right track - ning

RIGHT TRACKY y.our Journe Our Passion.

FALL 2015

KNOW YOUR TEAM

Get to know teammates with our Spotlight on Engineering.08

GUITAR HEROES

For Teammates About To Rock, We Salute You.12

We celebrated our 70th Anniversary on July 5th in grand fashion, and we have the pics to prove it!11

70TH ANNIVERSARY

What’s In Your BAAG? Your BAAG? Your BAAG?

Save The Date!Join us on Thursday, December 10th for our “What’s In Your BAAG?” event featuring speaker Juli Burney.

Multiple award winning teacher, humorist and author, Juli makes an amazing connection with her audiences.

She is able to entertain with the ability of a headlining comedian while either motivating or training with ease as a nationally recognized speaker.

Juli has been honored by her state as Artist of the Year because of her ability to help improve people’s lives through humor and effective use of communication tools.

Multiple award winning teacher, humorist and author, Juli makes an amazing connection with her audiences. with her audiences.

She is able to entertain with the ability of a headlining comedian while either motivating or training with ease as a nationally recognized speaker.

Juli has been honored by her state as Artist of the Year because of her ability to help improve people’s lives through humor and effective use of communication tools.

CONTENTS I Fall 2015

COVER STORY70TH ANNIVERSARY On July 5th of this year, the Des Moines plant celebrated a momentous achievement. This year is the 70th anniversary of the first tire produced here in Des Moines.

READ ON TO SEE HOW TEAMMATES ENJOYED THIS SPECIAL DAY.

COVER SHOT taken by Keenan Bell, Maintenance.

The Right Track FALL 2015

A newsletter for and about BAAG teammates published quarterly by

Bridgestone America Tire Operations, LLC.

Des Moines Agricultural Tire Manufacturing Plant

4600 N.W. 2nd AvenueP.O. Box 1295

Des Moines, IA 50306-1295515.243.1211

www.bfusa.com

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08DEPARTMENT FOCUSS P O T L I G H T O N E N G I N E E R I N G

062015 HEART WALK

This year, once again, BAAG and USW Local 310 teamed up to participate in the American Heart Association’s 2015 Central Iowa Heart Walk.

12GUITAR HEROES

It’s no surprise Bridgestone employees are a talented bunch, but did you know we have several musicians in our midst? Read on to learn more about the rock, metal, blues, and hip-hop artists of the Des Moines plant.

19PPTW CORNER

With the third installment of the PPTW survey behind us, now comes the big question: “What are we going to do as a result of the feedback?!” In Des Moines, we use Daily DMAIC White Belts to generate improvement action items.

07HAMMERS & HEELS

This spring, our USW Local 310 Women of Steel Committee took part for the first time in Hammers and Heels, part of Women Build, a program by Habitat for Humanity International.

16

4 Fall 2015

From the Plant Manager

“There aren’t that many tire plants that can claim the longevity of the Des Moines plant. But we continue to prove that age is only a number.”

AN ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE AGESOn July 5th of this year, the Des Moines plant celebrated a momentous achievement. This year is the 70th anniversary of the first tire produced here in Des Moines. We decided to go all out to make the day extra special. First, we brought the celebration back to the old Firestone football field to have a place big enough to hold all of our teammates. Next, we added the annual car show to the mix to give everyone attending a chance to see and vote on teammates’ classic cars. We hired an outside group to run the games for the kids and to cook the meal for the event.

For perhaps the first time ever, we invited our retirees back for the event so they could celebrate with us. In addition, we had tours on carts so the retirees and their families had a chance to see how much the plant has changed over the years.

All in all, the celebration was a huge success. The caterer estimated that between 2500 and 3000 people attended the event. I received numerous thanks from teammates, retirees and their families regarding the activities, the food and the tours. The swag bags were a big hit, and the commemorative coin got a lot of compliments. And best of all, I think we all had fun taking part in the celebration.

We also had numerous volunteers who made the event successful. I was a little worried about the sparse sign-up sheet at the beginning of the month, but the great people at the Des Moines plant came through. In the end, we had more than enough volunteers to help out. Thank you to all the volunteers for stepping up.

Regarding the achievement itself, 70 years is a long time for a tire plant to be in service. There aren’t that many tire plants that can claim the longevity of the Des Moines plant. But we continue to prove that age is only a number.

Take a moment and think just how long 70 years actually is. Back in 1945 the average new car cost $1,250. Gasoline was 21 cents a gallon. The average house was worth $10,000. And it was 70 years ago the last time the Chicago Cubs played in a World Series (sorry, Cubs fans).

And think of all that has transpired at the Des Moines plant over 70 years. Think of all the people who have worked at the Des Moines plant during that time period. Think of the number of tires that we’ve produced for passenger cars, off-road vehicles, and more recently, agricultural tires for farmers. It would boggle our minds if we tried to figure out how many bushels of grain, corn or wheat have been harvested on Firestone tires. Or how many people have been fed by those very crops. Firestone AG tires feed the world, and we have done so for many, many years.

I don’t have a crystal ball and can’t claim to know what is in store for our plant over the next 70 years. All I can say is that I can only hope that the next 70 years are as successful as the first 70.

Greg Halford I Plant Manager

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O C T O B E R 8 T HTAYLOR SWIFT

Guaranteed to be one of the biggest shows of the year, Taylor

Swift returns to Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena.

O C T O B E R 1 0 T HIOWA WILD OPENING NIGHT

The Iowa Wild begins its third season at Wells Fargo Arena as the American

League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild.

O C T O B E R 1 8 T HIMT DES MOINES MARATHON

Thousands of runners will descend on downtown Des Moines for races ranging from full marathons to a smaller 5K. Whatever your fitness

level, get your run on this October.

O C T O B E R 2 8 T HSTRAIGHT NO CHASER

The real deal, the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human

voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving

people in a fundamental sense... and with a sense of humor. 7:30 p.m. at

the DSM Civic Center.

UPCOMINGEVENTS

THE 411 ON USW LOCAL 310: What’s Going On at Local 310

Our Institute for Career Development (ICD) Learning Center is up and running! We received our final permit for occupancy on July 6 after completion of all the necessary upgrades to the outside area around the learning center. Classes are already up and running in the computer lab area, and the shop area will soon be available for classes and for members to use.

The shop area is fully outfitted with tools, diagnostic equipment, and a car hoist that will soon have a motorcycle lift attachment.

On Monday, September 7, we took part in the annual Labor Day parade and celebration. The parade started at 11 AM and went from the Capitol to the fairgrounds. Following the parade we went to the Union Labor Park for an afternoon full of fun, food, and games for the kids.

Our open house took place September 22 & 24, but you can stop by any time to check out the new learning center and visit with Stacey about upcoming classes that may interest you.

Steve Vonk I President USW Local 310

Can you spot Stacey in all the photos?

6 Fall 2015

Plant News2015 Heart WalkThis year, once again, BAAG and USW Local 310 teamed up to participate in the American Heart Association’s 2015 Central Iowa Heart Walk. This year’s fundraising included the sale of the red American Heart Association hearts for a $1 donation, as well as a donation drawing for three different prizes.

Prizes and winners were as follows:

» A set of four tires – Tony Condon, Calenders

» A gift basket, including gift cards for dinner and a movie – Wendy Goodale, Division

» A paid day off – Ryan Mumm, Chemical Process Engineering

Through the fundraiser, contributing teammates raised $1,900 for the American Heart Association.

On June 13, salaried and clock-card teammates walked together in the Heart Walk. The walk began at 9am at a new location for the event: Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines. The weather was beautiful and the Heart Walk was a great way to start the day!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support of this event. We hope to see you at next year’s Heart Walk!

Emily Brannon I Continuous Improvement

Stress Management Through BreathingOn July 21, What’s in Your BAAG? sponsored The Science of Breath: An Approach for Stress Management. About three dozen teammates benefited from a presentation by Charlie Nelson from the Art of Living Foundation.

Nearly three months back, I attended this course. Since then, I have been practicing these breathing techniques three to four times a week. Whenever I practice this breathing, I feel better and more energized. My thought process has improved; I’m able to focus on the issue and keep from taking things too personally. Even my sleep cycle has improved.

For the last few weeks, we have opened our home to those who have taken this course to meet as a group. This gives us some motivation to practice the breathing techniques regularly.

We meet on Sundays from 3-5pm. Charlie Nelson comes every other week to lead us in the 90-minute breathing session.

Sai Mandiramoorthy I Engineering

“I’m able to focus on the issue and keep from taking things too personally. Even my sleep cycle has improved. ”

Greg Halford & Jim Funcheon

Cara Harris & Emily Brannon


Caterpillar recognizes BATO for supplier excellenceFirestone Farm Tires, a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, recently attained the Caterpillar Inc. Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP) Certification Gold Level.

This certification demonstrates the company’s strong values and ethical principles in conducting business, and our commitment to collaborate with Caterpillar to implement a culture for “zero defects” across the supply chain.

Caterpillar’s SQEP certification was created to recognize a supplier’s dedication to providing superior quality and is only awarded to suppliers who demonstrate world class performance on an ongoing basis. Each year, suppliers are evaluated with increasingly strict criteria for distinguishing outstanding supplier quality, exceptional service and delivery performance.

Recognition levels of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, reflected in order of increasing difficulty, distinguish outstanding supplier quality performance. BATO is currently working to achieve Platinum level.

This spring, our USW Local 310 Women of Steel Committee took part for the first time in Hammers and Heels, part of Women Build, a program by Habitat for Humanity International. During this event, a home is built over the course of several weeks by female volunteers.

Two Saturdays were designated for our Women of Steel volunteer group to participate in this rewarding experience, which allowed ladies from each shift rotation to get involved. On May 30, the first team strung trusses and framed in basement windows, and on June 6, the second team put up siding and shingled the roof. We had two great groups of volunteers, including coworkers, family and friends. This was a great way to spend some time with each other outside of work while contributing to a very worthwhile cause!

Emily Brannon I Continuous Improvement

Hammers & Heels

At work putting up siding.

May 30 volunteers: Front row- Barb Gauley, Emily Brannon, Renate Varvel, Mia Walker,Donna Varvel, Chris Glover. Back row- Lisa Ford, Virginia Salgado, & Rene Harry.

June 6 volunteers: Front Row- Tonia Dysart, Chrissy Knapp, Lorensa Campos, Maggie Campos, Susan Howell-Spurgeon, Donna Varvel. Back- Danni Halbrook & Laurie Chapman.

The house before we started on May 30th.

“It’s been an honor and privilege helping a family in need carve a path to self

reliance and independence through Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.”Chrissy Knapp

8 Fall 2015

The Des Moines (DSM) Engineering department prides itself on going above and beyond to meet customer needs. In fact, some engineers have received President/CEO awards for their contributions, and some have traveled to Japan to benchmark best practices and share their knowledge.

Sai Mandiramoorthy, Engineering Section Manager, is proud of his team. “I am very happy to see the growing Teamwork with Maintenance and other members of the CFT [cross-functional team]. I am proud to see all the engineers put their whole heart into whatever they do,” says Mandiramoorthy. Apart from engineering work, the team volunteers in other

community activities like Habitat for Humanity, BAAG Brackets, the 70th Anniversary celebration, etc. All in all, the engineering department is a dedicated, enthusiastic team.The Engineering department contributes to all the aspects of manufacturing Tires, SEQCD (Safety, Environmental, Quality, Cost and Delivery). The department plays a key role in safety, quality, productivity improvements, and reducing downtime.

Made up of 11 engineers and four Control Technicians, the department serves the five major production departments: Mixing, Calenders/Extrusion, Stockcutting/Beads, Tire Room and Curing/Final.

Each individual department is supported by a Mechanical Engineer and a Controls Engineer, and an additional engineer handles special projects.

Engineers take on all kinds of projects, from small improvements to major capital projects and everything in between. The department manages the capital projects from the design stages all the way up to execution and validation. They work closely with their cross functional team on SEQCD. Wherever applicable, they use the DMAIC A3 process to find the root cause and come to a solution.

Engineering has the privilege of doing the five-year mid-term planning for capital projects in close coordination with the CFT. This important step helps the plant keep up with market needs and upgrade old equipment.

They share best practices with their counterparts in other BATO plants. In the last four years, more than $100M has been spent on expansion projects and upgrading old equipment.

According to Mandiramoorthy, the fun part of the job happens during the two major shutdowns. Most of the major projects get installed during these periods, and a lot of planning, procurement and execution go into getting the project completed on time and ready for production. Engineers spend most of their time in the plant during the holiday season and work countless hours. “The ultimate satisfaction lies in seeing the machine producing quality product in a safe manner. Every engineer forgets the tiredness when they see the operator satisfied and that their machine is running well,” says Mandiramoorthy.

Control Techs work each shift; they help maintenance resolve Controls Issues and help Engineers with their projects. With their passion for solving problems, they take care of most of the controls issues to minimize downtime and help Engineers sleep peacefully at home.

As a department, Engineering strives to be up to speed on the latest technology and implement the best solution in a cost effective manner. Engineers take part in various technical and personnel development trainings, and they also have to keep up-to-date on current standards and regulations. Project Management is a major role for all Engineers starting from scope development, design, budgeting, finding the vendor, scheduling, execution, trials, training, documentation, and more.

Systematic Approach, Creative

Thinking, Enthusiasm,

& Teamwork.

Thy name is Engineering.

D E P A R T M E N T F O C U S



Thy name is


Britton Bowers is a Mechanical Engineer in the Curing Department. “Curing is filled with the broadest of challenges from heat transfer, thermodynamics,

hydraulics, steam systems, metallurgy and mechanical design. Mechanical engineering is a very broad field and there are a lot of different areas you can specialize in, and Curing offers me the chance to do it all,” says Bowers. His favorite quote is the most recent one he’s heard–a Norse proverb: “The unwise man is awake all night, worries over and again. When morning rises he is restless still.”

Brandon Umscheid was born and raised in Estherville, Iowa, a small rural town. After finishing a tour of duty for the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2008, he went to Iowa State

University and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. In his spare time, he likes to play Legos with his son, ride his bicycle or motorcycle, and play sports like slow-pitch softball or basketball. In fact, he’s on a basketball team with fellow Tire Room engineer Matt Johnson. “I love working in the tire room because the CFT works really well together, and we challenge each other every day,” he says. Umscheid enjoys time at Firestone, too.

“At Firestone, everything is steadily evolving and we have to continually grow and learn to keep pace with the environment. My skills and knowledge are tested every day and through that I learn something new every day,” Umscheid says. He summarizes his work ethic with a quote from Talladega Nights: “I’m gonna come at you like a spider monkey!”

Matt Johnson has 15 years of engineering experience in the manufacturing environment, and one thing that has stood out about his experience thus far in his two years

at Bridgestone is the teamwork. Teamwork is one of the Foundation elements of the Bridgestone Essence. “This is something I noticed right away as a positive element of the culture within the Tire Room and the Engineering and Maintenance group. As engineers, we are trying to solve problems and make improvements that involve change. Implementation of change is rarely successful without teamwork and input from all areas of the organization,” Johnson says.

This teamwork also extends outside of work, as he enjoys participating in a recreational basketball league with fellow Tire Room engineer, Brandon Umscheid. While Matt is a graduate of both Iowa State and the University of Iowa, he is not confused about where his loyalty lies. “Cyclones all the way. Loyal. Forever. True.”

David Grasso is a mechanical engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. He has over 12 years of experience working in manufacturing.

The main reason he went into the engineering field was to help people through problem solving. He has been with Bridgestone since the beginning of November 2014. “During the short time I have been at Bridgestone, I have enjoyed the teamwork and the diversity of all of the teammates at the plant,” says Grasso. When he’s not at Bridgestone, Grasso enjoys spending time with his family and watching movies.

Emily Wood graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Wood began her career with Bridgestone in Aiken, South Carolina, as a Process

Engineer. While there, she realized she had a passion for working on machines, and decided she wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer. When there was an opening in Des Moines to do just that, she jumped at the chance. “It has been a very unique experience coming from one of the newest plants to one of the oldest plants in Bridgestone.

Of course, working in an older plant presents its challenges when trying to incorporate new designs with the old, but those challenges are what make my job exciting,” says Wood.

CONTINUE READING >>>

UP FRONT: Hosen Hasna, Jerry Beck, Sai Mandiramoorthy, Emily Wood.

IN THE MIDDLE: Jack Lovell, Britton Bowers, Brandon Umscheid, David Grasso, John Fleming .

IN THE BACK: Matt Johnson

NOT PICTURED: Matt McGrath

Joe Traylor graduated from ‘THE ISU’ that is, Indiana State University, with a B.S. degree in Manufacturing Electronics Technology. “Most of what I use every day now was learned ‘on

the job.’ I am not really a naturally a tech savvy person, and I studied engineering because at the time I couldn’t get excited about anything else,” Traylor explains. He gets a tremendous thrill when he solves a problem and fixes something. “It’s quite the adrenaline rush. That is undoubtedly why I stayed on this career path and why I like my job,” says Traylor.

Joe Traylor

10 Fall 2015

John Kish (AKA Janos Kiss) moved to Iowa from Hungary 29 years ago with his beautiful wife and daughter. “We like Des Moines living, and like to see ourselves as

Iowans,” he says. Kish has been working here as a Controls Tech since 2004 supporting Maintenance and Engineering. “I take pleasure in troubleshooting control systems, and I really enjoy working on projects to improve machine reliability, controls upgrades or programming PLCs. It’s a privilege to work with so many highly skilled people with good personalities!” says Kish.

Jack Lovell came to Bridgestone in 2004, after working for ten years building new industrial machines in Nebraska and Missouri. He has worked with Curing since

he arrived, installing the Computer Cure Monitoring and PICS systems to improve the tracking of curing problems and tire movement. He is currently upgrading the safety controls on the curing presses to prevent opening while pressure is present.

What Lovell likes most about working in a production plant is the chance to see his machines in action, the opportunity to continually improve the machines, and the large number of machines (250+) in his department. “That means there is always something to work on,” he says. Lovell was inspired to work with electronics by a high school shop teacher who upgraded the Lamp Building class to Introduction to Electronics.

Every student in that class became an electrician, engineer, or IT worker. In his spare time, Jack likes to discover why all the appliances in his 11-year-old house all have 10-year warranties, cheer on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and plant hot peppers.

John Fleming hails from Bettendorf, Iowa, and with the exception of four years, has lived his entire life in Iowa. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical

Engineering from Iowa State, an MBA from Iowa, and has partially completed an MS in Welding Engineering from Ohio State. “I enjoy solving problems, which is what drew me into engineering as a career. In addition, I am willing to take some measured risks in the pursuit of resolving issues, knowing that occasionally something may not work. But an occasional setback can provide a lot of information about a problem, and will lead to better solutions in the long term,” Fleming says.

John has spent the bulk of his 20-year career in the heavy equipment industry, developing transmissions, propel systems, fabrications, and component designs for off-highway equipment. He enjoys working on thermal and fluid systems specifically, and likes the variety of opportunities he encounters at Bridgestone. “I’m grateful for the engineering organization in Des Moines, as it is a great team, made up of great people, moving in the right direction,” Fleming says.

Hosen Hasna has been a Controls Engineer for Bridgestone’s Mixing department since March 2015. Although he is a newcomer, he feels like an integrated part

of the Bridgestone family. Hasna grew up in Damascus, Syria, where he went to the University of Damascus and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

“After that, I gained real world experience working as an Electrical Design Engineer for two years,” he says. “I worked on several projects of different levels and fields.” Later, Hasna went to the University of Nebraska and got his Master of Science in Architectural Engineering.

“I love engineering because it is our past, present, and future, and what we can create through our minds can enable us to overcome our weaknesses and make us strong. Electrical Engineering and Automation in particular is the key to the future, and that is why I am in that field,” Hasna says.

“I love engineering because it is our past, present, and future, and what we can create through our minds can enable us to overcome our weaknesses and make us strong.”


Matthew Gregory is a Controls Technician with a degree in Laser Electro Optics and a secondary diploma in Electronics and Computer Systems. He has 18 years of industrial

experience working as an Electrician, Laser Technician, and currently Controls Technician. He has been with Bridgestone for 15 of these years. His interest in computers and electronics has led into a passion for PLC controls, VFD drives, and automation. When not at Bridgestone, he enjoys spending time with his daughters, playing Disc Golf, and riding his motorcycle.

Matt McGrath grew up in south central Wisconsin, and entered the US Air Force after high school. He’s been a bit of a rolling stone ever since. He was stationed in Zweibrucken,

Germany, and Rapid City, South Dakota, and has lived in Georgia and Tennessee since leaving the service. After his time in the Air Force, McGrath decided to attend college. Although his first choice was Mechanical Engineering, he quickly switched to Electrical Engineering because it seemed to fit his interests better.

He always wanted to work in a plant, and Electrical Engineering gave him that opportunity. McGrath and his family moved to Ankeny after his plant in Tennessee closed.

“I couldn’t be happier with the life that my family and I have here in this great state of Iowa,” McGrath says. “I have the great fortune to work at a plant that is preparing for the future and making the right investments to position us to produce when the market comes back. The things we do in the Engineering department are challenging and rewarding and have a positive impact on the ability of this facility to produce the highest quality tires safely and efficiently. I am extremely proud and happy to be a part of the team here.”

Jerry Beck is a Controls Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Youngstown State University, in Ohio. He has over 15 years’ experience

working in a manufacturing environment, as well as engineering firms, and consulting work. His interest in automation is the reason he went into the engineering field. He has been with Bridgestone since the beginning of February 2015. When Jerry is not at Bridgestone, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Dan Dahlheimer works as a controls Tech on shift 4. His job at Firestone requires him to utilize his years of experience in the manufacturing world, whether he’s working on

machines built 60 years ago or just one year ago. “The technology is always changing and we are always trying to stay ahead of those technology changes,” says Dahlheimer. He enjoys working with the people, too.

“The company is full of people who go out of their way to help you succeed. If I need help, no matter the time of day or night, they are always ready and happy to help.” He enjoys spending time with his family, including his two boys, ages 9 and 12. “We enjoy camping, scouting, boating and going to the range and shooting our assortment of guns.

“My boys are becoming old and responsible enough, and I look forward to being able to take them hunting and fishing,” Dahlheimer says.

“The company is full of people who go out of their way to help you succeed. If I need help, no matter the time of day or night, they are always ready and happy to help.”

12 Fall 2015

FOR TEAMMATES ABOUT TO ROCK, WE SALUTE YOU.

IT’S NO SURPRISE BRIDGESTONE EMPLOYEES ARE A

TALENTED BUNCH, BUT DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE SEVERAL

MUSICIANS IN OUR MIDST?

READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROCK, METAL, BLUES,

AND HIP-HOP ARTISTS OF THE DES MOINES PLANT.


Brian “Smiley” Kent, Curing, started playing bass guitar “late in life,” as he likes to say. After wanting to play all his life, he finally walked into a music store ten years ago and started taking lessons. Why bass guitar? “Since I started out late, I figured four strings were easier to learn than six,” he says. He’s always leaned toward the bass guitar. Gene Simmons was his favorite musician as a kid.

Kent plays with a band called Down One Digit, a rock/heavy metal band. He’s played with them for two years and his favorite moment came when they were scheduled to open for Sebastian Bach from Skid Row. On the night of the event, their lead singer was, “delayed,” and the rest of the band members were asked to play an instrumental set anyway. They did so well that members of the crowd screamed, “You don’t need a lead singer.” Kent attributes their success to the fact that they don’t play covers–they play only original music.

Jerod Miller, Curing Supervisor, started playing music when he was 13 years old. “I had a couple of uncles that were in bands and I started hanging out with them,” he explains. Miller is a bit of a musical renaissance man and plays the bass guitar, six-string, and drums, and has experience playing the clarinet, trumpet, and tuba.

Although he likes to listen to everything, he currently plays the blues with a band called Total Strangers. Miller has been playing with them for six months. They were recently set up to play a show at a bar in Des Moines when the owner kicked them out right before they were set to start. Ready to play, they contacted another bar and played a set in exchange for an open tab. “That was a mistake on their part,” jokes Miller.

Like Miller, Eric Hollins, Mixing, is a multi-talented musician and plays the trombone, keyboard, and guitar, but his main focus is the latter two instruments. He got started as a musician when he was 8 years old as a choir singer and keyboard player, and picked up the guitar when he was 12.

Hollins plays in a band called FaceDown, which plays hip-hop and R&B. they’ve played together for 15 years, and Hollins also acts as the producer and engineer. His favorite song to play is called “The Struggle,” motivated by the riots in Baltimore. “It’s called ‘The Struggle’ because the song starts off on the rise of Baltimore and it becomes more positive as it moves forward. It has a military style beat with clips from people that were on the streets–it’s a very powerful song,” says Hollins.

Charles Wallace, Continuous Improvement, was born to be a drummer. His father was a Pearl Harbor survivor, and after the war he played the drums with his three brothers, who were also musicians. He frequently played at the Brown Hotel here in Des Moines (which has since closed), and one night Wallace’s future mother walked in.

The two fell in love, and Wallace’s father sold the drum set to buy an engagement ring. In the spring of 1965, Wallace started “banging the daylights” out of everything in front of him–wood, furniture, pots and pans. His mother told his father, “This may be the drummer you’ve always wanted.”

Although he doesn’t currently play for any bands, Wallace has had the pleasure of playing with three different groups. His most distinct memories came from his time in The Princemen, an 11-man band that included a four-piece horn section. “We played rhythm and blues and soul music. We tried to duplicate Blood, Sweat & Tears, and we traveled all over the country doing that,” Wallace says. They spent three years on the road playing at Holiday Inns, playboy clubs, and bigger venues with dance floors. “Even in our early 20’s, we found that it really took a toll on us,” Wallace says.

Aaron Olson, Maintenance, started playing the drums in the first grade. His father was in the Air Force and played the snare drum in the marching band, and Olson started learning to play and read sheet music after his father bought him a drum and pushed him to learn.

Although he’s not currently in a band, he used to play with another Bridgestone employee, Keith Lester. They played in a band called Drop Point, and they had the privilege of playing the first year at the infamous Hawgstock, a biker rally that used to be held annually in Winterset. They opened for a professional band called Jackyl that used chainsaws and played in front of thousands of bikers. “It was an interesting weekend,” says Olson.

Dustin Wainscott, Curing, has been playing guitar since he was 13 years old. He was always a music lover, but it was a family member who inspired him to play. “I had a cousin I looked up to; I wanted to be just like him, and he played,” says Wainscott. He successfully talked his parents into buying him a guitar, and the rest is history.

Although he played in a band in high school, which he describes as “teenagers making noise,” he plays just for himself, family, and friends now. He doesn’t have a favorite song, but lately he’s been into playing of Eric Clapton. “I was always a fan of him,” says Wainscott.

Chris Hick, Jr., Final, plays with Agrinex, a band that is the only group of its genre in Iowa. The group plays black metal and has been making music together for four years. As a vocalist and guitarist, he’s also helped out other bands around the Des Moines area.

What’s his favorite part about playing? “Every national or international band we’ve played with has been a fan of ours,” says Hicks. “We’re considered to be on the same level of bands that play all over the world.” Hicks and the members of Agrinex are working on a full-length album through Twin Town Tyrants out of Minneapolis. And Hicks hopes to be on the move soon; if he can get a leave of absence, he hopes to go on tour.

FOR TEAMMATES ABOUT TO ROCK, WE SALUTE YOU.

came when they were scheduled to open for Sebastian Bach from Skid Row. On the night of the event, their lead singer was, “delayed,” and the rest of the band members were asked to play an instrumental set anyway. They did so well that members of the crowd screamed, “You don’t need a lead singer.” Kent attributes their success to the fact that they don’t play Like Miller, Eric Hollins, Mixing, is a multi-

talented musician and plays the trombone,

ERIC HOLLINSFACEDOWN

“I had a cousin I looked up to; I wanted

to be just like him, and he played.”Dustin Wainscott I Curing

14 Fall 2015

H A P P Y B I R T H D AY T E A M M AT E S

OCT Abdulghani AbdulrahimMichael AndersonRandy AndrewStacy AppelgateAlec BaldusDonald BalesKenneth BartlettWesley BeeghlyDennis BolichScott BrannonTimothy BreonJeff BrodersDouglas BronnerThomas BrumbackCher Brunk-SchuchhardtNathaniel BuckBrett CampbellLorensa CamposKevin CarlsonFrank Carra SRScott CarterBoun ChanchomTina ChapmanDonald CheekBobbi ChilesRobert ClausenFreddie ClaytorSalomon ColungaJames ConleyMichaela CookAdam J CornishShane CotterMachelle CuttingKraig DaughertyDeanh DenChad DowlingGeorgia DraegerOlajuwon EdmondsErnest EdwardsJohn FinleyScott ForchtCharles FountainAnastasia GayeHugh GiesekeChris GistDouglas GoeringRichard GrantSteve GreenhornSteven GregoryJeannie GregoryLorrie HanifenKeith HansonTimothy HansonHosen HasnaDuane HaugenFloyd HesseltineSteve HillRobert HitesWillie Hoof JRSusan Howell-SpurgeonJohn HughesKeith HunterDenzel IrvinKenneth JacksonJabbar JeffersonShawn JenkinsJohn JennettTyna Johnson-VandenbroekeAbigail JonesKyvong Kanyavimonh

DEC Peter AlvarezYatta BartuahChristopher BeahrWilliam BellLinda BerndtTerry BickfordLarry BlackRicardo Blanque AnadonRobbie BoggessDerek BollesAustin BriggsBrandt BronnenbergEric BucknerChau BuiShalavah BunduCoryon ByerlyKerry CarlbergTeresa CarterChristopher ChapmanLaurie ChapmanTrenton CosnerTimothy Cox JRRobert CraigRosie CrawfordLisa DalesBryan DaviesBrandon DaviesDavid DebruynDustin DellachiesaDaniel EichhornDana ElifritzJairus EstayoSteven FelderDaniel FinneganWilliam FrantzDennis FritzAndrew GabelJason GablerThomas GassTimothy Glick SRSamuel HallJames HamiltonCara HarrisTodd HendricksEric HollinsMichael HornerSabrina JensenJeremiah JohnsonJason JordanKenneth KlingamanJesse KnightRobert Koehler JRPhanh LaramekScott LongRichard LovejoyFranklin LuogonPatrick LutzLawrence MallyNicholas MaplesTroy MartinWilliam Martz IIQuentin MatthewsKen McDougalVenita MillerJames MillerRobert MooreDavid MorawskiRyan MummDonald MurrayZachary Murray

Scott KaplarScott LaffertyKeith LawrenceDanette LebonMichael LefflerMark LehmanMelissa LewisJeremy LewisDonavan LindamanGerald LindbergTimothy LinnTerry LogueMarc LovanSeng LovanYoua LovanBrandon LoveHien LuongTerri LyonRonald MartinRick MatejkaVance MattisonWade McClellanTimothy McKnightJonathan McMainsLeon McNeal IIRobert MelgozaMonica MesecherJames MichelsDavid MillerAlfredo MunizBenjamin MurryLouis NgorTimothy OhrtJames OrrFrank PaulusFrank Pazzi JRArmand Perrier IIITerry PetersenKent PhongsaRobert Piehl JRRandy PiperJoseph PollockJohn ReichartMarco ReyesScott RichardsonGary RileyStephen RiosMarcel RobinsonDaniel RobinsonBrianna RobinsonJoseph RobuckThomas RodgersDavid RoffMelvin SaahJonathan SamsonClayton ScheveChristopher ShafferStephen SheltonCasey ShortMaurice ShortAnthony ShortDean SigwaltTeresa SjulinMatthew SlocumMark SprouseWilliam SteffensJohn StevensonWilliam StoutLance StreetToulaxay SymuongsongKhamkeo Sysombath

Keith TaylorMontrell ThompsonStephen ThompsonRobert ThompsonHoi TranNga TranJoseph TraylorCuong TruongOlay TulapahShane TwogoodJeff TylerHang VongDarrell VonrentzellDusty WallaceJason WickerWarren Young

NOV Michelle AlexanderAlex AllenNathan ArnoldCade BaethkeJoseph BaumanKeenan BellMarcus BellStefan BemeWayne BirkenholzJoe BosleyJeff BradleyTed ButcherKeith CarpenterRichard CarrascoBernard CarrollSteven ClantonKyle ClarkJames ClarkKelly ColemanSherwin CookJamjay CooperBruce CorbinTammy CovilleKerry CoxBradley DalesYoup DenGregory DennisDarey DouchShannon DucheneBruce FleenorThomas FlemingJessica FregozoGerri GabbardRonald GlennWilliam GlunzNancy GomezRobert GoodsWalter GreenAmy GregoryRobin HaegeToby HallDonna HarterAlex HayesRyan HellesoDaniel HendersonNathan HofstadterPatricia HoldmeyerJefferson HoweAndrew HutchinsonDon Imhoff

Miranda JohnsonCorey JohnsonDeborah JonesDennis KaisandAnthony KaplarChristina KnappDavid KolpinJames LaffertyAnthony LasalaMatthew LeberGreg LeuschnerSaichellappa MandiramoorthyByron MartinezMichael McCallisterEugene MerrittJonathon MilledgeMichael MonahanKhouane MorkRoger NavinDouglas NixonJason OlsonTroy OuversonAaron OviattRoosevelt PerryMary PrescottJames ReasonerDevin ReidSteven RepplingerJames RobertsMark RoneyBrett RusselburgAmir SerdarevicChristine SheltonCory ShinnMalcolm ShortJudd StebenEd SteilThaer TahaJerry TantBradley VanbrogenDoug VandykeTimothy VollDustin WainscottMatt WallaceWilliam WillenborgBradley WilliamsHabakkuk WilliamsFredrick Williams JRJohn Williams JRDonald WithersEmily WoodTed WorthingtonChris WulfCalvin Yakle

Charles NavinYassir NooryShawn PepelTerry PetefishVilayvanh PhetpriyavanhDon RhoadesDavid RichardsonRamon RiveraLee RogersHarry RostoksJeff RynearsonAdam SampsonJohn SimsSteven SkellengerDouglas SmithScott SmithJoshua SnellVot SonJoe SpiewakLarry Spray IIJoel StangerSteven SutherlandKendrick ThedfordPatrick TrotterRaschawn TurnerMichael WaddenDiana WalleThomas WardJames WebbJackie WellsRichard WickerNathan WrightJohn YoriDarlington Ziaty

30 years

20 years

15 years

5 years

10 years


M I L E S T O N E S

FROM 5 YEARS

TO 30 YEARS, THANK YOU

FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.

Dale Kellar 159 10/11/2010

Mohamed Samir 175 10/11/2010

Sakda Hongphao 231 10/11/2010

Harry Jordan 239 10/11/2010

Leroy Schnathorst JR 269 10/11/2010

David Kendall 269 10/11/2010

Jorge Naranjo 422 10/11/2010

David Oberhart 831 10/18/2010

Scott Smith 124 10/25/2010

Jeredee Cooper 124 10/25/2010

Brandon Thomas 139 10/25/2010

Christopher Dashiell 139 10/25/2010

Joe Curry 145 10/25/2010

Brant Budding 269 10/25/2010

Larry Soderblom 151 10/25/2010

Dennis Fritz 831 11/1/2010

Rosalind Walker 124 11/8/2010

Leng Chan 124 11/8/2010

Diana Walle 124 11/8/2010

Mohamed Ahamed Abdalla 139 11/8/2010

Moses Kollie 139 11/8/2010

Malcolm Short 179 11/8/2010

Edward Kyles JR 269 11/8/2010

Thomas Abalo 426 11/8/2010

James Nyeswah 426 11/8/2010

Brandon Behle 139 11/15/2010

Eric Mclain 139 11/15/2010

Philemon Stebbins 139 11/15/2010

Mading Bec 426 11/15/2010

Cade Baethke 426 11/15/2010

Ross Hove 954 11/15/2010

Ronald Hoskins JR 123 12/6/2010

Jose Salcedo 159 12/6/2010

Charlton Kirby 175 12/6/2010

Zachary Murray 179 12/6/2010

Dustin Williams 239 12/6/2010

Ben Wilson 422 12/6/2010

Scott Long 422 12/6/2010

Rabbiatu Smith 426 12/6/2010

Mark Sprouse 426 12/6/2010

Alex Chey 793 12/6/2010

Richard Lovejoy 145 10/6/1985

Kenneth Milosevic 714 10/20/1985

Kelly Quinn 714 11/3/1985

Terry Petefish 178 12/24/1985

Scott Richardson 831 10/11/1995

Bradley Henry 831 11/15/1995

Douglas Epley 831 12/3/2000

Timothy Nicholson 123 10/10/2005

Steve Hill 412 11/7/2005

Joshua Fleenor 231 11/9/2005

Amir Serdarevic 954 11/14/2005

Michael Leffler 953 11/16/2005

Samuel Hall 135 11/30/2005

Kyle Rice 139 11/30/2005

Travis Parker 169 11/30/2005

Scott Danks 269 11/30/2005

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