Getting to Know FISCHER USA's Customer Service Team: Bill

Name: Bill Medlin
Job: Assembly Supervisor

How long have you worked for the company? What areas have you worked in?
16.5 Years – Started in disassembly (back when it was still Precise), for about 2 months; then to assembly (when FISCHER took over), and I have been there ever since, about 16 years.

What is your favorite thing about working for FISCHER?
My favorite thing is the people, we all get along very well and complement each other’s work strengths and abilities. Family-oriented, everyone is treated well and there is never really any internal strife to speak of. It is a nice place to come do your work, get things done, and go home to enjoy your family & friends.

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?
Jack of all trades, master of none – responsible to keep my team moving forward and progressing no matter what stands in the way. Bringing my team members up to be the best possible technicians that they can be while maintaining a balance of productivity and fun.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?
I have always liked working with my hands. I have always been into car racing, motorcycle racing things like that, and this falls right in line with the precision work, nice and clean. You must make everything perfect otherwise it is not going to work correctly. So, the technical aspect and watching the spindle be created from components to an operating machine is really satisfying.

What is your favorite part of the spindle?
That is a good question. There is no one favorite part for me, it is cumulative of all the components combined to make one working unit. Seeing the components laid out on my workstation to when it is up and running.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?
Be patient, there is a lot to take in. We want people to know what it takes to build a spindle. There are many checks and balances and double checks & balances. New employees come in and think they should just get moving right away, it is not like that. Just be patient and listen to your trainer, ask a lot of questions, ask all kinds of questions.

Who is someone you admire, and why?
That is a hard question to answer. It is truly not any one person. With the climate we live in today, I admire anyone who gets up every day, goes to their job, supports their families, keeps a positive attitude, and gets through the good things, the bad things, and keeps moving forward.

What are your tips for being successful?
Don't give up, do not think you know it all. Stay positive and take notes. Life changes every day and most of it you cannot control. Always try to learn one small thing new every day.

The most important thing I learned in/since high school is…
Math. Everything revolves around math, when I was in school, I wanted to work on cars for a living and never really paid attention to algebra and geometry, I thought I am never going to use this! Wrong!! I quickly learned that working over the fender of a car in 90-degree heat was not a good choice. I started an apprenticeship for tool and die and quickly learned how math is really a necessity.

How do you want people to remember you?
I would like to be remembered as the guy who when you needed a hand would step up and help. When you needed advice or just someone to listen would be there, nothing flashy.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people do not know about?
Truthfully, not really. People see what I do day in and day out. My good friends and acquaintances see what we do with the cars & bikes on the weekends. I am straightforward; I do not have any secret artistic things I do at home.

What are your top 3 favorite books/podcasts?
I have always been really into my hobbies, so it is all technical manuals, magazines, and how-tos.

What is on your bucket list?
I would like to spend a couple of weeks in Australia, go through the Outback, see that lifestyle, how things work.

Flashback to when you were 5 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Pretty much what every 5-year-old wanted to be, I wanted to be a fireman.

If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose?
I would rather be invisible, see all the craziness, be a fly on the wall, learn all the mysteries of the world.

Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Out on the patio with either a cup of coffee or a bloody Mary, having the week wind down, and getting ready for the next week, heading out for a ride with friends on our Harleys. Sundays are either for a Sunday Funday or relaxing with friends and family.