Meet the Team: Julie, HR Generalist
The metal manufacturing industry is always growing and expanding into new technology and new processes for production. At Whirltronics, we manage our growth through a foundation of lean manufacturing and the core values of our team. To keep our team running we need HR heroes, who are responsible for our growth, talent nourishment, and instilling team culture. Keep reading to get to know Whirltronics’ Human Resources Generalist, Julie Gunnarson!
What is your current position at Whirltronics and what does it entail?
My current position at Whirltronics is the Human Resources Generalist. I am responsible for the people side of things when it comes to benefits, leaves, hiring, terminations, and policies. If employees have questions, I’m available to help get answers for them and to be a resource.
Did you originally see yourself in this current position?
When I was in college I saw myself as a teacher. I got my bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and really thought that I would be in a classroom environment. I’ve been in different fields from direct sales to manufacturing to health care where I was able to use my degree in different ways. In one of those former lives, I kind of fell into Human Resources and really grew to love it to where I knew that’s where I wanted to land. I still get to use a lot of what I learned in teaching to help me in my day-to-day role but I also get to add new things along the way.
What is one challenge about this position?
One of the challenges of the job is also one that makes it the most fun …you just never know what you’re going to walk into when you come into the office for the day. Sometimes it makes you feel a little unprepared but is also rewarding when you get a good result or outcome.
Can you describe a typical workday?
The best part of my job is that there really isn’t a “typical” day. I might have a plan for what I want to do or get done but things come up that sometimes make those plans take a back seat. My job really is to be a resource for employees and that’s how I spend most of my day.
What is one thing you wish you knew before working at Whirtronics?
I’ve been familiar with Whirltronics for a very long time but would have liked to have been more familiar with the actual machine operating side of the business. There’s a lot to it!
In three words, explain Whirltronics.
Growing, Collaborative, Challenging
What is your favorite thing about working at Whirltronics?
The best part about Whirltronics is the people I get to work alongside every day. We work hard but we have fun while doing it.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside of work?
I love spending time with my two daughters and my family, being on the lake, and enjoying a good campfire.
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As a leading employer in the Buffalo, MN area, Whirltronics Inc., offers competitive pay, benefits, and maintains high employee retention. Learn more about Whirltronics, Inc.’s services, employment opportunities, and history by visiting us online, or contacting us directly.