Meet Tim Champion, quality manager at the DRT Springfield plant. Learn more about his role at DRT and how his passion for challenging projects extends from the plant to his personal life.
Can you tell us about your work at DRT?
I’ve always believed in the saying, “find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That’s how I feel about my job and why I’ve been at the company for almost 28 years.
As quality manager, I oversee quality standards, guide our quality department and resolve issues across the plant. Every day is different for me, which I enjoy.
Share a little about your background and what brought you to DRT.
I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and joined the Marine Corps at 18 before transitioning to a powder company’s quality department. Eventually, I found my way to the Pinova plant in Brunswick, and three years ago, I relocated to DRT Springfield. I’m so impressed by our great team, who genuinely care about making a difference.
What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?
I’m very excited about future projects at the plant and the opportunities I’ve received here. I’m currently attending Leadership Effingham and have had the great pleasure of visiting many local businesses, as well as the fire department, hospitals and the sheriff’s department. I look forward to learning more about the community and graduating from the training.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?
My wife and I are empty nesters, so we decided to get a very active puppy named Prince, who takes up a good chunk of our free time. He really keeps us going.
Beyond that, I unplug from work by caring for my 75-gallon saltwater aquarium. Many details are going into it to ensure the ecosystem thrives. You’re not really taking care of the fish—you’re taking care of the saltwater, and the water then takes care of everything else. Like my work at the plant, it all comes down to quality.
