EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
JOHN (JC) ROSS
Manufacturing Technician
How long have you been with MMQCI and how did you first learn about our company?
I first learned about the company via Indeed while searching for jobs in the summer of 2021 after I had just finished my undergrad at UMaine Orono. I started working here in August 2021 and since then have been with MMQCI for almost two years now.
What are your primary responsibilities?
I work with the Manufacturing team to help manufacture and build the bulk of our quality control products.
Describe MMQCI in three words:
Devoted. Humble. Family.
What do you like best about MMQCI?
I like the team that I work with every day, but also all my coworkers who make this company a great place to work.
How would you describe your team?
I see my team as very efficient, which is probably because we all get along well.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen since joining MMQCI?
The new addition and remodeling to the building was the biggest change. When I started, the addition was still undergoing its finishing touches and the office area was much different.
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
Probably learning how to perform a cell fix procedure. It is a long day and you have to start the whole process really early- I usually get here at 5:30am on those days.
What has your experience been with our company culture?
Nothing but good things! Everyone is very kind and approachable.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to target shoot on the weekends, and during the fall season I am an avid hunter. I am also a huge skier during the winter and go skiing nearly every weekend.
What’s the most unique part about working at MMQCI?
Among other things, I think the PTO plan is pretty unique. Specifically, our “floating holidays” are an innovative way to bring more PTO to employees, and I have never seen that before in my other jobs.
Where is your happy place in Maine?
Probably out in the woods away from everyone else while hunting. That, or at the ski mountain.
What’s your secret talent that most people don’t know about?
Besides from being painfully average at most things, I have a relatively great sense of direction.
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
Graduating undergrad with a double major in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry.
What’s one thing that’s on your “Bucket List”?
I’m writing two things because I can’t decide which one I want to do more: backcountry ski in Japan, and moose and/or elk hunt in Alaska.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t worry so much about things you can’t control.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
The community and the stress-free environment.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee but was raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations, and why?
My dad, for teaching me to work hard and make good life choices.
What’s one thing that surprised you about your current role?
How much my schooling and academic research/knowledge transferred over.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Horses Are Faster, by Ian Munsick.
How have you grown professionally since you’ve joined the MMQCI team?
I have definitely learned the importance of working on and with a team (the manufacturing team), and I feel that my communications skills have improved as well. Not necessarily work-related, but I have also gotten better at saving and budgeting money.
What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
My roommate and I just finished watching both series’ Band of Brothers and The Pacific on HBO.
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
Currently attending graduate school fulltime for a master’s degree in Biotechnology at Northeastern University at the Roux Institute in Portland, ME.
What best advice can you give someone who might be interested in joining us here at MMQCI?
If you love being a part of a friendly community where everyone gets along and works together, MMQCI is the place for you.