Faces of Manufacturing 2025: Guiding the Customer Journey

Editor's Note: Throughout October in celebration of Manufacturing Day/Month, IndustryWeek's Faces of Manufacturing will share the stories of people with a passion for manufacturing.

Jason Kinsey

City/State of Residence: Leola, Pennsylvania

Job Title: Customer Relations

Company: Dexco

Years with Company: 18.5

Industry of Your Company: industrial storage/racking systems

Training/Education: High school.

What made you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?

“I started my manufacturing career in the role of a machine operator and then got my welding certification. I’ve always enjoyed physical work, so manufacturing felt like a natural fit. I’m a hands-on person, and the idea of building things, seeing how materials behave, and working directly with steel and machinery was incredibly appealing. There’s a certain energy and satisfaction in physically creating something—there’s nothing quite as amazing like welding two pieces of steel together and knowing the impact it can have in the world. That combination of skill, creativity, and tangible results drew me into this career.”

More Manufacturing Day/Month coverage here. 

What does your job entail?

“My role touches nearly every part of the customer journey. It starts with understanding what the customer needs, working with our engineering and drafting teams to ensure the solution fits, and then managing the quoting and order process. I follow the project through manufacturing, shipping, and, ultimately, ensuring the customer receives the product they expected. Even after delivery, I remain the point of contact for any questions or future needs, helping connect the customer to the right resources. Essentially, it’s a combination of technical, operational, and customer-focused responsibilities.”

What is the most interesting part of your job?

“The most interesting part is the diversity of challenges and customer interactions. Every project is different depending on location, regulations, and environmental factors. For example, designing racks for California versus Pennsylvania presents a completely different set of variables, such as factoring in the strength needed to mitigate seismic activity. I enjoy the problem-solving, learning about different regions, and working closely with customers to ensure our racking solutions meet their unique requirements.”

Your proudest moment?

“There isn’t a single proudest moment—honestly, it happens too frequently. Anytime a customer tells me that something we did made their process safer, more efficient, or saved them money, it’s a rewarding feeling. Knowing that my work has a real, positive impact, whether on safety, cost, or operational success, is what I’m most proud of.”

What do you love about manufacturing?

“I love the variety and the human connections. Manufacturing isn’t just about building things; it’s about working with people from all over the world, understanding different needs, and building solutions that truly make a difference. Over time, some of my customers have become friends, and not to sound cliche, but that personal connection— knowing you’ve made an impact on someone’s work or life—is incredibly satisfying.”

What advice would you give to kids considering a job in manufacturing?

“I would say—don’t be afraid of manufacturing. It might look intimidating at first—the dirt, the sparks, the heavy equipment—but there’s really just so much fun and satisfaction in it. Try it. Do some hands-on work. Run a grinder, pull the trigger on a welder, feel the steel, smell the smoke, and see the real-world results of your work. Experiencing it directly can spark a lifelong interest (pun intended), and once you do, you’ll soon learn the skills you gain are in very high demand.”

What advice would you give to manufacturers to help increase kids' interest in manufacturing as a career choice?

“Manufacturing is awesome. Make sure people see this! Go to schools and job fairs and show them exactly how exciting manufacturing can be. Give them hands-on experiences and let them see the tangible results of the work. Highlight the opportunities for well-paying careers—careers that happen without massive student debt! Make it clear that technical skills like welding and machining are—and will always be—needed. Show the next generation that manufacturing isn’t just a 9-to-5 job like it’s depicted in old movies. It’s a rewarding, dynamic career that truly has real-world impact.”