OPPORTUNITIES

BUILT FOR YOU

The Center of Growth and Excellence supports employees through every stage of their chosen career path and helps them reach their full potential at Lexington.

Employees who are looking for opportunities to develop professionally can take advantage of courses to help them meet their goals. The program includes three academies: Grow, Rise and Lead. Within each academy, courses will educate, encourage, and support employees.

GETTING STARTED

To join the Center of Growth and Excellence, complete your Individual Development Plan (IDP) with your supervisor to identify skills you want to develop and then follow through on those plans with your supervisor’s approval.

All new hires will participate in Grow as part of their early training, giving them the critical tools needed to hit the ground running.
Participation in Rise and Lead are optional and open to all existing and new employees who are eager to learn.

“The best benefit was not just the skills I learned but learning about myself, who I want to be, and the impact I want to leave. I have always had people in my corner fighting for me and with me. If I needed help I always felt I had people to talk to. People that saw my drive, willingness to learn, and knew the potential I had even when I didn’t.”

Melissa Kraklau – Learning and Development Coordinator

Kraklau, Melissa (2)

The Academies: Grow, Rise, Lead

Grow

Setting you up to succeed, Grow gives you critical tools to help you hit the ground running. Within the first 90 days, every new Lexington employee will be guided through training that educates and empowers.
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Rise

Are you ready to Rise to the occasion? Every employee is welcome to take part in Rise. This academy provides Lexington employees with training that helps them rise to new challenges.
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Lead

Successful leadership requires the ability to learn, evolve and adapt. During the Lead phase, managers and future leaders will be given specific training to help them develop the skills required to succeed.
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2024 Training Calendar

All courses open to Rise, Grow, and Lead students.

January – March 

  • Individual Development Plan Training
  • Finance 101 
  • Emerging Leaders Kickoff
  • Lunch hour w/Liz
    • Developing Others
    • Executing Decisions
    • Self-Awareness

April – June 

  • Establishing Healthy Boundaries 
  • Microsoft Excel Basics 
  • Microsoft Excel Advanced
  • Leadership 2.0
  • Emerging Leaders Training
  • Lunch hour w/Liz 
    • Communications
    • Business Knowledge
    • Agility

July – September

  • Problem – Solving
  • Leadership 1.0
  • Performance Management & Measurement
  • Emerging Leaders Training
  • Lunch hour w/Liz 
    • Teambuilding
    • Critical Thinking
    • Individual Growth

October – December

  • Cultural Intelligence
  • Retirement Success
  • Microsoft Word Basics
  • Lunch hour w/Liz 
    • Teaching Others
    • Innovation
    • Making Connections

“Lexington has provided me with opportunities to attend a continuous improvement peer group with Manufacturers Alliance, project coach from Andersen, projects with Minnesota Enterprise, and other training courses.They fostered a culture of continuous learning and development by offering the courses and seminars, providing opportunities for growth.”

Danny Christianson – Continuous Improvement Specialist

Danny Christianson

A Few Words From Your Leadership Team

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Mike Dillon

President

About Mike

As the President of Lexington, I am honored to introduce myself to you all. I am Mike Dillon, and my journey with Lexington Manufacturing began nearly three decades ago, fresh out of college, where I specialized in Forest Products Production Management. Since then, I have had the privilege of assuming various roles within our organization.

I started my career as an operator on the Heien CNC in Coon Rapids. It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to understand our operations from the ground up. Throughout the years, Lexington has undergone remarkable growth, providing numerous opportunities for our dedicated workforce. Witnessing both our business and our people grow has been an exhilarating and fulfilling journey during my tenure at Lexington.

Presently, my primary responsibility as the company’s President is to assemble, train, and nurture the finest team of individuals. By doing so, we can ensure our continued growth and the creation of even more opportunities. Our ultimate mission is to empower our workforce, enabling them to excel and grow. I firmly believe that when we succeed in this endeavor, we can tackle any challenge and achieve all our goals.

At Lexington, we understand that our success as a business is intertwined with the success of our people. It is through their development and advancement that we can achieve greatness together. As we move forward, I am committed to fostering an environment that encourages learning, innovation, and collaboration.

I am grateful to be a part of this incredible journey, and I am excited about what the future holds for Lexington.

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Pat Chen

VP Of Human Resources

About Pat

I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but I’ve called Minnesota my home for as long as I can remember. I completed my undergraduate degree at St. Olaf College and earned my graduate degree from the University of Minnesota. For over 25 years, I’ve been living in Brooklyn Park with my amazing wife, Michelle. We have two grown children, Andrew and Katrina, as well as a lovable dog named Cody and a mischievous cat named Oreo.

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing golf, exploring new places through travel, cheering passionately for the Packers, and jamming out to classic tunes from the ’70s and ’80s, particularly the smooth sounds of “yacht rock.”

At Lexington, I’m honored to serve as the company’s HR leader. In this role, I oversee various people-focused functions, such as recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, engagement, company culture, and learning and development. Throughout my entire professional career, I’ve been dedicated to the field of HR, and it brings me great joy to support the success of our incredible employees.

Looking ahead, my primary goal is to contribute to Lexington’s future growth and success by supporting the personal and professional growth of each and every employee. I genuinely believe in the power of individual success and how it positively impacts the entire company. My team and I are here to provide support, guidance, and resources, ensuring that our employees find fulfillment and achieve their goals while staying connected to one another and our community.

Reflecting on my journey at Lexington, I must say that the “can do” spirit here is truly exceptional. The level of dedication, hard work, and pride exhibited by our employees is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Witnessing this incredible work ethic on a daily basis has left an indelible mark on my professional and personal life.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team, and I look forward to working together towards a future filled with growth, success, and shared achievements.

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Dylan Dimke

VP Sales & Marketing

About Dylan

Hey there! I’m Dylan Dimke, proud husband to Amanda and a loving dad to Calvin, Victoria, and our adorable baby girl #3. We’ve called Dayton home for three wonderful years, but our Lexington journey started five years ago in Baxter when I joined the incredible customer service department. Amanda is an amazing stay-at-home mom, cherishing every precious moment with our little ones. And speaking of our kiddos, Calvin is all about tractors, especially the John Deere ones, while Victoria is a fan of everything pink.

Now, let’s talk about my favorite hobbies: golfing, boating, and yard games. Oh, and did I mention golf? It’s my ultimate go-to for relaxation and endless fun!

At Lexington, my role as the VP of Sales/Marketing allows me to make a significant impact on our future growth and success. But let me tell you, it’s not just about numbers and figures for me. My true passion lies in creating opportunities for our incredible team. We have such a talented and ambitious group of individuals here at Lexington, and it’s my job to bring in new business that will provide the resources needed to invest back into our people. I want to see them thrive both personally and professionally, living their lives to the fullest.

Reflecting on my journey at Lexington, I can confidently say that it has shaped every aspect of my life. Lexington has been a part of my story since day one. I have fond memories of playing in the shop in Coon Rapids with my siblings on those Saturday mornings while Dad finished up work. And get this: nearly half of my 22 cousins have also worked at Lexington at some point! It’s a true family affair.

The experiences, relationships, and opportunities that Lexington has provided me are priceless. I am grateful for the sacrifices, risks, passion, and teamwork that define our Lexington family. And you know what? The best part is that our greatest years are yet to come! Together, there is nothing we can’t achieve. We’re ready to make a difference, and we’re excited about the journey ahead.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I look forward to connecting with all of you and working together to shape an even brighter future for Lexington!

Jeff Morin

Jeff Morin

VP Operations

About Jeff

Hi, I’m Jeff Morin, and I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the Lexington team for the past 1 ½ years. Prior to joining Lexington, I spent five years as the Vice President of Operations at a small contract manufacturer of precision sheet metal. With a solid background of 12 years in various manufacturing roles at Pentair/Hoffman in Anoka, I bring a wealth of expertise to my current position.

Originally from Massachusetts and Connecticut, I’ve called Minnesota my home since I was 15 years old. I’m happily married to my wonderful wife, Jill, and we have been blessed with two amazing daughters, Abbey, who is 24, and Olivia, who is 21. After residing in White Bear Lake for 16 years, we made a life-changing move to Afton four years ago and have been enjoying every moment of it.

When envisioning Lexington’s future, two key aspirations come to mind. Firstly, I am committed to helping our team grasp the concepts and benefits of Lean manufacturing. By implementing Lean principles, we can position Lexington ahead of our competitors. Secondly, my focus lies in transforming Lexington into the epitome of excellence across four crucial pillars: Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost. This dedication will pave the way for our pursuit of growth. With the remarkable customer base we serve, our exceptional sales team, and the strong leadership and ownership in place, I am confident in Lexington’s ability to expand, welcoming more individuals into the Lexington family.

Although my tenure at Lexington may be relatively short, I am genuinely thrilled to have been chosen to be part of this extraordinary team. Many companies claim that their people are their greatest assets, but few take tangible actions to back that up. At Lexington, however, we genuinely value our employees, and we are actively working on fostering an environment that provides increasing opportunities for everyone in the future.

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Jon Olson

Controller

About Jon

Hi there! I’m Jon Olson, the enthusiastic VP/Controller at Lexington. Since joining this incredible company in April 2023, I’ve had the privilege of managing the Finance, Accounting, and IT departments. With over 13 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, I bring a wealth of financial and accounting expertise to the table. But let me tell you, my role at Lexington is so much more than just crunching numbers.

At home, I’m a proud family man, living in Coon Rapids with my amazing wife, Katie, and our three lovely kids, Amelia, Arlo, and Axel. Lexington not only provides me with a fulfilling career, but it also allows me to balance my personal life and create cherished memories with my loved ones.

Looking ahead, I am genuinely excited about contributing to Lexington’s future growth and success. As our company continues to expand, my aim is to provide a clear vision for financial and non-financial reporting. I also strive to support innovative initiatives by leveraging new technology, enhancing efficiency across all levels of the business. Together, we can achieve great things!

Even though I’ve only been part of the Lexington family for a short time, I have already learned so much and experienced the dynamic nature of our products. Every day presents an opportunity to apply my past experiences, ensuring that Lexington moves forward with confidence. It’s an inspiring journey that keeps me motivated and engaged.

Our Values: 

TEAM

We are quietly confident in our individual abilities. We earn our success as a team.

OUR WORD

We do what we say; and we work to do what’s right.

PEOPLE

We believe relationships matter. We are committed to the well-being of all.

GROWTH

We will grow; as people, as a team and as a company.

CAN DO

We are resourceful and creative problem solvers who pursue excellence every day.

“Lexington has been instrumental in my career growth, providing me with diverse opportunities to learn and develop new skills. They recognized my potential and granted me the chance to explore different roles, showcasing their commitment to employee development and growth.”

Ashley Larson – Quality Assurance Engineer

Ashley Larson

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What learning programs are available to me?

We offer a wide range of exciting and impactful learning programs designed to help you excel in your career. From leadership development to technical skills training, we have something for everyone. Explore our diverse offerings and discover new avenues for growth and success!

2. How can I access and enroll in the training courses?

Enrolling in our training courses is simple and convenient. Login to KPA, click on forms and select the tab labeled CG&E. Here you can browse and select the course/s that interest you. With just a few clicks, you’ll be on your way to learning new skills!

3. Are there any costs associated with the programs?

Good news! We believe in investing in our employees’ growth, which is why our training programs are provided at no cost to you. We want to make learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone, ensuring you have every opportunity to thrive in your professional journey.

4. Do I have to take time off to attend a training course?

We understand that your time is valuable, and we strive to make our learning opportunities accessible to everyone. Our training sessions are typically scheduled during regular business hours. However, if you work an off shift, we encourage you to have a conversation with your manager. Together, you can explore options and create a schedule that accommodates your desire for training while ensuring the smooth operation of your work responsibilities. We believe in finding solutions that work for everyone, so you can enhance your skills without having to compromise your work-life balance.

5. Are there any prerequisites for certain programs?

We believe in creating inclusive learning opportunities for all. While some programs may have prerequisites or requirements, many of our courses are designed to accommodate individuals at different stages of their careers. Don’t worry—there’s something for everyone, regardless of your experience or background.

6. How will the training programs benefit me in my role?

Our training programs are carefully crafted to enhance your skills, knowledge, and performance in your current role. You’ll gain valuable insights, practical tools, and strategies that you can immediately apply to achieve greater success. Empower yourself with the skills you need to make a real impact!

7. Do I receive certifications for completing the programs?

Absolutely! Your achievements matter to us, and we want to celebrate your dedication to growth. Upon completing our training programs, you’ll receive certifications that validate your newly acquired skills. Additionally, we recognize and showcase the accomplishments of our employees, ensuring your hard work never goes unnoticed.

8. How can I provide feedback for improving the offerings?

Your feedback is invaluable to us! We encourage you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas for improving our learning and development offerings. You can easily provide feedback by reaching out to our Learning and Development team directly. Together, let’s shape a learning environment that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations!

“Lexington has fostered continuous improvement by always allowing people to ask questions or voice opportunities for improvement. They have worked to provide trainings and opportunities for people throughout the company to grow as they wish.”

Nicole Anderson – Director of Business Relations

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Questions?
Contact Melissa