Danny Varela

Moving six truckloads (around 240,000 pounds) of mill material from Phoenix to California is an effort as massive as its sounds. And when it happened at Western Window Systems in October, Danny Varela, on the company’s receiving team, wasn’t about to take it lightly.

“We asked him to head up the move and he owned it,” says Dean Seger, vice president of manufacturing. “He was like the quarterback – he just got in there and got it done.”

The moving of the mill material, a major initiative of the operations team, took months of planning and was a true team effort across departments. Varela, who has been with Western Window Systems since August 2013, ensured tasks were kept on track and prepared the team for what they needed to do next. Most importantly, he was instrumental in completing the job several days ahead of schedule.

“Danny’s direction, plus a great team, allowed us to achieve our goal.” Seger says. “By shaving time off the transition, we were able to start organizing and receiving new mill material early. Danny was put in a position to lead and he excelled at it.”

Congratulations to Danny Varela, Western Window Systems’ lean problem solver for October.

Learn more about Danny Varela by reading his Q&A below:

Where did you grow up?
South Phoenix.

What is your favorite hobby?
I used to collect basketball cards, but now I collect money.

Who do you look up to/admire?
My dad. He showed me how to be a leader.

What is your favorite quote?
“Life is what you make of it.”

Where do you like to vacation?
Mexico City.

What is your favorite sport and/or team?
Basketball/San Antonio Spurs.

What’s your favorite food?
Tacos.

What’s your favorite movie?
Scarface.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Western?
My teammates – they’re my boys!