When a shoulder injury sidelined his collegiate baseball aspirations, Nick stepped into the Dot Foods warehouse to fill some hours and make some extra cash. He could have never envisioned just how far the job could take him–or how much his life would change in the process.
Fifteen years have gone by since the then 19-year-old graduated from warehouse training. He’s grown into one of Mt. Sterling’s most seasoned material handlers and someone his colleagues know they can count on. Every shift, Nick arrives with a smile on his face ready to tackle a new challenge.
“I like hard work,” he said. “I was raised this way.”
Though he’s been approached a handful of times to consider transitioning into a leadership role, Nick prefers the autonomy his material handler position provides, and has no plans to give it up.
“You just have a greater responsibility as a lead or coach and it can be very demanding,” he said. “But with my material handler job, I can just go,” he said. He says the freedom allows him more time to read scripture, meditate on its meanings, and find ways to apply it in his own life.
At 35, Nick is happily married and the grateful father of four young children under the age of five. Nick is thankful to be part of a family-first company that promotes flexibility and opportunity.
“Our family is thriving on a single income. This is my job and this is what we do and thankfully my wife is a good budgeter,” he said. “I feel rich in a sense that I have everything I need. Dot really helps with that.”
Nick works a Tuesday through Friday shift which allows him weekends at home with the family. He likes to keep busy with household projects and family activities. He’s even stepping back out onto the baseball field for the first time since college–as his kids’ t-ball coach.
Nick is appreciative of the opportunities he’s found and is proud to be part of a company that knows the importance of family, hard work, and stability.
“Even as a 19 year old punk, I knew my life needed stability. And that’s still the case,” he said. “I truly believe I’m meant to work in this place. I believe everyone is in a place at the right time for a reason.”