Location: Residential – Macon, GA
Position: Lead person
Length of Service: 19 Years
What would you say it takes to be successful here at YKK AP America Inc.?
To be successful you must want to work, be dedicated, and have a lot of patience.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc., and why?
Reputable: YKK AP America Inc. is a long-standing company, opening its first location in the 1980s.
What is your greatest accomplishment at YKK AP America Inc.?
It’s hard to say what my greatest accomplishment is because I am the first in my position, a pioneer if you would like to call it. But if I had to say anything, it would be mastering geometric concepts and being able to fulfill the demands of my unique and skilled position. It is a task-filled job; there is not another one like it.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Hot wings because I love hot wings with cold beer. Simple enough.
Describe YKK AP America Inc. in three words.
Stable, Flexible, and Proficient.
Jig Suthar
Location: Atlanta,GA (HQ)
Position: Product Portfolio Manager
Length of Service: 2 Years 7 Months
What would you say it takes to be successful here at YKK AP America Inc.?
I would say it requires a strong commitment to quality, innovation, collaboration, and consistently delivering solutions that meet both client needs and company goals.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc., and why?
I would choose the word "precision" to describe YKK AP America Inc. because the company is known for its attention to detail, high-quality manufacturing standards, and innovative solutions in architectural products.
What is your greatest accomplishment at YKK AP America Inc.?
My greatest accomplishment as a Product Portfolio Manager at YKK AP America Inc. so far is having successfully introduced new products that met market demand, having improved sales requests to streamline products and solutions, and having identified the need for sustainability certificates to support our product strategies.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My grandma's Chole Bhature—fluffy, golden fried flatbreads paired with her rich, flavorful chickpea curry—is an experience I’ve never found anywhere else in the world. There's something magical about the way she makes it. Every bite carries a warmth and depth that can’t be explained by just spices or ingredients. I know the secret isn't just the recipe; it’s the love she pours into every dish. It’s her special touch that makes it taste like home, a flavor that lingers in your heart long after the meal is over.
Describe YKK AP America Inc. in three words.
Quality, Innovation, and Reliability.
Location: Dublin, GA
Position: Safety Technician
Length of Service: 9 Years 1 Month
What would you say it takes to be successful here at YKK AP America Inc.?
Success at YKK AP America Inc. hinges on several factors. Firstly, it requires a commitment to self-improvement and setting achievable goals while avoiding overcommitment. Secondly, maintaining a positive outlook during periods of stress is crucial. Lastly, investing in oneself and fostering relationships with supportive peers who encourage personal growth are essential elements of success.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc., and why?
I would choose the word "support" because it encapsulates the essence of YKK AP America Inc. From my initial role on the production floor in 2015 to my current position as a Safety Technician, the consistent level of support received throughout the organization has been unparalleled.
What is your greatest accomplishment at YKK AP America Inc.?
My most significant achievement at YKK AP America Inc. is having reached the position of Safety Technician. This accomplishment underscores the importance of self-belief and resilience in overcoming challenges encountered along the way.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If limited to one meal for life, I would choose grilled salmon, sautéed onions and squash, and roasted red potatoes accompanied by a glass of water. This selection aligns with my preference for clean, nutritious, and satisfying food. However, I must admit that a simple bowl of cereal would also suffice, reflecting an appreciation for simplicity.
Describe YKK AP America Inc. in three words.
Supportive, Transparent, and Solid.
Alex Currie
Position: Warehouse & Material Distribution Manager
Tenure: 4 Years and 9 Months
Location: Dublin, GA
Favorite part of working at YKK AP America Inc.?
YKK has many senior employees who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with others. I enjoy spending time with these individuals and learning as much as possible from them. It also helps to understand the operational history and changes that have occurred within the Dublin manufacturing facility over the years.
At YKK we pay special attention to relationships. Why is this important to you?
Relationships are the foundation of business, both externally and internally. External relationships with customers and vendors allow us to understand the needs and conditions of the current market. Internal relationships with coworkers create a mutually beneficial avenue for learning, growth, and advancement.
What advice would you give someone starting their career at YKK AP America Inc?
My advice to someone starting a career at YKK AP would be to rely on our Core Value, "Do not fear failure; experience builds success." They should also never hesitate to propose a different method for a task, or to try something new.
What have you learned about yourself since starting to work for YKK AP America Inc?
My time at YKK AP has solidified my appreciation for manufacturing. I have always been intrigued by the concept of turning raw materials into a useful product, but being involved in the process daily has greatly increased my interest and appreciation.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
The next place my wife and I would like to travel to would be Washington, D.C. My wife has always wanted to visit to see the historical aspects of the city.
Boris Alford
Position: Manufacturing Expeditor
Tenure: 6 years and 9 months
Location: Macon, GA
Favorite part of working at YKK AP America Inc.?
My favorite thing about working at YKK AP is the people. I enjoy working and talking with my co-workers.
At YKK we pay special attention to relationships. Why is this important to you?
It's important because if you don’t have a relationship with the person whom you are working with, then it makes the job harder. You must be able to build trust with the people with whom you work side by side.
What advice would you give someone starting their career at YKK AP America Inc?
The advice I would give to someone starting a career at YKK AP would be to be reliable and come to work every day to build relationships and increase knowledge.
What have you learned about yourself since starting to work for YKK AP America Inc?
I have learned from working at YKK AP that I am friendlier than I thought.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
I am traveling to Virginia this year. Every year we have made it a family tradition to take a vacation in a different state.
Position: Fabrication Technician I
Tenure: 3 years and 7 months
Location: Macon, GA
Favorite part of working at YKK AP America Inc.?
My favorite thing about working for YKK AP is interacting with the people. The people who work around me, including my supervisor and manager, give me energy to come to work.
At YKK we pay special attention to relationships. Why is this important to you?
I would say that it is good to start with communication. Without communication, you do not have anything. I love to give advice and hope that it helps.
What advice would you give someone starting their career at YKK AP America Inc?
My advice to anyone starting a career with YKK AP would be to be on time, never let anyone steal your joy and to always do what your supervisor asks you to do.
What have you learned about yourself since starting to work for YKK AP America Inc?
I have learned to love what I do at work and to appreciate and love the people I work with no matter what. This company has taken me a long way, and I love every moment that I’m here.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
The next place where I would like to visit is Jamaica. I’ve heard that it’s beautiful and the people treat you with love.
Brandee Bailey
Position: Administrative Assistant
Tenure: 2 Years
Location: Coppell, TX
What is your favorite thing about your team?
My favorite thing about my team is the fact that they are family oriented.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc, and why?
The one word that I would choose to describe YKK AP would be awesome because the atmosphere and the beliefs of the company are something you don't see everywhere.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy watching football and coaching soccer for 7-8 year olds.
What makes you proud to work at YKK AP?
I am proud to work at YKK AP because it is a really good, unique company that truly cares for its employees.
What’s one item that you cannot live without and why?
The one thing that I cannot live without is my family. Even though it is dysfunctional and crazy, my family is everything to me.
Cody Selph
Position: Thermal Processing Manager
Tenure: 1 year and 7 months
Location: Dublin, GA
What is your favorite thing about your team?
My favorite thing about my team is their commitment. Whether it’s working overtime to make sure orders are met or working with me to try and find improvements to make things a little easier for everyone, I can expect my team to make it happen.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc, and why?
I would choose the word dedication to describe YKK AP America Inc. No matter what obstacles are thrown our way, we work together to find a solution. Everyone has the bigger picture in mind, and they work tirelessly to make sure our goals are met.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy hunting and fishing in my free time. It is even more rewarding getting to experience these hobbies with my family and friends. As soon as my daughter gets a little older, I plan on dragging her to the woods with me so she can grow up loving the same hobbies that I enjoy.
What makes you proud to work at YKK AP?
I feel honored to be surrounded by men and women who have dedicated their entire careers to YKK AP and to be able to learn some valuable lessons from them is a huge asset. So far, in my short stent here, I have learned a lot from some of the friendliest and most hardworking people I have ever met.
What’s one item that you cannot live without and why?
I hate to say this, but the one item I cannot live without would probably have to be my phone. It is just such a valuable tool that fits in your pocket and makes life so much easier.
Position: LeadPerson
Tenure: 11 years and 8 months
Location: Macon, GA
In your opinion, what does it take to be successful here at YKK AP America?
To be successful you need to always be on time and willing to help others.
What is your favorite thing about your team?
My favorite thing about my team is the fact that there is no drama! My entire team gets along with each other.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc, and why?
The one word that I would choose to describe YKK AP America Inc. is stability because I have a job to come to everyday.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
The hobbies that I enjoy in my free time include walking, reading, shopping, and relaxing in my recliner in front of the TV.
What makes you proud to work at YKK AP?
The thing that makes me proud to work for YKK AP is the fact that I like being a lead in Screen/JAM/SDL and I like what I do.
What’s one item that you cannot live without and why?
The one thing that I cannot live without is my family. They motivate me and keep me grounded.
Rayneshia Stephens
Position: Quality Inspector I
Tenure: 6 Years 6 Months
Location: Macon, GA
What would you say it takes to be successful at YKK AP America?
To achieve success at YKK AP you must work hard, have patience, and remain resilient throughout your journey.
What’s one word you’d use to describe YKK AP America and why?
Family is the word I would use to describe YKK AP America because I have created a lot of bonds through the years with different people.
What’s your greatest accomplishment at YKK AP America?
YKK AP has given me many opportunities. I started as a temp, and I worked my way up to a permanent position. My first position was as a fabrication technician on hung line 2. I was then promoted to lead, and now I am a quality inspector. YKK was the first and the only job I have ever had, and I am very proud to say that it has afforded me the opportunity to be able to purchase my first home.
If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be chicken tacos. They are delicious, and they can be versatile.
Describe YKK AP America in three words?
Opportunistic, positive, and environment.
Terry Hobbs
Position: Fabrication Technician II
Tenure: 6 years and 6 months
Location: Macon, GA
In your opinion, what would you say it takes to be successful at YKK AP America.
I believe it takes hard work and dedication, paying attention to your environment, and learning from others to be successful at YKK AP.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America, and why?
I would use the word opportunity because YKK AP offers several growth opportunities.
What is your greatest accomplishment YKK AP America?
My greatest accomplishment at YKK AP has been my ability to learn different jobs and work in different departments. I have worked in every department except GEO and shipping.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would eat crab legs because I don’t get to eat them often.
Describe YKK AP in three words?
Opportunity to grow.
Position: Control Room Operator
Tenure: 2 years and 4 months
Location: Dublin, GA
In your opinion, what does it take to be successful here at YKK AP America?
To be successful you need to always be on time and willing to help others.
What’s the one word you would choose to describe YKK AP America, and why?
Family is a great way to describe YKK because we work together and grow as a team.
What is your greatest accomplishment YKK AP America?
My greatest accomplishment would be having patience to learn new things and teach others as I go. Not everyone learns at the same pace, and YKK AP is a great company to grow in if you invest yourself into learning new things.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to choose one food, I guess I would pick Greek food because I’m Greek.
Describe YKK AP in three words?
Family, Engaging and Rewarding.
Daymon Loyd
Position: Residential Operations Manager
Tenure: 19 Years
Location: Macon, GA
How would you describe the culture at YKK AP?
I would describe the culture at YKK AP as involving our Fundamental Behavior, “Do the right thing, Always.” This culture is ever changing for the better.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No day is the same for me. There is no typical day. As a rule of thumb, I get a pulse for the production status, assess any key emergency items that need to be taken care of, and then go on with my schedule. From walking the shop floor to board meetings, my schedule follows the same process every day, starting with Safety, moving on to Quality, and ending with Service.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job involves watching teams form and begin to perform on their own. I also enjoy seeing the entire Residential team gelling together as a unit as opposed to working in silos.
Any other positive experiences that you would like to share that may help build the brand?
We donated repurposed windows to Habitat for Humanity to help build five homes. We also donated windows to churches located in Dublin, Perry, and Dexter, Georgia.
These churches used the windows to help build a maternity ward inside of shipping containers.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I love to play the drums. From Metallica to Gospel, I enjoy all genres of music.
Nicholas Moore
Position: Leadperson
Tenure: 1 year and 6 months
Location: Dublin, GA
How would you describe the culture at YKK?
The culture at YKK AP is very nice. It is a good place to work.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I always have a good day at YKK AP.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being applauded for a job well done.
Any other positive experiences that you would like to share that may help build the brand?
If you come to work and work hard, YKK AP will support you.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I love to smile and be outgoing and positive.
Position: Credit & Collections Clerk
Tenure: 1 year and 1 month
Location: Dublin, GA
How would you describe the culture at YKK AP?
I would describe the culture at YKK AP as teamwork. In my department, we all try to work together to ensure our customers have the best and easiest experience.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me consists of posting customer payments to their accounts, setting up all job accounts, and communicating with the customers and collection specialists to ensure accounts are properly updated.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job involves talking to different customers and YKK AP employees across the US.
Any other positive experiences that you would like to share that may help build the brand?
I really enjoy the teamwork I experience here at YKK AP.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I have a goofy and bubbly personality.
