Linetec People to Know: Christian Neumann

Q:  Tell me about your job
A:  I was recently awarded the shipping/receiving & packaging supervisor position in the Anodize plant. My job consists of leading the shipping/receiving and packaging team, helping with day-to-day tasks, updating our many packaging work instructions, working with the supervisors in other areas, working on continuous improvement projects, and much more!
Q: What did you do prior to Linetec?
A: Prior to Linetec, I obtained my bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State University (MSU) Mankato and started my career at UPS as a Preload Supervisor. It proved to be a bigger challenge than expected transitioning from logistics to manufacturing, but a very rewarding one.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A:  My favorite part of my job is working with all of the great people we have here at Linetec. I have a great team of hard-working employees and I really enjoy interacting with them every day. We also have a great management team that strives for excellence, but likes to have fun while doing so. The people really make the difference here.
Q: What poses the biggest challenges for you?
A:  There is so much to know in the position that I recently started. I started my career at Linetec as a Production Supervisor on the anodize lines. In shipping/receiving and packaging, there is so much to know about each of our customers, as each company has different requirements and needs for getting their material delivered safely.
Q: Are there any finishing types or color trends that you seeing more of lately?
A:   The color trend that really catches my eye is the copper anodize finish that we offer. The color is unique and it looks so cool when it goes up on a building. I love seeing the projects when they are completed, I wish there were more in our area so I could look at it more often!
Q:  What is something you are looking forward to?
A:  After six years together, my fiancé and I are tying the knot. We’re getting married this summer in June, and I’m really looking forward to that day. We’ve done a lot of planning over the past year and I can’t wait to enjoy the day and the vacation/honeymoon that will follow. We are starting with a weekend in Chicago, and then will be flying down to St. Lucia to enjoy the sun, ocean, and some golf!
Q: What is something people don’t know about you?
A:  When I entered college, my initial plan was to become a commercial pilot. I started at MSU Mankato in their Professional Pilot program, where I earned my private pilot license and instrument rating. After further consideration, I decided against that career path so I could pursue something that would provide a better family life. I do know how to fly small, single-engine airplanes and I miss it greatly. My favorite part of that experience was flying at night; it was always so calm and the cities and sights always looked so incredible. As for now, I would love to obtain a private pilot – glider rating, so I could continue to enjoy this hobby.
Q: If Linetec gave you a surprise three day paid break to rest and recuperate, what would you do with those three days?
A: It would depend on the time of year. If it were summer, I would use that time to hit the golf course and to go to the cabin in Minocqua. I’m really looking forward to some fishing and swimming at the lake this summer. I also have plans to improve my golf game this year. In the winter, I would use that time to go skiing at Granite Peak and sample a few craft beers at some breweries in the area.
Q: What always cheers you up when you think about it?
A: When the Packers won the Super Bowl and when the Badgers went to the Final Four. I’m an avid Wisconsin sports fan and I love following our state’s football and basketball. I’m crossing my fingers for Badger football to make it into the College Football Playoff this year!