Dennis Jack

Dennis Jack, Plant Superintendent - 2nd Shift, Metal-Fab, Wichita, KS

Embraces every opportunity. Leads through Teamwork. Believes every interaction can be a learning experience.

For nearly 30 years, Dennis Jack has built his career by embracing new opportunities, working hard and never shying away from a challenge. His journey is a great example of how dedication, curiosity and a willingness to learn can open doors.

Dennis joined Metal-Fab in 1996 after hearing about opportunities from friends and a cousin who were already working there. He started in the Press Department setting up and running the presses before transferring to the warehouse where they offered extended hours. During his two-and-a-half years in the warehouse, he continued to look for ways to grow, eventually moving into the Quality Department and advancing to the Crew Chief position. A few years later, he moved into Maintenance on third shift, and when that shift was eliminated, he moved into Production as a Lead.

His commitment to learning didn't stop on the job. While building his career, Dennis began taking classes at Wichita State University. During that time he was promoted to Supervisor and eventually earned his degree in Business Management. In 2021, he reached another milestone when he was promoted to Second Shift Plant Superintendent.

Today, Dennis's experience allows him to contribute far beyond his day-to-day responsibilities. He enjoys taking on projects that support other departments and finding new ways to improve operations across the business.

When asked what he's most proud of, two accomplishments immediately came to mind. Graduating from college was something he never expected to achieve and he’s incredibly proud of that achievement. And, becoming Superintendent was equally meaningful, representing years of hard work and steady career growth.

Dennis credits several company programs with helping him along the way. Tuition reimbursement made earning his degree possible, while the company's mentoring program provided valuable guidance from senior leaders. The program helped him better understand expectations, sharpen his leadership skills and identify areas where he could continue improving. Just as important, he says, were the leaders who believed in his potential and gave him opportunities to grow.

Teamwork is the Core Value Dennis feels he best represents because it reflects how he approaches his work. "You can tie Teamwork to all the Core Values," he says. "Hearing different ideas and sharing your thoughts with others is what helps us achieve the best possible solution."

Tony Gormley, Director of Manufacturing for Metal-Fab, agrees, saying Dennis works well with other departments to drive meaningful change. “He has a wealth of experience in manufacturing including warehouse, quality control, maintenance and supervision. He excels at training others and is extremely proficient in finding process improvement opportunities.”

The people who continue to motivate Dennis after nearly three decades with the company are what make him happy to come to work each day. His coworkers are like family and the relationships he's built over the years make coming to work rewarding. He also appreciates the freedom to identify opportunities where he can make a difference.

"I'm not tied to any specific project," he says. "I look for areas where I can have an impact."

Whether it's helping the company improve productivity, save money or solve complex problems, Dennis enjoys seeing the results of his work. He believes his experience across multiple departments helps him think through challenges from different perspectives and find practical solutions.

When obstacles arise, Dennis tackles them directly. He explains, “I was raised to tackle the hardest job first. When you do that everything else will be easier to handle." That mindset has served him well throughout his career and continues to guide his leadership today.

For employees just starting their own careers, Dennis offers simple but meaningful advice: “Speak up, work hard and don't be afraid to let others know where you hope your career will take you. Accept constructive feedback, learn from it and demonstrate your abilities through your actions.”

Looking back on nearly 30 years with the company, Dennis is grateful for the opportunities he's been given and the support he's received along the way.

"Metal-Fab is a great company to work for," he says. "They've allowed me to chase my dream of a fulfilling career."

His story shows that career growth isn't always about following a straight path. Sometimes it's about saying yes to new opportunities, continuing to learn and being willing to put in the work. Dennis has done exactly that, and his journey continues to inspire those around him.