Meet the Makers Danny Jarboe and Jamie Lee

At Milliken, the dedication and expertise of our associates form the foundation of our success. We’re spotlighting the resilient individuals behind our products, who carry forward a proud history of excellence and commitment in manufacturing. Today, we spotlight Danny Jarboe, a Section Leader, and Jamie Lee, a Senior Machine Operator, from our Hickory Plant in Owensboro, Kentucky, whose partnership and friendship exemplify the power of strong working relationships.

A Journey Together

Danny Jarboe and Jamie Lee have a combined tenure of almost 60 years, having worked together for over 30 years. "We've both been here a long time; Milliken kind of found us. We didn't find it," Danny recalls. He elaborates on their history, "We started around the same time, and I taught him a lot in the early days." Jamie adds, “I'll be reaching 30 years in January. It’s been quite a ride.”

Building Strong Relationships

Their long partnership has evolved into a deep friendship. "He's probably one of my closest friends, somebody I can really count on," Danny says. Jamie adds, "It’s like working with a brother. You go through the bad stuff, but you remember the good stuff."

This camaraderie has made the work environment more enjoyable and supportive. "We’ve built a relationship where we can anticipate each other’s moves and thoughts. It makes everything smoother," Jamie shares.

Day-to-Day Operations

Their roles involve overseeing continuous operations and managing different product lines. "We make sure any issues from the previous shift are addressed, go through safety checks, and ensure batches are running correctly," Danny explains. Jamie adds, "Every day is different. It’s not boring. Each day brings new challenges."

Both emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication. "We rely on each other to get the job done right. It’s a mutual respect and understanding," Danny notes. Jamie agrees, saying, "The people I work with are the most important part of my job."

Mentorship and Training

Danny and Jamie have trained numerous operators over the years. "We have a lot of new ones coming in, and we try to be positive and encouraging," Danny says. Jamie adds, "We’ve probably trained most of the operators here. It’s important to pass on what we know."

Their mentorship is crucial for the plant’s future. "I always tell new operators that anyone can do these jobs if they have the right attitude and are willing to learn. It’s about mindset," Danny shares. Jamie concurs, "Training is a big responsibility. We make sure they understand the seriousness of the job."

Valued Colleagues

When asked about special colleagues, Danny mentions Ron Cardwell, an Advanced Technologist, who has been a stabilizing force. "Ron is probably one of the smartest, kindest people here. He’s a calming factor for both sides," Danny says. Jamie agrees, "Ron has been a staple here for years and is definitely an asset."

Facing Challenges Together

Their ability to problem-solve and adapt has been crucial. "We’ve seen a lot of products come and go. It takes a village to make things work," Danny notes. Jamie adds, "The challenge of figuring out new batches and troubleshooting problems is something I enjoy."

New projects excite them. "We have a new product coming in that hopefully we’ll be running next year. It’s exciting to figure out something new," Danny shares. Jamie adds, "It’s not just about us. We want to leave the plant better for the younger guys."

Commitment to Safety

Safety is a top priority for both Danny and Jamie. "In a chemical plant, you have to stay safe. It’s about long-term safety and making sure you don’t expose yourself to harmful substances," Danny explains. Jamie adds, "It’s not just about us; it's about making sure our coworkers go home safe too."

A Legacy of Loyalty

Their commitment extends beyond their roles. "We’ve had a good job here for 30 years, and we want that for the rest of the people here too," Danny says. Jamie adds, "There’s a lot of loyalty here. We’re like a tight-knit family."

Their Joint Retirement

Their bond is so strong that they even joke about retiring together. "We have a running joke that when he puts in his retirement papers, I’m going to flip them over and write ‘Me too’ on the back," Danny laughs. Jamie, not missing a beat, adds, "I’ve got a lot more gray hair, so I’ll probably go first. But we’ll see."

Join Us in Recognizing These Remarkable Individuals

Danny Jarboe and Jamie Lee exemplify the spirit of teamwork and dedication that drives Milliken forward. We’re spotlighting Danny, Jamie, and all our associates who make Milliken an exceptional place to work. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation of our continued success.

As we continue to innovate and solve problems, driven by curiosity and collaboration, we invite you to join us in recognizing the incredible people behind our products. At Milliken, our associates are our greatest asset, and their stories inspire us to keep pursuing a better tomorrow.

To read more associate stories, visit here.

Want to join #TeamMilliken? Visit our careers webpage to learn more about your next opportunity.