In any manufacturing environment, there’s a group of individuals quietly working behind the scenes to keep everything moving, often without the recognition they deserve. This month, we’re proud to shine a light on one of those individuals, Don Klawainkski, our Employee of the Month, whose dedication and expertise help power everything we do.
With six years at FAMCO and more than 40 years of experience in maintenance, Don serves as a Senior Maintenance Technician. His day-to-day responsibilities center around keeping plant equipment operating and ensuring production cells are running at full capacity, from lasers to complex machinery and everything in between.
What sets Don apart is his commitment to going beyond quick fixes. He takes pride in digging into the root cause of problems, often working closely with engineering to find long-term solutions that improve overall operations.
It’s demanding, detail-oriented work, but for Don, it’s an art.
“A lot of places just swap out parts. Here, we build wild things from scratch. There’s a real craftsmanship in that and seeing something you made actually work is the most rewarding part.”
It’s that hands-on ingenuity that continues to set FAMCO apart, and professionals like Don who bring it to life.
When asked about receiving Employee of the Month, Don shares, “I’m just doing my job, but it feels good to know people see the effort.”
That effort has been consistently recognized as Don was nominated 10 out of 12 months last year, this marking his second time earning the award.
Since joining FAMCO, Don has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between maintenance and the production floor. Early in his time here, he noticed employees were hesitant to speak up when equipment wasn’t functioning properly.
By fostering trust and open communication, Don helped shift that mindset, creating a culture where issues are addressed early and collaboratively. As a result, the team has taken a more proactive approach to maintaining equipment performance.
For Don, FAMCO’s family values are more than just words.
“My input is valued here. People ask what I think, and they genuinely take it into consideration. That doesn’t happen everywhere.”
Don feels like his experience and knowledge is truly recognized at FAMCO, not overlooked.
Our Manufacturing Manager, Miguel, tells Don, “A lot of people come to me with a problem, but you come to me with a problem and a solution.”
He always stives to contribute not just effort, but ideas and solutions that move the company forward.
For those starting their careers at FAMCO, Don says, “Show up on time, give your best effort, and pay attention to detail. If you do that, your work will speak for itself.”
When he’s not fixing something at FAMCO, Don enjoys working on projects at home, riding his motorcycles, and being with his dogs, fiancé, and family. As he approaches his Marty’s Month sabbatical, Don is looking forward to taking a trip to Montana and fixing up his old-school suburban.
Maintenance may not always be in the spotlight, but without them, nothing runs. Don exemplifies the dedication, skill, and pride that keep FAMCO moving forward every day.
Congratulations on Employee of the Month, Don Klawinski!
