With a heavy dose of sarcasm readily available, Chris is someone we think everyone should take the time to get to know. We’re only bummed that he works at a different location than our marketing team. Though he’s only been with OSC for about six months, he’s proven him to be incredibly valuable to our team and we’re so glad to have him! Hear more from Chris, below!
Name: Christopher McGregor
Position at OSC: Zund Master, HVAC Specialist Extraordinaire, Sign Production Specialist
Tell us a little bit more about what this entails? With my position, I get to do a little bit of everything. My main responsibility is to keep our CNC Swiss Army Knife, otherwise known as a Zund, running as much as possible. While I’m not doing that, I get to pretend I know more about HVAC than I really do, as well as lots of other topics too. Occasionally I’ll get to work on some of our wood products, or help out in other areas of engraving where needed. Overall, everyone in our department gets to wear a lot of different hats, and we tend to juggle them around with each other to make sure orders get out the door as quickly and perfectly as possible. I also like to think I was brought on to bring up our facial hair ratio, but that’s still unconfirmed at this time.
Where did you go to college? I started at NDSU (Go Bison!), and am working on finishing my degree at UND in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on Manufacturing Engineering. I’m told I may still graduate before retirement, so that’s pretty cool.
Where did you start your career? Well, I’ve worn many hats at many different places, but I haven’t really started my career yet, in my mind. Once I graduate and can work as an engineer, my career will really start. As far as the type of work I do at OSC, I’ve been learning the skills I use here since I was about 5 years old. Thanks, Dad!
How long have you been with OSC? I started in December of this past year, so just about 6 months now.
Favorite thing about your job at OSC? There are a lot of aspects about OSC that I really enjoy. Most of all, I really like when I get to step away from the repetitive tasks and do something new, like putting together a new machine, installing ductwork and airlines, using some of my engineering knowledge to help figure something out, or working with some wood products. I really like to tackle a problem and solve it.
Favorite OSC tradition, event or work perk? Man, there’s so many great things. Bagels every other Friday, great company events. Most of all though I’d have to say going to Romo’s every Friday for lunch with some of my co-workers though. It’s always filled with lots of laughs and joking, as well as delicious food. We all look forward to it every week. Least favorite tradition is the after-Romo’s heartburn that plagues our Friday afternoons.
Favorite thing about Fargo / Moorhead? I really like the community here. It still feels like a small town to me after growing up in Minneapolis, but has most of the perks of a bigger city.
When I’m not at OSC you can find me….Going too fast on my motorcycle (hope my girlfriend and parent’s don’t read that), working in my home woodshop, camping who knows where, whipping up something in the kitchen, or often just at home relaxing with my girlfriend and our 3 dogs.
Favorite place to travel to? I have a lot of family down in Florida, so that’s always been a great trip to make. I really prefer driving down there over flying, as I think it’s great to get to see the country. Top of my to-visit list is Ireland, though.
Favorite restaurant in town? It’s probably a tie between The Bison Turf (pre-fire), Chub’s Pub, and King House. Those probably seem like odd choices, but all three are really about the memories I’ve made there, and not the food itself.
Favorite sports team? North Dakota State University Bison. After that, all the Minnesota teams.
What advice would you give to younger people trying to get into your profession? Engineering, go to college.
Manufacturing or production, be ready to work hard. Remember that you aren’t entitled to anything, and act like it. I was taught that you don’t just get respect, you have to earn it, and I try to remember that. You might not think a random job you’re working matters much for your long term future, but a boss can be a great character reference who can testify to your work ethic. Remember that at those jobs that “don’t matter”.
Written by: Chris McGregor
Sign Production Specialist at Office Sign Company
Contact: chris@officesigncompany.com
