By Jessica Coz

At Awake, some of the most meaningful innovations come from the production floor.

That’s exactly the path that led Al to his new role as Quality Control Coordinator.

After about 15 months with the company as a Manufacturing Technician, Al has built a reputation for attention to detail, problem-solving, and a willingness to experiment until something works better. That mindset has already helped improve how we build some of our products.

From the Floor Up

One example? Our arched windows.

Originally produced in two pieces — the arch and the jambs — the process created seams in the finished product. Through trial and error, Al worked to develop a method to produce the entire window in one piece. The result: a cleaner look and a more refined finished product.

And he didn’t stop there. Even after hitting roadblocks with round windows, Al asked a simple question: Why? After experimenting with the machines, he successfully produced a full circular window in a single piece.

“It took some tricks,” he said, “but it came out really, really nice.”

That curiosity and persistence earned Al an internal Innovative Solutions Award — and helped position him for what came next.

Looking Ahead: Building Quality at Scale

As Awake continues to grow, so does the complexity of what we produce and the expectations of our customers.

“With growth, standardization becomes more difficult,” said Melchor, VP of Manufacturing. “Having dedicated quality control drives consistency and ensures our product meets the standards customers expect.”

From a service perspective, the need was just as clear. “We started seeing patterns and recurrences,” said Aaron, Service Coordinator. “We needed someone focused on getting ahead of problems before they reach the customer.”

As Quality Control Coordinator, Al will focus on compliance and quality assurance — connecting production and service, and helping both teams continue leveling up.

The Right Person for the Role

“The attention to detail Al brings is exactly what this role requires,” Melchor said. “He understands the level of quality our customers expect.”

Al has trained team members side by side to uphold that standard — and carried those expectations across departments.

Aaron echoed that sentiment: “Al was already doing this work before the role existed. He would flag issues proactively and never let something slide just because it wasn’t his responsibility.”

What Success Looks Like

While the role is new, the vision is clear: stronger systems, fewer recurrences, and better outcomes for customers.

“For service, this is a game changer,” Aaron said. “Success means faster resolution, and a better experience from day one.”

For Al, the focus is simple: improve the system, not just the symptom.

“Sometimes we hear, ‘Fix this,'” he said. “But the bigger question is: How do we keep it from happening again?”

Building Better Together

Roles like this are about connection coupled with compliance. By bridging the gap between production, service, and our customers, Al’s work will help ensure what happens on the floor aligns with what customers experience in the field.

And if his track record is any indication, he’ll approach it the same way he always has:

Ask questions. Try new things. Keep improving.