Quality Assurance Employee Spotlight

AMY MIRANDA

Document controller may be the position that Amy Miranda was hired into, but she has evolved into a Quality Assurance Technical Writer, Instructional Designer, Document Control Specialist and a Certified Internal Auditor. She is responsible for all work instructions, procedures and forms for both USA and Australia. She uses AutoCAD datasets to create 3-D exploded illustrations of instructions that are electronically displayed on the production floor, presented simply so that all employees can easily comprehend and follow. She likes to say she converts engineering to English.   

She is passionate about teaching, with a degree in education. She has a strong ability to communicate effectively across different departments – a skill valuable to any company or position. Bringing over a decade of experience in aircraft design to GPI, she possesses a sold mechanical foundation. Her proficiency in computers allows her to skillfully format documents, generate 3D views, and occasionally produce videos for QA Matrix TV, all without needing extensive training on specific software in each field. In her position, she values the independence she has reporting directly to the Director of Quality Assurance. It allows her to challenge company processes and investigate further without simply accepting the status quo of “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Given her diverse responsibilities, she believes she offers fresh and innovative viewpoints when needed. 

Upon assuming her position, she began transforming complex written production instructions into visually intuitive graphics. Additionally, she optimized the approval workflow for controlled documents by implementing an electronic review and approval system.   

Most recently, she successfully managed the installation of 38 TVs with electronic devices in work centers to display graphic work instructions throughout the production shop floor.  A notable aspect of this project was the integration of the Yodeck device, facilitating real-time digital content management and scheduling of graphic work instructions. This ensures that only the latest controlled documents are readily available to personnel for scheduling. 

Outside of work, Amy’s top priority is spending time with her boyfriend, family, friends, and dogs. She values these relationships deeply, especially realizing their significance due to a close friend's illness. Additionally, she dedicates every Friday, when not working, to spending time with one or more of her grandkids. 

She also enjoys working on various home projects with her boyfriend and frequently switches hobbies. Recently, they've been focused on learning how to repair and restore concrete decorations. They successfully revitalized two geese, a birdbath, and a waterfall, giving them a fresh new appearance. Her latest project involves rescuing a 100+ pound, 3-foot angel sculpture from being discarded at a landfill, with plans to replace its completely missing wing. 

One cause she deeply cares about is dog rescue. Since 2017, she has been actively volunteering with Beauties and Beasts Inc. rescue group. Her volunteer roles have included fostering dogs, handling them at adoption events, organizing outings for adoptable dogs, and transporting rescued dogs both locally and across state lines. She specializes in caring for challenging or hard-to-place dogs, such as those recovering from surgeries or severe neglect.  

Over time, her focus has expanded to participating in dog transports for multiple rescue groups across several states, in addition to fostering numerous dogs each year. In 2023 alone, she fostered 14 dogs for 7 different rescue groups spanning 4 states, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to animal rescue efforts. 

For your decade of service, we appreciate you, Amy, and all of the positive changes you have made!  

MICHAEL MCMILLAN

Quality Assurance Inspector Michael McMillan has been with GPI for over 2 years.  Although he originally chose Quality Assurance for the advancement opportunities, he found that he enjoys the problem-solving aspect as well.  A typical day for Michael involves “nonconforming parts with a couple of jokes sprinkled in”. 

Call The X Factor - Michael’s real talent lies in his ability to recite the alphabet forwards and backwards!  We all expect a live performance at the next awards ceremony!  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his kids, whom he says are about the same age as him mentally. Michael’s quips must keep his team laughing! 

Whether performing the important task of helping ensure that we are able to produce quality products or keeping the mood light with his co-workers, we are thankful for all Michael does for our GPI family. 

TONYA LITTLE

Lead Auditor Tonya little first began her career at GPI in 2003. She held positions building transfer pumps, then meters before leaving following the birth of her daughter. She returned in 2018, building pumps, but eventually moving to Quality Assurance in 2020. She took an auditor role for about six months before eventually moving to Lead Auditor, and most recently, Quality Assurance Lead. Tonya doesn’t believe there is anything “typical” about QA and that is her favorite part, as it keeps her from being bored. She has a particular interest in being quality-minded with GPI’s products because her family uses them! 

Tonya spends her free time following her kids and their sports. She is also a Friday night roller skater and enjoys traveling.   

Tonya’s dedication, positive attitude and hard work truly make a difference here at GPI and we can’t express how much we appreciate her! 

TIM ROZELL

GPI team member Tim Rozell has been at the company for five years. His primary duties are programming and running Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs) to check parts, checking machine shop parts and First Article Inspections for the machine shop and injection molding. In Tim’s position, it’s important to be able to prioritize when everything is important, be attentive to details and to be able to understand engineering drawings. 

Tim loves the fact that there is no “typical” day in Quality Assurance. He notes that GPI employees are very positive and have a team mentality, which makes for a great working environment.   

Thank you, Tim, for your outstanding contributions and for embodying the values that define our team. We look forward to many more years of your exceptional service! 

SARA OGDEN

Quality Control Inspector/CMM Programmer Sara Ogden’s typical day at GPI includes checking incoming parts to ensure they match drawings, checking for revision changes and material certifications, as well as first article inspections on newly acquired parts/vendors. When she is not busy with incoming parts, she is in the Machine Shop learning the portable CMM(Coordinate-Measuring Machine). 

Sara always wanted to be in Quality Assurance because she believes that quality is a must to be able to satisfy the customer. She believes (and we agree) that if GPI were to produce with bad parts, we would produce bad products as well or be required to shut down until we receive quality ones, so it’s very important she checks that the parts are good before they reach production. In this position, Sara believes that patience is a key trait; you must take time to check the parts and sometimes perform multiple tests with different gauges to ensure quality. 

Sara is a self-proclaimed open book, with a penchant for bathroom karaoke. In her free time she likes to go fishing, shooting and travel…and of course, shop! She participates in the Toy Run and helps out at the 40&8 in Cheney, which is a Veteran’s group.   

GPI wants to express my sincere gratitude to Sara for her outstanding dedication and hard work! 

EVA KING

Eva King has dedicated much of her career to Quality Assurance, having worked in the aircraft industry, the construction trade and with military contractors before joining GPI in 1998. Having raised three children while attending classes and working 6-7 days a week, GPI’s 40 hour work week was largely enticing.   

The Quality Assurance department has evolved since Eva originally started at GPI, when only two inspectors worked in all departments – primarily she tended to receiving, but she also dealt with assembly problems and machine shop inspections.   

Currently, Eva handles non-conforming products and materials, as well as UL inspections. Additionally, she checks parts, does stock checks and various other tasks.  While there is no such thing as a “typical day” in QA, Eva finds that when new things pop up – which they inevitably will – it keeps her job interesting.   

In her experience, Eva finds that because inspections are primarily dealing with mistakes, if mistakes upset someone, QA is probably not a good fit. In her words,  

The most effective inspectors I’ve encountered, minimize the cost & disruptions of mistakes by: 

• Employing tactics that prevent mistakes or ensure early detection.  

• Responding when people express concerns or point out problems. 

• Keeping the focus on the mistake, rather than the individuals involved. 

• Write concise descriptions of the discrepant material &/or assembly issue. 

GPI is truly fortunate to have Eva, with her vast knowledge and experience. 

In her free time, Eva has many “amateur hobbies” - furniture refinishing, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, jewelry making, sewing, quilting, genealogy research. She loves to spend time with her children and grandchildren, as well as reading.   

Eva King’s dedication to Quality Assurance, her extensive experience, and her ability to adapt to new challenges make her an invaluable asset to GPI. Thank you, Eva! 

GREG MADDOX

Leading GPI’s quality assurance team is Greg Maddox, director of quality, and team member with over 15 years of company experience. Responsible for the company’s Quality Management System (QMS), Greg manages a high performing team of 7, in addition to “3 awesome dudes in customer service repairs”. They perform a variety of tasks ranging from receiving, machine shop and in-process inspection to document control, internal audits and test equipment calibration.   

With a background in Quality Management with experience in Aerospace and Ethanol, Greg came to GPI when he noticed a slowdown in the Ethanol industry. GPI was a small, family-owned business in an industry unfamiliar to him, but they were focused on getting their ISO certification to gain more market share, which was a foundation for the company’s eventual ATEX/IECEx Certifications. Below, Greg shares what this certification means for customers and GPI: 

Without ISO 9001, most customers will not, or cannot purchase our product.  Having an internationally recognized ISO certified Quality Management System means the company is required to have critical, or core processes in place, documented, effective, continually improved and successfully audited by an accredited 3rd party. Externally, it improves customer satisfaction, credibility and image by instilling confidence in our customers and internally, creating a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement. Within my first 3 years, GPI earned our ISO 9001 certification on our Initial Assessment Audit in 2012 and have maintained and improved on it to this day! We at GPI treat ISO not as a piece of paper, but a way of life.

Greg believes that he has acquired several skillsets that allow him to be successful in his career: first and foremost, he has 20+ years of experience in a quality function including auditing. As an auditor, he knows what the output of a process should yield, which is ultimately customer satisfaction, stating, “If you aren’t satisfying your customers, then what are you doing??” He believes that the most important skillset of this position (and any other leadership position) is the ability to motivate, educate and empower your team…to provide them with resources and opportunities to become better both personally and professionally.  He stresses that a leader is only as good as their team. 

What might surprise you to learn about Greg? Well, his flowing locks probably give it away, but he has a previous career as a drummer – after high school for about 3 years, he was in a cover band with three friends and played at parties, dances – and a few dive bars.  When it became apparent that that fame wasn’t in the cards, he joined the Navy, where he spent 10 years. Four of those years were spent on a ship (USS Comstock LSD-45) and 6 in Naval Special Warfare Group 1 in Special Boat Team 12.  In SBT 12 Greg’s team was responsible for marine security, coastal patrol and getting SEAL teams to their objectives in boats ranging from 24’ and 33’ Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, 80’ MK V Special Operations Crafts, to 40’ High Speed cigarette boats. Hooyah! When deployed to Guam, Greg met his wife who was stationed there. They have three kids and have been married for almost 29 years! 

Causes close to Greg’s heart are: Folds of Honor, providing scholarships to the spouses and children of our fallen or disabled soldiers and Till Valhalla Project, a non-profit for Veteran suicide awareness and providing plaques to families of Veterans that have taken their own lives.   

In his free time, Greg likes spending time with his family, golfing, boating and drumming. In fact, he is particularly proud of his ability to drum along with Megadeath’s Sweating Bullets. We all better hope we are never have face off with Greg in a drum-off with money on the line!