Athena Manufacturing’s Front Office Strengthens Every Customer Experience
In contract manufacturing, it’s second nature to focus on the machines and production output. But behind every successful program and capability is a team that ensures everyone on the floor is supported.
The front office staff at Athena Manufacturing sets the foundation for everything that happens on the shop floor. What’s more, these dynamic professionals actively shape the company’s ability to scale and deliver for customers.
Workforce Development Starts with Strong Leadership
Strong workforce development requires leadership that is willing to rethink how talent is trained and retained. Athena has that in Michael Hernandez, our Director of Human Resources.
Michael has one of the more unique stories behind his path to Athena. He had over 22 years of experience in HR and recruiting within the Austin manufacturing market, but just before joining Athena, Michael briefly stepped away from the industry to pursue a completely different career path: hairdressing!
At the time, our leadership was in the process of giving Athena a makeover of its own, leveling up HR and workforce development. That’s when we first heard about Michael and the exciting ideas he had in his previous roles. Fast-forward a few months, and after presenting our vision to Michael, he made his return to the industry when he saw something different at Athena.
Since joining our team, Michael has been leading the charge in creating something he had long advocated for: structured internship and apprenticeship programs that offer people a real pathway into manufacturing careers. Additionally, he has helped expand our partnership with Elgin High School and develop a relationship with both Pflugerville High School and Round Rock High School. He has been integral to building a pipeline of future machinists and fabrication professionals at Athena and within our greater Austin community.
Michael’s award-winning impact
Michael’s work has already gained recognition across the industry. He was named a finalist for two awards at the ARMIES Manufacturing Awards and ultimately took home the prize for Ally in Workforce!
We couldn’t be more proud of Michael’s win, and we love having him on our team and making a serious impact in creating meaningful career paths in manufacturing.
First Impressions Are Everything
For 15 years, Jennifer (Jen) Daehnert was the first face people saw when they walked into our Austin, Texas, facilities. As the front desk administrator, Jen created an environment that was welcoming and positive, whether it was a customer visit, a supplier meeting, or a team member starting their first day.
Customers aren’t just evaluating capabilities when they visit our shop; they’re evaluating the people they’ll be partnering with. That first impression matters more than most people realize. In fact, it can set the tone for the entire partnership.
Retaining talent means adapting to life changes
When Jen relocated out of state, Athena didn’t want to risk losing such a strong team member. Instead, we adapted.
Jen was able to transition into a remote role within our finance department, continuing her career with the company with greater flexibility.
This reflects our broader philosophy at Athena Manufacturing: that we invest in our people for the long term and are willing to be creative in developing opportunities for growth.
What Our Strong Team Means for Athena’s Customers
At Athena Manufacturing, the impact of our front office team shows up in numerous ways:
Stronger hiring pipelines → Reduced risk of labor shortages
Structured training programs → More consistent quality on the floor
Positive customer interactions → Better communication and trust
Long-term employee retention → Stability across projects
Strong workforce development benefits more than just our internal company; it directly impacts our customer base by ensuring projects are supported by the strongest, most engaged professionals possible.
Athena Manufacturing: Built on People, Driven by Purpose
Whether it’s developing the next generation of skilled professionals or ensuring every customer interaction directly reflects our values, our front office team plays a critical role in delivering the consistent, reliable experience our customers expect.
If you’re looking for a manufacturing partner that prioritizes people as much as performance, contact us to learn how Athena Manufacturing can support your next project!