Name: LaTonia Shaw Fink
Job Title: Tonia holds the title of ARMOR Sample Solutions Architect. She puts together all of the customer samples requested by the ARMOR sales force – many of which are custom/handmade VCI bags.
Where Do You Live: “I currently live in Gaines, Michigan, and have for about three years, but I am originally from Huntsville, Alabama.”
Family Details: “I met my husband Jake at work, he was visiting Alabama from Michigan to train a group of us on plastics extrusion. In 2017, I moved here to live with him along with my little dog Flea Flea. My daughter Marley, who is 23, is a nursing student and chose to stay in Alabama to finish her schooling. It took me a while to get used to being without family and to living in Michigan but it is growing on me now.”
History with ARMOR: “I was especially lucky to find ARMOR — I had been in Michigan about 3 weeks when the temporary staffing company referred me. Ironically, the gal who referred me had nothing to do with my résumé, but instead, she thought that “the HR lady” at ARMOR and I both had cute hair. Who knew that my hairstyle could land me a job?”
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?: “I actually enjoy making custom bags, it allows me to be a little creative while (hopefully) satisfying the customer. I do have to note to all of the ARMOR Sales Reps that may read this that I still do not like making 12 custom bags – I do have my limit — just to be clear. ;-)”
Experience before coming to ARMOR: “I have always worked in manufacturing other than a short stint I did as a bank teller. Past jobs include cam shaft machining at Toyota, training and inventory control at a pharmaceuticals company and plastic pellet extrusion, which is where I met my husband and then he dragged me up here to Michigan…the rest is history.”
If you could trade places, who would you like to be for a day and why? “Betty White because who doesn’t wanna be Betty White?!”
Hobbies: “My husband and I make stained glass…he’s much better than I am though. I am also slowly learning from my sister-in-law how to make pottery and I’ve always been interested in DIY home projects – the kind that I can actually do on my own. I also like kayaking and I LOVE jet skiing.”
Favorite Food: Tonia loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – she has at least one every day – usually for breakfast.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? “I would buy a whole bunch of land where I could start a sanctuary for rescue pups.”
What are you currently watching? Narcos on Netflix
What song is most likely to get you to dance? “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
Favorite Quote: “Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” – Laurie Buchanan