For example, Andrew Pennington said he has a fine-arts background, and this is his first job that has let him put his background to use. After painting, such embellishments as brass figures or fabric trim are added. The lamp components go back to the spray room for a clear coat and then are ready for assembly. Bob Crites, the chief assembler, said that each lamp has at least 20 components. Of all the factory's employees, he has the most parts to keep up with and lets others know what they need to produce so that he can keep putting lamps together.
Employees are cross-trained so that they can do any job necessary.
Mark Allen, who supervises the factory, brings an extensive background in production, quality control and customer service. However, when the need arises, Allen can paint a lamp or pack a box for shipment. Petersen gives Allen, who joined the company last October, a lot of credit for its current success. Her parents are co-owners in the business, and her mother used to work in the factory. Petersen designs has a name.