Turning Potential into the Perfect Job
Crafting Components, Not Mass-Producing Parts
It happens. People leave the familiar to explore something new. But when it comes to living in Northern Michigan – if you leave – we expect your return. The area is that special. And when you find a rewarding career in a place you love – things can’t get much better.
This same scenario applied to Nate. He grew up in Atwood – a stone’s throw from DTS. His explorative “wanting to see it all” spirit led him to Wyoming. Ten years later, he returned.
After starting a family, he wanted to live in that small town that offered big opportunities and endless recreational possibilities. He also brought back – what he calls – his arsenal of “multiple potentials”— a collection of skills and experiences that didn’t necessarily pin point one career path, but skills DTS regarded valuable.
Nate joined DTS at the ground level as a sandblaster. From there, with his ambition and desire to learn, leadership took notice. Nate explained, “If they see your potential, they're not going to hamper it. They’re going to let it prosper and let you take on more and more responsibility.”
So, when “doors” opened – Nate latched on. He loved challenges but found facing them easier with the DTS team backing him and leading the way.
He worked through multiple jobs – welding, finishing, bonding and final assembly. Eventually learning the complete process of building our luxurious window systems. And now? He plays a key role guiding workflow and priorities to keep production moving seamlessly.
“It’s funny,” he said, “I never thought I’d be in a position where people come to me to ask what we should work on next. I started out thinking, ‘I’m just a sandblaster.’”
Leadership giving the opportunity and Nake taking the initiative describes the typical routine at DTS. They genuinely care, wanting to see individuals grow into gratifying careers.
“Everybody wants to see everybody succeed,” Nate explained, “If you’ve done the same task for a couple of days, someone might ask if you want to try something new. And if they see you’re capable of more, they’ll give you that opportunity.”
From management to engineering to the production floor, a shared ownership exists in making products efficiently and better.
“We’re all accountable. When something’s not working, we don’t ignore it,” Nate said. “We figure it out together. The engineers will come down, work with us and help solve the problem. Their job is to make our job easier—and that makes everything run smoother and everyone happier. So, we’re always coordinating, always talking – making sure everything stays on track.”
It’s detailed, hands-on work—exactly what Nate enjoys.
“I like figuring things out. I like working with my hands. Like metal finishing – it’s like taking a piece of metal and polishing it to where it looks like a beautiful piece of art. I like seeing the finished product and knowing, ‘I built that.’ We all feel that way here.”
True Craftsmanship
Monthly Profit-Sharing Bonuses
Enjoying what you do plays a critical role in the quality of work you produce. It’s no different with the DTS management team. They started in automotive because they enjoyed cars – then transitioned into Marine because they love boating. It makes sense to work in the industry that fascinates you.
“I've worked in other places and it's hard to find 100% group effort. Here, everyone’s on the same page. People are happy. There’s respect across the board.”
DTS offers monthly profit-sharing bonuses. “It was a smart business decision. I know they care for everyone’s futures, but this created a huge get up and go attitude.” Nate explained, “We now see the bottom line based on what we accomplish each month – better yet we’re empowered to find ways to do better. We share our ideas and the leadership supports us in making it happen. So yes, we wear lots of hats and it’s just fun.”
With the incentive to impact your monthly income, the option of a 4 or 5-day work week, weekends off, short commute and strong benefits — Nate fully enjoys life.
"I've worked in other places and it's hard to find 100% group effort. Here, everyone’s on the same page. People are happy. There’s respect across the board.”
Michigan Has It All
“You’ve got your weekends. You’ve got time with your family. And you’re living in an area that has so much to offer.” Rattling off a list of pros, Nate continued, “It’s a perfect place to raise a family. Beautiful lakes, rivers, good school systems, gorgeous weather, lots of activities for kids – really cool things for everyone – swimming, kayaking, boating, jet skiing, hunting, fishing. We got it all here.”
To Nate – it’s simple, “This is where I’m supposed to be. It just works. Great people, great work and a great place to live.”
“This is where I’m supposed to be."
Great Benefits Package
Check out what more we have to offer.
Find out more.
Looking for an Exciting Career?
Contact us. Help make things happen – cool things!
Hear What Other Employees have to say.
