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  • 1.  Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-02-2023 09:48

    Good morning,

    I am a new owner of an existing Trophy company north of Boston. Small shop, and we specialize in awards for the Sailing community.

    I am in need of a couple employees, in my past career I would reach out to my association contacts but I am totally new to APA.

    Is there some type of job board or does anyone have any leads on where best to look for crew?

    Corel Experience, RayJet Laser system, sublimation, and old school Engraving equipment from Apex for both flat and cylindrical applications.

    I am sure its a million dollar question but would appreciate any guidance. :)

    Also any type of gage on salary and or hourly wages that are customary in this position would be appreciated!

    Thank you in advance for any assistance! 

    Best, Dean

    Dean Lavoie

    Eclipse Trophy and Recognition

    124 High Street

    Ipswich MA 01938

    Web: www.trophy@eclipsetrophy.com">www.trophy@eclipsetrophy.com

    Email: trophy@eclipsetrophy.com

    Phone: 508-317-1001



    ------------------------------
    Dean Lavoie
    Eclipse Trophy and Recognition
    Ipswich MA
    508.317.1001
    ------------------------------
    Netsoft Studio


  • 2.  RE: Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-02-2023 14:25

    I sent an email to you :-)



    ------------------------------
    Megan Raymond
    Owner, Raymond's Trophy & Awards
    Bakersfield, CA
    661-323-4015
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    Netsoft Studio


  • 3.  RE: Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-03-2023 09:56

    I am following this discussion as it is the million-dollar question!  The hardest struggle I have as a business owner is hiring!  Prior to COVID it was a little better, but since COVID - VERY difficult.



    ------------------------------
    Annette Coffin
    Broadway Awards
    Champlin MN
    763.533.0979
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    Netsoft Studio


  • 4.  RE: Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-03-2023 17:57

    Dean, i would look for someone who is detailed oriented that is the first thing, you will never find anyone who has experience being in the business for 40 plus years we have hired 100's of employees and the detailed ones are the best,  keeping them for 3 plus years means they are their weight in gold, meaning you can not run a business without great employees. dont know what you pay, but in the Midwest and across the country at this time means if you want a good employee starting wage is $17 plus with benefits that means you are ready to jump off the deep end and pay someone $40,000 per year, if not then you maybe be waiting for a while , we have 35 full time employees and alot of them are 7 year plus and hand full of 10-15 year employees, keep the good ones



    ------------------------------
    Tim Hoffman CRS
    Rixstine Recognition
    Lincoln NE
    402.476.3810
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    Netsoft Studio


  • 5.  RE: Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-04-2023 10:43

    I agree with Matt in regards to looking for someone who is HIGHLY detailed.  After I've interviewed, I have my potential new hires take a DISC assessment to gauge how detailed they are.  I pay $20-22 starting out but I don't have benefits like Matt does.  They are expected to run 2 laser engravers and the UV printer at the same time.  We also have sublimation and sandcarving they do when needed. I have helpers for assembling, trophy making when we are really busy.  

    Finding someone who has Corel experience is rare as most are using adobe these days but for someone running the machines I don't look for them to know either upon hiring.  We have a designer who sets up the job after proof approval and then production is taught basic Corel draw needs like how to shift the artwork if it isn't centering correctly, change the page size, etc. 

    I excited to see other people's feedback!



    ------------------------------
    Paula Smith
    Ramax Engraving & Awards
    Spokane Valley WA
    509.928.1222
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    Netsoft Studio


  • 6.  RE: Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-04-2023 13:42

    We're in Washington state where the minimum wage is $15.74. We start everyone there. We do provide insurance benefits at the 3-month mark. 

    We just hired someone new to learn laser engraving. We looked for someone with familiarity with graphic design as we've found they pick up Corel much quicker than others. The guy we hired recently completed a community college graphic design program. He was a classmate of another of our employees who completed the same program and she told us he did well in the classes they shared.

    We've had pretty good luck recently getting interns from the community colleges and more often than not, those folks stay on with us as permanent team members.



    ------------------------------
    Judi Brown, Owner
    Tacoma Trophy
    4021 100th St SW #B, Lakewood WA 98499
    253.302.5566
    judi@tacomatrophy.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    Netsoft Studio


  • 7.  RE: Hiring an engraver and reaching out for general guidance.

    Posted 08-04-2023 14:17

    Hi Dean,

    If you have any 2 year colleges, 4 year colleges or trade schools in your area teaching graphic design get in touch with the department heads and see if you can post the jobs on campus.  Juniors and Seniors in High School taking computer classes, CAD classes, or interested in arts and photography might be potential part-time help as well.



    ------------------------------
    Mike Westbrook
    Owner
    Mile High Laser Engraving
    Denver, CO
    720-930-4667
    info@milehighlaserengraving.com
    www.milehighlaserengraving.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message
    Netsoft Studio


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