EPI-HAB Phoenix Inc.’s staff of expert assemblers and supervisor superheroes is united around a single goal: “to provide meaningful employment for individuals with epilepsy and other challenges by performing valued work for area businesses.” Each member of this hardworking dream team brings a unique skill to his or her role and has an interesting story to tell.
Throughout this blog’s series of employee spotlights, we look to introduce our staff to business partners and readers while showcasing their achievements. You’ll learn what they do (on and off the clock) and how they make our organization an outstanding one.
August’s employee spotlight features Fransisco A. Garcia, an assembler at EPI-HAB:
Fransisco has been working at EPI-HAB since 2015. He started his career in the packaging and shipping department. However, after a few months, he was promoted to assembly. Fransisco is currently assembling four to five types of products for EPI-HAB customer Heckler Design. He also supports other departments, operating the forklift and pallet jack and will sometimes fill in as a truck driver. Fransisco is a standout employee, often arriving thirty minutes early to review his schedule and prepare for the day ahead.
So, what has kept Fransisco at EPI-HAB over the last two years?
“The people at EPI-HAB are very friendly, and I like the variety of jobs I am assigned,” he said.
Fransisco also recently enrolled in courses at UEI College to earn a degree in Information Technology. Working full time and pursuing a degree isn’t easy, but Fransisco does it with a can-do, positive attitude. He has his sights set on the horizon.
“After I graduate, I want to attend boot camp to narrow down my fields of study,” he said. “I see myself working at Microsoft or Google.”
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Information Technology?
F: I like to challenge myself, and I also enjoy gaming and keeping up with current technology. I’ve always wanted to be involved in tech—so, I figured, “Why not go to college and get a job in the field?”
What is the most challenging aspect of attending college?
F: It’s been a huge personal sacrifice. I’ve given up lots of free time and sleep preparing for classes. Studying for tests has also been challenging. For me, it’s like learning another language.
What class have you enjoyed the most?
F: I started attending two months ago and finished two modules. The first module was an introduction to computers. The second module was Server Administration. At this point, Server Administration is my favorite class because I see how important servers are and my role in the process.
What are some other life achievements, successes or milestones you take pride in?
F: Graduating from high school, getting my driver’s license, owning a car, and being independent
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Why is it important?
F: A classmate told me “always be better than the next guy.” It’s important to me because his advice has driven me to work harder.
What is something interesting most people don’t know about you?
F: I have to work twice as hard as my classmates because of my learning disability. Also, I like 80’s music, and Elton John is one of my favorite artists.
About EPI-HAB:
EPI-HAB brings more than 59 years of experience and energy to fulfillment, assembly and inspection, full-service mail processing, and storage. As a 501(c) 3 organization, it is totally self-sufficient while providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with epilepsy and other challenges. EPI-HAB focuses on the abilities of its employees, not their disabilities, and performs valued work for businesses, large and small, assisting them with a assembly of medical devices to order fulfillment.
