Industrial Athletes

"As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more perfect than an afternoon at the ballpark. From the infield to the outfield, there’s a real pride in how the field looks and how it plays. In my department, the bases are loaded with skilled machinists like me, but all the skill in the world isn’t enough to overcome the painful effects of working on concrete. How can we win on a field like that?"

– Patrick, Press Operator

"Back in my football days, I fought hard to hold the line for my teammates. Sometimes bad turf made it all but impossible. Now, I work hard on the line and the field conditions matter even more. How can I fight for my team when I’m constantly battling aches and pains? Sorry, but concrete just doesn’t cut it!"

– John, Lineman

"When I was on the tennis team, I really had to be on the ball. Reaching, spinning and lunging required an unbelievable amount of stamina on even the best of courts. I’ve long since traded my ball & racquet for parts & boxes, but the pressures and demands on my body sure hasn’t changed. How can I serve my customer on time, every time, working on hard concrete floors? Shin splints and body aches shouldn’t be part of the game!"

– Tracy, Fulfillment Associate

"Back in the day, I was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. I was fast, aggressive, and nimble on the ice, but of course I had proper hockey skates and years of coaching. These days, I’m still dealing with icy, slick, cold surfaces. But now, one bad fall can cost me my livelihood. I’ve gone from relying on a slippery field to dreading it. I faceoff against the elements everyday on the rig. It’s a tough job and it’s made tougher when you know every step has the potential for disaster. There has to be a better way!"

– Elliot, Press Operator

"I trained for years in track and field. My speed and agility has always served me well! I still enjoy running in my free time, but my skills truly come into play on the job. I know there’s nothing more frustrating than getting to your destination and finding out your luggage didn’t make it. It’s up to me to get your bags loaded and unloaded – fast and accurately! I try. I really do, but the constant back and forth across concrete really takes its toll and wears me down. It’s one hurdle I can’t seem to overcome."

– Steve, Baggage Handler

"While I’ll never go pro, I do enjoy a nice round of golf on the weekend. From the tee box to the green, every shot counts. Unfortunately, no matter how solid my shot is, when the golf course is in lousy condition and the greens aren’t maintained , my scorecard reflects it. Bogey, bogey, double bogey…you get the idea. That’s a lot like my job. There’s no room for error in my field, and mental focus is critical. Standing on the hard lab floor all day, I struggle to focus on anything but my aching back. My insoles help, but they just aren’t enough!"

– Dawn, Lab Technician

"Basketball is my game. Every Saturday the boys and I get together. There isn’t one of them that can stay with me on the court. Pass me the ball and I’m a solid bet to make the winning shot. But Monday through Friday, it’s whole new ballgame. I work 40+ hours on a playing field that’s notoriously wet and slick. Every step I take, I have to be on guard against slips, falls, and cross-contamination. My health and the health of millions is up to me, but I simply can’t win on concrete. I lose, we all lose!"

– Bob, Food Processing Operator

"Back in the day, I coached high school soccer. Although I traded my soccer cleats for work boots a long time ago, I still have a deep respect for the endurance and stamina it takes to run the field and score the winning goal. These days, my field of play is the automotive line…where I spend long periods leading my team of industrial athletes. Day after day, we all struggle to reach our production goals with the aches and strains—not to mention the injuries-- that come with working on concrete. What my team really needs is the right field of play for our line of work."

– Jim, Lead Lineman