Search Icon

Anniversary Spotlight: Carlos Turns 4

February 1, 2019byPepper Hastings0
Arriaga (right) confers with Cool Jesse Bratcher about a Sunbelt Power Controls panel.

Carlos Arriaga completed his fourth year with Innovative-IDM in December as the Dallas shop’s Quality Control Technician. Rolling into 2019, Carlos still holds that title, PLUS added Assistant Shop Manager to his duties.

That promotion didn’t diminish his willingness help as a member of the Dallas CIA. In January, Carlos was nominated by his peers and confirmed by the company president as a member of the prestigious President’s Club.

Buz Sez: How did you first learn about Innovative-IDM?
I was referred by a friend over 4 years ago.

Carlos Arriaga:

How do you balance your career and family?
Well, I really like to work. But my wife is okay with it because she is a workaholic herself. So, she understands when it’s crunch time and the mission needs to get done.

How has Innovative-IDM helped you in your career development?
Before I started at Innovative, I didn’t know what Industrial Automation was. Now, 4 years later I am the Assistant Shop Manager.

If you could pick one book theme for IIDM, what would it be?
I don’t know of a theme per se, but I think an activity book would be fitting. They have coloring pages, connect the dots, and crossword puzzles. It’s more of Innovative’s style because we get work done and we have fun while doing it.

What advice do you have for prospective Innovative-IDM candidates?
Innovative-IDM is the definition of an American company. A lot will be expected of you, but you’ll have help every step of the way. There is no reality TV drama here. Just a great group of hard workers that will treat you like family.

What are 3 words to describe Innovative-IDM?
Ambitious. Focused. FUN!

What do you find the most challenging at IIDM?
I find it challenging to get to the break room before all the donuts are gone =(

What do you like most about IIDM?
The LCS team exercises during Hoopla. A good laugh in the morning is a great way to start the day.

What drew you to IIDM originally? And how has IIDM changed since?
The awesome cast of people and the overall energy is what initially caught my attention. My last company was smaller than Innovative, but the people there would hardly even say hello to each other. We have grown quite a bit in the past few years, but the positive energy remains.

What have you gained from working at IIDM?
I’ve gained a lot of awesome friends, many good memories, and a sense of purpose at work.

What is on your wish list for the next five years?
Grow the QC dept. Get a shirt with Mark’s picture on it, and eat more tacos

What is the favorite part about working for IIDM?
Being on the CIA. It’s rewarding in so many ways. But most of all it allows me the opportunity to show my co-workers that I appreciate them.

What is your most proud moment at IIDM?
There was a span of 152 days in the year 2017 that the Dallas panel shop had zero customer reported errors. In that span we shipped over 3,300 assemblies. The effort from the whole team was absolutely amazing. From engineering, to the warehouse, to the shop…it just gets me all misty-eyed knowing that I work with some of the best teammates out there.

Leave a Reply