Richard Decker

Hello, my name is Richard Decker, better known as Andy. I previously worked at Bel Brands Usa for 17.5 years. I started out as a Sanitation washroom employee, I overseen the cleaning of the molding equipment and racks that were used to create the Mini Babybel cheese, for a total of 14 years. I decided to move positions at Bel and bid to a Volma Operator position which was a grade level higher in pay so that I could further my knowledge of creating our product. By moving to a Volma Operator position I became extremely skilled in operating my machines, but not only operating but also keeping the maintenance done on them. I done all preventative maintenance before production and some shutdowns, also repaired daily breakdowns and made needed adjustments. I also became a Backup cheese maker which gave me the opportunity to go to South Dakota and take a cheese making class at The University of South Dakota. I became a Backup Supervisor over the entire Mini production and Packaging area's. During my time as a Backup Supervisor I also attended upper management meetings while my Foreman was out. I decided I enjoyed and also was good at motivating and leading so I decided to apply for a Supervisor position which led me to Sanitation/Production Supervisor. During my term as Supervisor I implemented Safety rules, I delegated employees job duties, I performed Safety Investigations, Safety Stand Downs, Performed Interviews for jobs within the department, reworked work instructions, kept a daily, monthly and annual inventory record on sap, I performed write ups and performed disciplinary actions within Company guidelines, I was not only a Supervisor but I was a leader. For example, if my team was short staffed I took up the slack personally and filled the position, I believe in being a team player. I was on a BOOST team, I helped implement PCS ( Personal Communication System) throughout Bel leitchfield, Directed Alchemy Trainings(Safety) I was also a member of the Bel values committee. Some unfortunate circumstances came up and I decided to leave Bel and get my CDL and became Employed at Coremark.