Lopatin also said that they obtain new customers through referral relationships . In situations where a customer moves to another company , many continue to work with Northway in the new company . The owners of Northway and the employees said that it was decided early on , that the company wouldn ’ t just be in it to make a profit . They wanted to “ bless people ’ s lives ,” said Lopatin . They endeavor to hire people who may not otherwise be likely to work in a growing aerospace company . “ Maybe they weren ’ t the best people or had different backgrounds ,” he said . He feels that the company helps them to develop and become better , more pleasant to talk to , and more enjoyable .
“ As we do these products ,” he said , “ We want to better the people around us — to bless the lives of the people around us .”
In fact , during the interview process , they conduct a “ pre-hiring interview ” where , “ We talk to people first , get their stories .” Next , they present their principles to sense if the candidate likes their approach . “ I was interviewing someone who assumed we wouldn ’ t hire him because he had been fired . Not every business will hire certain people , but we will develop work ethic and character .”
Voytukhov said , “ We have a weekly meeting to discuss our principles and values . As we bring changes in slowly , initially people who push back , they became more friendly and part of the team .
Machine shops are not pleasant places to work in , so when people come in , we smile , and they smile ; that ’ s our approach .”
The weekly meetings , the values discussions , the potlucks , and shared meals all seem to add up to a small , yet growing company focused on quality , competitiveness , and camaraderie within the Northwest ’ s excellent aerospace industry .
Contact Information Northway Products 11027 47th Ave West Mukilteo , WA 98275
Sales Contact : 425.493.1127 Yan . Lopatin @ northwayproducts . com
Main Contact : 800.404.2946 Email @ northwayproducts . com
30 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS