Employee Spotlight: Gregorio Emiliano
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Gregorio Emiliano’s family came to the States a decade ago and settled in New Jersey. Today, he works hard as a forklift driver with the production team at West Pak Avocado’s newest facility in the Northeast. Learn more about Gregorio and how he earned this month’s employee spotlight.
How long have you been with West Pak?
Gregorio: 1 year and five months.
What are your current responsibilities in your role?
Gregorio: Mostly moving pallets. I bring pallets to the production area, and once they’re done, I take them back to the cooler. I’m moving them forward and back as needed to have consistent production. When needed, I also load and unload the trucks.
What is the typical workday like for you?
Gregorio: I come in each morning and go into a meeting with my lead or supervisor. They explain the daily plan; then I make sure everything gets executed.
It’s important for me to contribute to the team and always make sure our customers receive what they ask for. I believe that if the company grows, I can keep growing with it.
What personal strengths do you bring to your job?
Gregorio: I feel secure in my skills and capable of teaching others.
What do you love about your job?
Gregorio: How I’m treated; it feels like a family to me. West Pak gives opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and demonstrate their skills.
If you had to name one thing that helped you succeed in your job, what would that be?
Gregorio: I have a lot of support from my supervisor. Also, I have the capacity and desire to learn and keep growing as a person.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Gregorio: In five years, I see myself as a supervisor, assistant manager, or even a manager.
A Few Personal Notes
Name one thing about yourself that your coworkers may not know about you.
Gregorio: I don’t like when somebody lies.
What do you do in your spare time?
Gregorio: I play with my son, cut the grass, and take care of my home,
Do you like avocados? If so, what’s your favorite way to eat or prepare them?
Gregorio: I do like them. I like to peel and eat them with lemon and salt.
From the Management Side
When a supervisor sees potential in an employee, it’s essential that they recognize it. Carlos Rojas immediately realized Gregorio’s drive and worked with him to ensure he had the opportunity to flourish and grow. Here’s what Gregorio’s supervisor had to say about him and his nomination:
Why was Gergorio nominated for this honor?
Carlos: He deserves it! It will be very good for him to get to know other people, and for them to get to know him too.
Gregorio’s official title is forklift driver, but right now, he’s learning how to be a coordinator, which is basically support for the production area. He does whatever is needed, like printing labels, coordinating with the lead, etc.
What do you think are Gregorio’s strengths?
Carlos: He’s a fast learner – anything brought to the table for him, he can execute with no problem. Gregorio can follow anything step by step – any task!
What is it like working with him daily?
Carlos: As his supervisor, I assign tasks and then forget about them because I know he will do it. I don’t have to follow up. When he finishes his daily duties, he asks for something else to do or looks for it himself. Gregorio is a self-starter, multi-tasker, and very motivated.
Are there any obstacles in front of him?
Carlos: Some people may see language as a barrier, but he doesn’t see it that way. He knows that communication is the key.
One of Gregorio’s challenges is learning English, but that doesn’t mean we won’t keep growing if he doesn’t speak the language. His personal challenge is learning the language to keep improving himself.
Is he on track for his 5-year goal?
Carlos: Absolutely; Gregorio’s a hard worker with great potential! He is on the right path to reach his goal, and as his lead/supervisor, I will ensure he has the tools and/or knowledge necessary to do so.
