon on an opening in Random House, which I pursued. I became part of the management team, with the responsibility of overseeing second shift in reorders in the loose pick division. Recently I was given the opportunity to take over the first shift receiving department.

What are your current roles and responsibilities?
My current role in receiving is to manage a department of around twenty-two people, in daily responsibilities which include but are not limited to: monitoring and assessing the quality of product from internal and external customers; interviewing and evaluating employees; monitoring the efficiency of employees and warehouse; and making necessary changes when needed. I also oversee daily adjustments to transfers and shipping inventory to other departments. Most of all I work closely with other departments to meet and exceed productivity levels set by Random House.

I also am a part of the Green Committee here in Westminster. We are working on several processes to help make Random House more environmentally sustainable.

Describe a typical day at your job: In three words… 
Chaotic yet satisfying.

What attracted you to your company and position? What is your favorite thing about your job?
Random House’s reputation hooked me, and meeting the people reeled me in. I love working with good people. There’s a sense of anticipation you get when you never know what’s going to happen when you step through the door.

What has been your most memorable moment (so far) in your job? 
So far it would have to be the day an employee came up to me with a complex question on a day that was already completely chaotic. I was able to give her the correct answer as well as keep everything else running smooth and efficiently. That’s the day I stepped back and said to myself “Way to go kid, you did it.”

If you could meet anyone from history, living or dead, who would it be?
There are two people I would like to meet: Vince Lombardi and George Patton. They were both such leaders. That knew how to rally their troops, and to have accomplished what they did is truly amazing

If I were a cartoon character, I would be…
The Flash.

What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your company?
Flexibility, reliability, dependability, and an open mind.

Have you had the opportunity to travel as part of your job? 
No.

Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and its corporate culture?
I have a decent understanding of Bertelsmann, but I am always interested in learning more.

My favorite book, movie and artist are…
Elmo’s Touch and Feel Numbers book. I have four kids, and it’s a quick read that keeps their attention long after you’re done reading it. My favorite movie is the Rocky box set. I love all music. One day you may see me rocking out, and the next day singing R&B or bouncing to the oldies.

Finally, please write a paragraph or two about yourself, your interests, hobbies, goals, meaningful life experiences, role models, memories, etc.:
My role model would have to be my grandmother, who passed recently. She was a sweet little Irish woman, who always looked at the good in situations and in people. Whenever someone saw her she always had a smile. She was a mediator, an educator, a sympathizer, a lover, a sharer, and a mother to all. She always taught me to do the best you can, take care of your family, and believe in God. Do those things, she said, and everything would be OK, and you know I still listen to her and she’s still right.

One of the most meaningful life experiences came when I was 10 years old. I was eating dinner with my grandfather. After dinner we were all sitting around the TV, and my grandfather asked if anyone wanted a piece of cake. When my turn came I answered, “I don’t care.” A few minutes later he came back and gave everyone their piece except for me. When I asked him where mine was he said, “You said you didn’t care. Since you didn’t care to say yes, I didn’t care to give you a piece, and it’s all gone.” He said, “Next time if you care or want something when someone asks, say yes or no.” I’ve used that wisdom every day of my life, and I tell you what: I’ve never not gotten another piece of cake. 

Right now all of my interests revolve around my family. Some of my hobbies are sports, especially football (GO EAGLES!), but I also enjoy tinkering with cars, coaching, and going places. I am not one to sit at home if at all possible. I love to take the kids to the river or to amusement parks. My goal for the next twenty years is to survive in my house with a whole head of hair. If I can do that I think I’m better off than most. Seriously, though, I would love to learn as much as possible and gradually move up through management. I love the people, management staff, and overall ethics and mission of this company.