A Printpack Associate Spotlight Series
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 – October 15th, is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. This month we are highlighting the stories of two associates whose families migrated to the US looking for more opportunities and a better future.
Asher Ford Amiel, Printpack Systems Support Analyst II, is from Jamaica and has been with Printpack in Atlanta for five years. She is a team-player, a problem-solver, and makes sure Printpack’s IT needs are supported.
Armando Sandoval, Printpack Plant Trainer in Elgin, Illinois, has been with Printpack for six years. He was born in the US after his parents migrated from Mexico. Armando has a key role in helping Printpack associates learn new skills.
Let’s learn more about their stories and career journeys in their own words.
Q. Can you share a memory that represents your culture?
Asher – The beauty of the island of Jamaica has always fascinated me, however there is one place that stays written in memories of my heart and that is Somerset Falls in Hope Bay, Jamaica. It has a waterfall that cascades through a garden of ferns and lilies. A little bit of heaven on earth. It was once a plantation. The original mill house and some other structures from the 1800s still stand to this day. It’s simply nature at its finest.
Armando – Celebrating the Day of the Dead. Creating altars at home to remember our dead relatives or friends while making traditional Mexican dishes to celebrate their memories.
Q. What do you appreciate most about living in the US?
Asher – Besides the opportunities that are endless, as a woman I know that I can be anything that I want to be in this country. I’ve served proudly in the United States Armed Forces (Army), and I continue to enhance my growth. I am extremely proud to see my twins prosper in this country as nurses (MSN).
Armando – The freedom to be whoever you want to be.
Q. Why did you choose to work at Printpack?
Asher – I trained Printpack associates when they were moving from Outlook to Google a few years ago when I worked for Cloud Sherpas. I thought then that the culture and the people were amazing and that it was a great place to work. I was quite fortunate a few years later to have an opportunity to apply for a job here.
Armando – I was advised by a family member of the possibilities for growth Printpack has to offer.
Q. How has this experience added to your skills so far?
Asher – I had the pleasure of learning a bit about our network and Appworx previously. I now have a greater opportunity to work alongside one of my wonderful engineers to learn VM Ware, Server Support, and Windows management.
Armando –I have developed great leadership skills, communication skills, and learned the business side of the company. I was offered an opportunity to expand on the skills I came in with and applied them to night school that Printpack also sponsored. I subsequently received certification in my field.
Q.What do you like most about your role at Printpack?
Asher – I love interacting with users in a support role in a way that will enhance work life. I like to help remove the frustration of issues that arise and make my co-workers’ experience a pleasant and worthwhile one. Although no one wants to have computer issues, everyone is guaranteed a “Best Effort” experience, not just with me but also with the entire Infrastructure team.
Armando – Helping others grow and working as a team to improve our processes.
Q. What kind of advice would you give to those starting their careers?
Asher – Always value the profession that you are passionate about. Embrace the culture of an organization that is in direct sync with your values. Network not just within your circle but expand to as many departments as you can, as every department will give you a broader view of the same goal. Always advocate for yourself and work with your leadership to assist you in following your career path. In the end, if you’re blessed, your team will be a second family.
Armando –Work hard and be open to trying all the different things this company offers, especially when it comes to opportunities to grow within the company.
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About Printpack
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Printpack is a privately-held flexible and specialty rigid packaging manufacturer. Employing over 3,200 associates worldwide, the company operates 19 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico. With investments in leading-edge technologies and a deep understanding of customer needs, Printpack has partnered with the most successful CPGs to launch new products and grow market share. Printpack’s purpose, Preserving and Enhancing People’s Lives, is continually demonstrated by the commitment to sustainable products, active involvement in the local communities, and the empowerment of all associates. To read more about life at Printpack and our open positions, click here.
