He also trains others in product inspection and champions the importance of doing things right the first time. “Quality isn’t just part of the job. It’s a mindset. That’s what I share with my team. It’s how we earn our customers’ trust, and it’s our responsibility to uphold it every day. I’ve stayed in quality assurance and with S&C Canada for 25 years because I believe in what we do and how we do it.” Looking back, Ike is glad he listened to his uncle’s advice. “I know I’ll be retiring from a great place. S&C Canada allowed me to grow, and I’ve never looked back.” n Encouraged by that support, Sanel began laying the foundation for his leadership journey. He started by training and sharing his product knowledge with team members. By 2011, he was promoted to line leader (LG6), supporting production of SMD® Power Fuses, and in 2014, he became a team leader (direct). During this time, he helped build a second shift team to support the TripSaver® II Cutout- Mounted Recloser production. Today, he serves as a team leader (Assembly Chicago) in Vista & Vista SD, reporting to Roberto Navarro, supervisor – assembly. n
that Ike’s technical training would be an asset to S&C Canada and encouraged him to apply. “He worked in quality assurance for years,” said Ike. “I always shared what I was learning in school, and he assured me this was a place where I could build a meaningful career, develop skills, and retire.” That referral sparked Ike’s S&C journey. On July 17, 2000, he began working as a quality technician for the quality assurance team, spending his early years learning the ins and outs of product inspection. Today, he serves as a lead quality technologist, primarily inspecting Metal-Enclosed Switchgear. On August 7, 2000, Sanel joined the company as an assembler E in cutouts & loadbuster disconnects. “It was a big change from working in hotels,” said Sanel. “But I liked the challenge and was proud to contribute to something bigger.” That sense of purpose motivated him to grow his skills and earn the trust of his supervisors. So, when his department moved operations to China in 2008, Sanel wasn’t left behind. His dedication and potential were recognized, and he was offered a new role. “I’ll never forget the care I felt from the company. I knew I had more to learn and was working toward a future in leadership.”
Ike Merchan Team Leader (Assembly Chicago) Vista & Vista SD Assembly Fresh out of DeVry Institute with a diploma in electronic technology, Ike Merchan was eager to put his skills to work where they’d make a real impact. His uncle, Johnny Suratos, Quarter Century Club member and retiree, recognized
Sanel Gutosic Team Leader (Assembly Chicago) Vista & Vista SD Assembly Sanel Gutosic came to the U.S. from Yugoslavia with his wife, Mirsada, in search of a better life. He initially worked in the hotel industry, but as their family grew, he wanted a stable job that allowed him to be present for his children. His search led him to S&C.
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Volts & Jolts | Volume 68 | Issue 3
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