I’m not sure there’s anyone at OSC with a bigger personality than Jim. He’s sharp as a tack and has a sense of humor that will send just about anyone into a fit of laughter. Thanks to Jim, our inventory is consistently organized better than anyone’s we’ve ever seen, our production supplies are stocked and there’s never a shortage of one-liners. Hear more from Jim below!
Name: Jim Elstrom
Position at OSC: They call it “Inventory Control” but I prefer…… “He who controls the wind and tides.”
Tell us a little bit more about what this entails? Everything inventory and more. Ordering, receiving, warehousing, tracking, sales and use analysis, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera (use a Yul Brynner voice for that) of most materials and supplies used in the production of our products.
Where did you go to college? Valley City State with a degree in Art Education. Yep, my superhero identity is art teacher.
Where did you start your career? With a paper route for the Valley City Times Record. But if you’re talking inventory, I spent almost twenty-five years with a local art/engineering/graphics retail/wholesale company.
How long have you been with OSC? Four years last Saturday! Woo hoooo!!!!
Favorite thing about your job at OSC? Many previous respondents have said this before, and for good reason. The people I work with. We’ve got a great crew here at OSC that makes it easy to come to work. And heck, anybody that can tolerate my odd sense of humor…….
Favorite OSC tradition, event or work perk? The company RedHawks day game. Being paid to play hooky on a summer day and watch a baseball game? Ryan IS da man!
Favorite thing about Fargo / Moorhead? You are literally only minutes away from a plethora of interesting and tasty (Junkyard Brewing Company) things.
When I’m not at OSC you can find me….if you look very carefully.
Favorite place to travel to? Out in nature somewhere. I’m not much of a far-distance traveler, but my wife got me to go to Ireland and New Zealand and they were both absolutely amazing! If I were able, I’d go back to both in a minute.
Favorite restaurant in town? Impossible to choose. I like food!
Favorite sports team? I’m not a huge sports aficionado but I own shirts for the RedHawks, MSUM Dragons, NDSU Bison, MN Vikings, MN Twins and New Zealand All Blacks. Gotta love that Haka!
What advice would you give to younger people trying to get into your profession? Don’t! I don’t need the competition!
Kidding.
I could do the usual suggestions, but how about…Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. If you get the chance to really work with the products you purchase or inventory, go for it. That experience will make you more informed and give you valuable insight that can carry over to all the other aspects of the job.
Written by: Jim Elstrom
Inventory Specialist at Office Sign Company
Contact: jim@officesigncompany.com
