How would you describe your job at REAC to someone who doesn’t know what you do?
Everything starts with me. I work with laser, to cut metal sheets into pieces that will be used for making our components. This is one of the first parts of our production process.
What do you like most about your job?
It’s interesting. Doing it well brings me a sense of satisfaction. If you want good components it’s important to be meticulous. In my case, that consists of preparing the laser correctly, inputting the right parameters, and then handling the material carefully to get an exact result. It’s a joy to do something important. You need a lot of competence and experience to do it properly. And I enjoy working with the machine. Every man is a boy, after all.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Time pressure.
What keeps you motivated and energized during the workday?
I meditate at the beginning of every workday. Growing up, I a spent a lot of time reading and reflecting, looking for a deeper meaning and purpose. For example I’ve studied both the Bible and hinduism in depth, with a particular focus on the Vedas.
How did you come to work at REAC?
At my previous workplace I started as a welder, but eventually I started learning the type of job that I’m doing now. When one of my co-workers left to start working at REAC, he recommended me to his new employer, because he knew that I did good work. But before I came to Poland from Moldova, I ran my own company, as a shoemaker.
How do you think your co-workers would describe you?
As an open person who smiles a lot, and never fights with anyone. An honest worker.
What are three things that bring you joy in everyday life?
My fiancee, my kids and music. I like smooth jazz and also classical jazz such as classic Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I have a lot of projects, such as playing the guitar—both electric and acoustic—and the piano, and singing in a choir. At our last concert, I did several solos: Sinatra’s “Love”, Nat King Cole’s Laugh, and traditional Polish and Moldovan songs. My fiancee is the choir leader, and we met at a gospel workshop, five years ago.
Do you have a ”happy place”?
I like walking in the forest. I enjoy the peace and quiet, and listening to the birds. Very close to my home, there is a beautiful forest.
If you could have three people over for dinner, who would you invite?
My mother, who died ten years ago, so I would like to talk to her again. Then my fiancee and… I can’t pick only three, because I have three daughters, and I can’t choose just one.
Do you have any role models in life?
It’s hard to choose one person, because I don’t idolize people. There are many people who have taught me a lot. If someone in my life sets a good example, I learn from them, and emulate their behavior.
The purpose of REAC’s products is to help people improve their quality of life. What does quality of life mean to you?
It’s unique to each person, to their needs and dreams. Quality of life for me has to be tailored to me.
Do you have any dreams that you would like to fulfill?
I dream of going back to my first profession: shoemaking. I’d like to work with customizing or personalizing shoes, with colors and materials in parts of shoes, which is something that’s trending. Maybe one day, as a hobby, run my own workshop.
