You might love the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform, but do you know the people who make it possible? Talented Plexians have been working hard behind the scenes for decades. They’re what make this company great, but few get the chance to step into the spotlight they deserve – until now. This month, say hello to Director of Professional Services Angie Sheperd.
Tell us about your role at Plex.
In Professional Services, there is a team of Delivery Consultants who help our customers implement Plex. I am lucky to be the leader of that team and service them so they can service our customers. My team begins with Consulting Managers who have managerial responsibility for our Delivery Consultants as well as Principal Delivery Consultants who are matrixed to the same consultants and provide product and solution development.
What do you love most about your job?
Every day, I learn something. I’ve been with Plex since January 2005 and I can honestly say I’ve learned something every day.
Your favorite Plex memory is:
A few months after I started, Plex (we were called ‘Plexus’ then) celebrated our 10-year anniversary in April. At that time, what counted was what you accomplished for Plex. Being new, my contribution was ‘not much’. So, I felt unworthy to be in the team picture that was taken in front of the Harmon building, wearing the anniversary cap and t-shirt. Everyone stood tall and beamed with pride. Oddly, it was a motivator and since then I have worked hard to make sure I contribute – every day.
Tell us about a major opportunity or challenge in today’s manufacturing industry.
As in everything today, the challenge will be in keeping the humanity in the manufacturing industry. The industry will continue to automate and speed up, become more complex and intertwined. It’s so beautiful and amazing when it works! But when it breaks, like the challenges with today’s supply chain, fixing it will involve finger pointing and blame and of course financial impacts. We need to be able to understand the problems, positively collaborate to fix them, and share the impact burdens. Good luck to us.
Where are you located?
Metro Detroit
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am a native New Yorker. I moved to Michigan in 1985 to work for EDS, the company Ross Perot sold to General Motors. Grow where you’re planted!
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher or a nun. (In my career I have been a teacher but not a nun.)
What’s your favorite nonprofit or charity?
The OCEF – Ortonville Community Emergency Fund
If you had to live inside one movie for the rest of your life, which would you choose?
It’s a Wonderful Life!
The best place you’ve ever visited is:
Israel. It was a pilgrimage.
Your favorite genre of music is:
Classical music is my white noise – no particular composer, musician or orchestra – helps keep me focused and block out distractions.
What are your favorite things to do on the weekend?
Be with my family. Quilt and sew, garden, bike or hike.
Want to become a Plexian and work with great people like Angie? View opportunities and learn about careers at Plex right here.
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