Jay Tessmer: Celebrating a Steady and Dedicated 25 Year Career at Deco Products Company

The fire, the vote, the triumph — when it happens, Decorah News shows up. Support us being there. DECORAH — Jay Tessmer began his journey with Deco Products in September 2000, starting on first shift in the Fast Lock Department—now known as Secondary Assembly. He was trained by a department lead who helped him get off to a strong start. When production slowed, Jay's manager asked if he would consider becoming a Stock Chaser. He gladly stepped up, and that willingness to help soon became a hallmark of his career. Whenever the Quality or Maintenance teams needed support, Jay volunteered without hesitation. As he put it, "I was the backup of the backup for Quality Inspector—and when needed, I helped Maintenance build tables, carts, and shelves for storage and other department needs." Throughout his years at Deco, Jay's adaptability led him through a variety of roles, including: Fast Lock Assembly Department Assisting the Shipping Department Serving as a Certified Auditor in the Quality Department Supporting Process Engineering with various projects When Deco established the Continuous Improvement Department, Jay was selected to work with the department's leadership. He later moved into the role of Shipping Supervisor, which he held until the COVID pandemic in 2020. At that point, he chose to return to the Stock Chaser role before eventually transitioning to his final position as Quality Inspector, where he continued to make a meaningful impact. Reflecting on his time at Deco, Jay describes it as a great place to work. As a single father of two young children, he appreciated the company's flexibility. Deco's family-oriented culture allowed him to attend school events and ensured he always had support from his managers. Jay also offers this advice to new employees who want to grow with the company: "Be an asset to the company. First, put yourself out there—if someone asks you to do something, do it! The more you do, the broader your visibility. Second, volunteer to be an Auditor; you'll learn how all departments operate, what matters to each, and what their role is to the company. Added bonus: everyone will get to know you." After more than 25 years of dedication, Deco will deeply miss Jay's positive spirit, adaptability, and unwavering work ethic. The company is grateful for everything he has contributed and wishes him joy, peace, and well-earned relaxation in his retirement. As for what's next, Jay looks forward to enjoying the quiet of his home in the woods—spending his days in pure, uninterrupted bliss. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.