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

Name: David Honsberger
Job Title: Repair Operations Supervisor

How long have you worked for FISCHER USA? What areas have you worked in?
4 years. I’ve been a Supervisor within the Service Department since my arrival, mainly focused within Disassembly Operations.

What's your favorite thing about working for FISCHER USA?
The freedom from management to use my style of Supervision. This company has really allowed me to do my job in a way that really allows the best version of myself to come out. I can’t say I’ve ever experienced that anywhere else. Usually, the company wants you to adapt to their style of supervision, and FISCHER USA has really just allowed me to put my imprint on the department which I hope has been a positive thing for the Team and the company. It’s just been an awesome experience from day one.

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?
Technician Support Technician. My days mostly consist of supporting my team as a whole and as individuals on a spindle by spindle, and case-by-case basis. I would like to believe that the support that I provide are both in technical aspects as well as personal aspects for the individuals on my Team, but I still have a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to the challenge. In the end, I see myself as the guy that needs to make sure that if my Technicians need something, I get it for them, and if I can’t get it for them then I’m figuring out a different solution to get them what they need.

What do you enjoy about the work you do?
The day-to-day challenge of solving problems. Very seldomly are the days the same there is always something new that myself or the team hasn’t dealt with or seen before and we have to problem solve our way through it. It keeps your mind sharp and challenged to achieving or inventing new ways to get something done. It has its stresses but you're never bored!

What's your favorite part of the spindle?
The clamping systems, because of the movement within the spindle. It’s interesting to see the functions of this system. So many things within the spindle need to move, grab, contact and maintain gaps and clearances all to just hold a tool in place. There’s quite a lot going on inside there that isn’t obvious unless you crack open the hood.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?
I would give this advice to anybody no matter where you go. Always be true to yourself! Don’t ever try to be something that you are not. Know both your strengths and your weaknesses and be willing to work on them. I truly believe people will be more willing to work with you and help you when you need it if you are humble and honest. Oh yeah, you need a Dodge Ram to work here!

Who is someone you admire, and why?
David Goggin’s, Navy SEAL retired. This man is just a no-nonsense get out there and get to work on your life kind of guy! He is a rough man who had a hard childhood but made serious and positive changes in his life by focusing and controlling his mindset. He is an endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and workout junkie. He’s just an amazing human being whose motivation and mindset I would love to emulate. My favorite Goggin’s line: “Your entitled mind is dead weight. Cut it loose. Don’t focus on what you think you deserve. Take aim on what you are willing to earn!”

What are your tips for being successful?
Be willing and prepared to go further than you expect! Successful people are people that go the extra step. Mind you, like most people they don’t always enjoy it, but they understand that the results they want are achieved by pushing the envelope!
ALWAYS be willing to rely on others. You are nothing without the people around you. Individual success is rare. Most successful people have a long list of people that helped them, believed in them, and pushed them to get them where they are today in their careers.

The most important thing I learned since high school is…
Life doesn’t get easier with time, embrace the difficulties and allow them to shape a better version of yourself.
Be willing to admit when you are wrong and apologize if necessary. Own your mistakes!
Stop worrying about your reputation. Mind your character and your reputation will take care of itself.

How do you want people to remember you?
That’s a really hard question. Well, the easy answer for me is a good man that was unashamed about his faith. I hope they don’t remember me as the opposite of that, but I guess that’s in my control to fix if that’s the case.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
Woodworking. I have a full shop in my basement most of which was passed down to me from my Grandfather who was an amazing woodworker. I spent what time I could with him in his shop when I was a kid and always loved creating and building things. Today it’s my own little escape and it really calms me. Every time I make or am making something he is always on my mind. He was a wonderful and good man and I cherish those little quiet moments I still get with him when I’m in the shop. I’m so grateful that he showed me his passion.

What are your top 3 favorite books?
The Bible, Lone Survivor, No Easy Day

What is top on your bucket list?
Cape Town, South Africa - Cage diving with Great Whites. I’m absolutely terrified of sharks, especially Great Whites, so I want to go face that fear!

Flashback to when you were 5 years old, what do you want to be when you grow up?
It wasn’t at 5 but the only things I can remember wanting to be was either a Pro Skateboarder or Pro Snowboarder. Junior year of high school I set my eyes on the Military Special Forces, due to my older brother being in the service.

If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose?
Flying. Superman makes it look pretty awesome!

Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
Sitting on the couch with my wife with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, watching our current “Not allowed to watch it without the other person present” T.V. series together or down in my woodworking shop.