Randy Rider grew up in Milton, and graduated from Miltion High, but says he never knew anything while growing up about the glass factory in his own backyard. It wasn't until a friend told him about a job at the Blenko factory that he knew of the company. Mr. Rider went to Blenko to apply, and was hired the same day. He has been there ever since.Randy came to Blenko Glass Company as a very young man. His goal is to retire with the longest number of years of service. Randy Rider is high energy. He says, he loves to learn. He freely gives credit to the 'old timers' for his skill. The 'old timers' in turn say " he just had raw talent and the determination to learn." Randy Rider is a showman, if he weren't a glass company employee you have the feeling he could be very successful selling insurance, cars, being on stage as an actor. He has talent, he also has a great passion for the Blenko Glass Company, when he speaks about Blenko - he always says " WE" he speaks with pride, he is quick to give praise and credit to his co workers and also the new management at Blenko. Randy Rider is very positive about Blenko Glass's future. He states: "we make the very best handcrafted glass in the world," . . "we have difficultly competiting with countries that have no set wages, and little environmental guidelines, but in terms of quality . . . NO ONE can beat Blenko Glass." " This is a family company, and we are all part of the family."
Some Quick Facts about Randy Rider:
- He has been working at Blenko for 26 years (since 198o).
- Mr. Rider has hled every position in the Blenko factory except blower. He started his time at the factory as a Stick-up and is now an accomplished finisher.
- The thing Randy likes most about his job is the creativity working with glass allows.
- He himself collects Blenko decanters and animal figurines.
- When not working at Blenko, Randy Rider enjoys hunting and fishing.
3 comments:
Does Randy Rider has a line of items at Blenko?
How will I know if Randy Rider made the item I purchase?
When can we see the fellas working I went there but no one was blowing glass?
I'll try to answer both questions:
BLENKO is a factory - it takes up to 8 men to produce each item
Randy Rider is the finisher - he is one of the better finishers, therefore he works on the more complex items. It is Blenko custom not to have the craftsmen sign - exception to the rule - 'seniors when they return, sometimes sign', and occassinaly a blower or finisher will be ask to sign a piece and they will usually do so graciously.
At Blenko, they focus on the team effort. Fenton and some other factories have been successful with allowing more experienced blowers/finishers to sign. Jeff Fetty often signed at Fenton, and his signed pieces are prize collections for many.
If you are at BLENKO, ask the person to sign - nothing horrible can happen.
If Mr. Blenko or Mr. Richard B. are around they will often interrupt their busy day to sign, when ask.
hjh
ps I will also check with Blenko to make certain this remains the policy and post the answer here.
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