Meet Oren Rogers, a standout example of how hard work, passion, and hands-on learning can lead to a successful career in manufacturing!

A 2022 graduate of Heard County High School, Oren came highly recommended by his Construction and Automotive Pathway instructors—and Interface listened. He joined Interface right out of high school as a third shift Mechanic, a challenging role he tackled with grit and a strong desire to grow.

His dedication paid off: Oren was soon promoted to first shift, where he continues to thrive. His reputation has reached the highest levels of the company, with Interface’s Global Director of Engineering, Chris Duck, proudly saying: “Oren was a phenomenal hire! I wish we could clone him!”

Oren is currently pursuing his associate’s degree in Precision Manufacturing at West Georgia Technical College. While he enjoys working with both mechanical and electrical systems, his true passion lies in machining, where he thrives on mastering technical details and precision.

Known for his clear communication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence, Oren has become an invaluable member of the Interface team. He’s gaining hands-on experience and is eager to grow into more advanced maintenance roles, and his managers already see great potential in his future.

At Interface we’re proud to be part of the local community and to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals like Oren. With manufacturing operations in LaGrange and West Point, Interface leads in modular flooring solutions—from carpet tile and LVT to nora® rubber flooring and FLOR® area rugs.

As a global sustainability leader, Interface is committed to designing flooring with purpose and without compromise—delivering performance, design, and innovation while driving climate progress. We’re “all in” on becoming a restorative business, focusing on carbon reductions, not offsets, as we work toward our goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040.

As part of West GA Manufacturing Day at THINC, we’re honored to spotlight Oren’s journey—a powerful example of how local partnerships and career and technical education can open doors and build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

Interested in exploring career opportunities at Interface? Visit our Careers Page to learn more and see how you can start your journey.

Let’s celebrate the future of manufacturing—starting with outstanding young professionals like Oren Rogers!

Austin Hanner is one of many Fokker success stories!  As a member of our inaugural Student-to-Technician Program, Austin has become an invaluable team member and a shining example of what our program has to offer.  Austin was hired in 2022 as student to work part time as an Aviation Maintenance Technician, while also completing his senior year at Callaway High School.

In his own words, “Each shift I proved my dedication by showing up early, working safely, and tackling challenges with precision.  My supervisors noticed my work ethic and passion for the field, mentoring me and trusting me with more responsibility.”  And notice they did!

Upon graduation, Austin was offered a full time position here at Fokker and the start of his aviation career.  His hands-on experience paired with his confidence and can-do attitude, assure a bright future for this young man.

He was promoted to Senior Technician ahead of schedule and just before his 19^th birthday, making him the youngest Senior Technician in our organization!  His rapid advancement reflects both exceptional skill and dedication.  He is also on track to receive his Component Master Technician Certification and a promotion to Master Technician in the very near future, further underscoring his impressive trajectory and commitment to excellence.

Fokker Services is proud to collaborate with The Development Authority of LaGrange and WGTC to help make West GA Manufacturing Day a success!  Fokker Services has been recognized as the 2023-24 Troup County Business of the Year and the West Central Work Based Learning Partner of the Year for 2024-25.  As we continue to strive for excellence, our Student-to-Technician program is thriving!

Austin is a true attestment that mentorship and on-the-job training can pave the way for a bright and fulfilling professional career.  When asked who we’d like to feature as a Student Success Story, Austin was an easy choice.

I started at 18 working in an Industrial manufacturing facility, where I gained valuable skills and experience with large-scale equipment. During that year, I learned how to troubleshoot issues, make repairs on the fly and under pressure, to keep the machines running and support production. That experience gave me a solid foundation in both mechanical and electrical work and showed me how important it is to stay safe, calm, and focused when equipment goes down.

In May of this year, I joined the Mountville Mills crew. My supervisor, Cameron has been my friend ever since we started college when I was just 17, so working together and Having that trust and understanding from the start has made it easier to grow in my role, and it’s been motivating to have someone I know, push me to do better every day and have the faith that we keep in each other to depend on.

What I love about being a maintenance mechanic at Mountville Mills is the challenge. No two days are the same. I like being the guy who can role up his sleeves, figure it out, and get production running again. And honestly, there is no better feeling when a machine finally roars back to life.

Garrett Huckleberry is a recent graduate of Callaway High School and one of the students that helped Fokker Services prototype our Work Based Learning (Students-to-Technicians) program while working part time during his Senior Year. After graduation, he accepted a full-time position as a Technician on our Rotating Product Line team responsible for repairing and overhauling critical commercial aircraft components such as Starters, Air Cycle Machines, Hydraulic Pumps, etc. His dedication, eagerness to learn and professionalism let to promotion to Senior Technician, and he is on track to be promoted to Certified Master Technician in the not-too-distant future.

In Garrett’s own words, “My senior year I knew I wanted to get straight to work after high school. I decided to come to Fokker halfway through my senior year and it has been great so far.”

Fokker Services is proud to collaborate with The Development Authority of LaGrange and WGTC to help make West GA Manufacturing Day a success! Fokker Services has been recognized as the 2023-24 Troup County Business of the Year and the West Central Work Based Learning Partner of the Year for 2024-25. As we continue to strive for excellence, our student-to-Technician program is thriving!

Garrett is an exemplary example of how mentorship and on-the-job training can pave the way for a bright and fulfilling professional career. When asked who we’d like to feature as a Student Success Story, Garrett was an easy choice.

Riley Morgan has worked five years at Kia Georgia in the maintenance department. His career path began in high school when he discovered through a program at THINC Academy that he did not want to go to college to major in video design.

THINC College & Career Academy is a charter school in LaGrange that allows high school students to serve in career paths that reflect the business community. The five career paths include business and marketing, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), health and sports medicine, energy systems and mechatronics.

Morgan, decided on mechatronics, and once he acquired an internship at Kia Georgia, he never looked back.

“Before coming to Kia, I had no idea what manufacturing was,” he said. “In eighth grade I was focused on video game designs, but I realized when I got to high school that it probably wasn’t for me.”

Morgan said he wasn’t sure exactly what his niche would be until he came to Kia.

“I found a job where I like what I’m doing, which is engineering, robotics and mechanics,” he said. “Otherwise, I would have wasted more time and money on a major that I wouldn’t have loved as much”

Morgan has since received a degree in “Precision, Manufacturing and Maintenance” from West Georgia Technical College and continues to be a bright shining star at Kia and an example of how students don’t have to take a traditional path to earn a college degree.

“My hands-on experience couldn’t be taught in a lecture hall,” he said. “But it allowed me to choose a major that has brought me independence and financial success. I found out sooner than most of my peers that this is what I do best and what I’m good at.’’

Morgan has learned a skilled trade at Kia and the drive to keep learning on the job.

My experience began my senior year of high school. I am still employed at Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain, even after graduation.

My experience with this company has been like no other. Team members to Managers, I have made new relationships and bonds while learning new things. I have really enjoyed the mentoring and experience I have received while being allowed to make money. WBL learning and HTGP has prepared me for the real world! I love I did it and have no regrets.

My name is Brayden Bishop, and I’m a senior at Troup County High School. Through the Work-Based Learning program, I work at Hyundai Transys in the machining department. My experience here has been very positive, and I’ve truly felt welcomed as part of the team from the beginning. The environment has allowed me to grow, not only by learning important skills like teamwork, responsibility, and communication, but also by feeling supported along the way. The mentorship from my supervisors has made the biggest difference they’ve taken the time to guide me, encourage me, and show me the right way to approach my work. Their support has helped me grow both on the job and as a person. After graduation, I plan to attend trade school for welding, earn my certifications, and build a strong and successful career for myself.