Employee Highlight - Jacob's Story
From the workshop floor to the design office, Jacob has built a dynamic career filled with growth, learning, and opportunities. Starting with Kotzur at the age of 18, Jacob’s journey is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as the support and opportunities he's received along the way.
“When I started here, I was a blank slate,” Jacob shares. “I came on board as a boiler-making apprentice, and over the years, I’ve moved through various roles, like running sheet metal, helping in assembly, and now into the design team.” Today, Jacob is a Mechanical Design Draftsperson, working with Kotzur's Walla Walla design team out of the Toowoomba office and creates everything from platforms to chutes and stands. “A typical day for me involves structural design, but I’m also moving more into project design lead, which is exciting,” he explains.
Reflecting on his career, Jacob highlights how Kotzur has supported his development. “They’ve always been willing to invest in my growth,” he says. “I’ve completed my Cert IV in Engineering, a diploma, and now I’m working in structural design. Kotzur has never hesitated to help me pursue new challenges.”
One of Jacob’s proudest accomplishments was his contribution to one of Kotzur's feedlot projects. “It was a large-scale job, and seeing everything come together in the end was incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. Jacob also cherishes the camaraderie he has built over the years, particularly during a visit to the Walla Walla office. There, he collaborated with the structural design team and enjoyed after-hours drinks while bonding over a State of Origin match. “Getting to know everyone, both professionally and socially, has been a great experience,” Jacob shares.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering a role at Kotzur, Jacob is quick to answer: “It’s a great place to work. Between them being very family focused, and the willingness to train and support employees, you won’t find many companies like it.” As a new dad to his 15-month-old daughter Ella, Jacob appreciates the work-life balance he’s been able to achieve. “The work-life balance allows me to spend precious time with my daughter. You can’t take those moments for granted.”
Outside of work, Jacob stays active with hobbies like fishing, camping, video games, and gym workouts. He’s recently taken up jogging and obstacle course races like Tough Mudder, Spartan Race and True Grit and is planning to tackle more, including the Brisbane Foam Fest. “I enjoy trying new things, and I guess I’m more of a ‘master of none,’ but I like to keep busy,” he says with a laugh.
Jacob’s journey at Kotzur is a reflection of his adaptability and drive. From his early days as an apprentice to designing complex structural systems, he’s embraced every opportunity to grow. As he puts it, “I’ve been here since I was 18, and while I’ve taken on so many roles, I’ve always been supported to keep learning. It’s been an amazing journey so far.”