Drive Matters: From Enthusiastic Learner To Team Lead
Meet Josh Smolen, our Crown and Bridge Design Team Lead. Josh has been a valued team member here at Team Solutions Dental for four years.
Josh began his journey into the company with a background in retail, paid-off student loans, and an eagerness to find a new adventure.
He started as a Sand Blaster in our Finishing Work Center. Once he mastered that task, he expressed interest in learning more about different positions. After two months he transitioned into the Milling Work Center and then into Finishing. He quickly earned the attention of his supervisors and developed a reputation for having a strong work ethic and an unshakeable drive to learn and grow. It wasn’t long before the leadership team noticed that Josh also had impeccable attention to detail. Because of this, he was transitioned again - this time into Quality Control where his keen eye for detail would help ensure that our quality standards were being met and that we consistently delivered on those standards.
At Team Solutions, the leadership team does not hesitate to identify those who have leadership potential. Josh’s drive to learn more, his ability to quickly become competent in new areas, and his ability to use metrics to meet or exceed work center objectives caught the attention of the leadership team. Throughout Josh’s TSD career, he was supported and encouraged by his Team Lead, Keith Moody, and Co-Founder, Chad Holman to continue expanding his skills across various departments. Keith Moody was especially impressed by Josh's eagerness to learn which ultimately led to his emphatic endorsement of Josh's promotion. But that would be no easy task! Josh wasn’t entirely sure he wanted a leadership role. The question was posed several times throughout Josh’s career at TSD before he finally accepted the Finishing Team Lead title in September of 2021. In October of 2022, he accepted the position of Crown and Bridge Design Team Lead.
Under the guidance of TSD's President and Co-Founder, Jason DeFranco, Josh has emerged as a well-respected leader within the organization. Josh speaks highly of Jason DeFranco describing him as a “forward thinker with a wealth of knowledge.” Recently, Josh was invited by Mr. DeFranco to join a select team on a special project that promises to revolutionize digital dentistry. The members of this project, including Josh, are all thrilled to be part of such a groundbreaking endeavor.
For Josh, the most exciting part of his day includes puzzle-solving. As a Team Lead, he is able to put out fires and identify solutions to a variety of problems that may arise in his work center.
The Tables Turn..
As a Team Lead, Josh now finds himself in a position to watch for the next group of future TSD leaders. He intends to offer the same support that was given to him to those who wish to rise to the challenge.
A demand and constant hunger for forward motion and progress can be overwhelming for some. However, Josh says, “Just breathe.” Being part of a competitive and driven team can be challenging, but staying calm and focused is the key to achieving success.
Josh Smolen is an excellent example of how personal drive combined with an eagerness to learn and master new skills can result in achieving success. It’s also a great example of how Team Solutions recognizes and rewards those employees who are dedicated to growth - both for themselves and for the organization.