When Kendrick Whelsky first walked through the doors of Oswego Industries. Inc, he had never touched a sewing machine. A year and some change later, he’s not only mastered the craft—thanks to the patience of coworkers like Gloria and Wendy—but has become a vital part of a team that feels more like a family than a factory.
Originally hired as a “sewer,” Kendrick quickly became a utility player, helping with everything from cutting and stickering to cleaning and water dispenser maintenance. “I do a little bit of everything,” he says with a smile. “Whatever someone needs help with, I’m there.”
His journey wasn’t without challenges. Sewing, a completely new skill for him, nearly cost him the job—until a breakthrough moment on the last day of his two-week trial period. “Thanks to Gloria… if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t even be here anymore,” Kendrick reflects. Her belief in him gave him the motivation to push through.
“We don’t send it out unless it’s absolutely perfect.”
— Kendrick Whelsky
That attention to detail is something Kendrick takes seriously. Whether it’s coveralls or belts destined for military personnel, he understands the stakes. “If you miss one or two stitches, that could fall apart on them,” he says. “We’re very particular. If it’s wrong, we take it apart and fix it.”
But it’s not all work and no play. Kendrick and his coworkers share jokes, support each other through tough days, and celebrate small wins. “It’s like having a bunch of aunts and grandmas,” he laughs. “We bring each other up when we’re down.”
Looking ahead, Kendrick is excited about learning new skills—like operating the new cutting machine—and mentoring others. “I hope I’m able to work here as long as possible,” he says. “I just want to see where I keep growing to, what impact I can have on helping the company grow, what people I can help, and who I can learn from.”