I am mission success: Josh Horner

In an environment like Pantex, the old adage “you don't know what you don't know” can create angst ––both for new employees and for seasoned employees who are constantly learning new things. Creating an environment built upon trust can lessen the burden and lead to great relationships, especially when learning through mistakes.

Making a mistake is hard, but owning up to it is even harder.

“Owning up” is exactly what Josh H. believes that people should do when mistakes are made –– even when it isn't the easy thing to do. In fact, Josh, who has been at Pantex for 13 years, encourages people to take ownership over everything they do.

“The experience will grow your problem–solving skills, and you will earn the reputation of a person that is caring and reliable,” said Josh. “Find the right people to call when you run into problems outside your area of expertise, and treat them well.  If you do that long enough, you'll have a host of people ready and willing to support you when you find yourself in need.”

Josh, who was an electrician by trade when he joined the Pantex team, now leads a team who works with engineers on ways to improve systems around the plant.

How has teamwork allowed you to grow as an employee?

I'm not a natural team player. Early on in my career, I thought that meant that I was capable and independent. When I took the position that I'm in now a few years ago, I became overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that I assumed were mine alone to bear. A few key people –– my excellent supervision team and our integration lead –– showed me the value of trusting good people to do their job well.  I learned that thinking I was an island was not only naïve and vain but was also depriving me of the best tools in my tool belt.

What stands out to you about Pantex?

It is always going to be the people for me. The quality of people out here, the quality of craftworkers we have, is exceptional. We have incredibly thoughtful and intelligent people that work out here who show a lot of dedication to the mission at whatever level they can support it. It is sometimes hard for me to relay the big mission we have out here, but the people here take great care of their daily customers' business and personal needs. I've seen people take care of each other out here.

Why am I mission success?

Any success I have had that is not attributed to my team would be because I deeply care about what I do. I take ownership of what my team is responsible for.

I was an electrician before, and that's how I started at Pantex. I loved that I provided a service to people that they were happy with. When I started out here, I got to do the same thing, but it was the same customers over and over, so I built great relationships.

I don't get to do hands–on work anymore, but I do still get to provide service to a lot of people here, and all that service we provide to one another adds up to the big mission we have.

Give an example when teamwork has helped you in your role.

Every success I've had at Pantex is owed to a team, especially the latest project we were assigned. Luckily, my management, the supervisors that work for me, the men and women that work for them, and the engineers at Pantex are incredibly good at their jobs. They provided the tools, means, and drive required to meet those goals and then proceeded to exceed them. I'm proud that I got to be part of that team.

Who in your life has inspired you most and why?

My wife. She is the most intelligent, thoughtful, and responsible person I have ever known. She is a better parent and spouse than I will ever be, and she models how to do it right. She is reliable, loving, and encouraging. She gracefully teaches me to be better and provides me with the means to improve myself.