TMH Employee Spotlight – Summer Edition

At Toyota Material Handling of Northern California, we only hire the best. Every TMH staff member is committed to doing whatever it takes to help customers, and today we’d like to introduce you to a few of the hardworking members of our team.

Erwin Kerol – Forklift Field Technician, Salinas
Total Industries employee since 2017

First job: Wendy’s fast food when I was 17.

How I got started as a service tech: I started as a service tech when I got my first car. Right after I graduated high school I got into drag racing. I started fixing and modding my own car.  I went to an automotive school to become an auto technician, and my hobby became a passion and eventually a career.

What I like about my job: the hands-on experience. I get to go out on the field and use my skills.

What It’s Like Working at TMH:  I’ve been an auto tech for a little over 15 years; working on forklifts is somewhat different but yet similar to cars. I’ve worked at different shops and different dealerships, and working at TMH is on top of my list. The work environment and the people I work with are just awesome. The benefits are great as well.

Favorite movie:  Gone in 60 Seconds
More about Erwin: In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and go to the beach. 

 Mild, Medium or Spicy? Medium and a little spicy.

Amber Zagar  – Service Writer, West Sacramento
Total Industries employee since 1997/2001

First job: My first job was actually in the material handling industry. I was in high school, the company was TMH, and the year was 1997.  I worked as an office assistant three hours a day after school at the original West Sacramento location. When TMH moved across the river into Sacramento, I had to leave because I didn’t have a driver’s license and couldn’t make the longer commute. I came back to TMH and started working full-time in 2001.

How I got started as a service writer: In 2010, I was working in Sacramento as the Service Billing Specialist and I transitioned into being a service writer.

What I like about my job: The people, the relationships, the satisfaction you get when you’ve helped a customer (external or internal). I really like finding solutions to “any-size” problems.

What It’s Like Working at TMH: Seeing all of the changes and growth at TMH from 2001 to 2018 has been incredible. I am proud to be a part of such a successful, high-class organization that truly cares about its customers and employees.

Favorite movie:  Charlotte’s Web (the original 1973 version)
More about Amber: I’m a mom and a huge baseball fan (GO YANKEES!!!).  Between taking care of my 17-month old and watching 162 Yankees games a year, that takes up most of my free time. When I do find an extra moment, I love researching my family genealogy and all that DNA stuff. I’ve even helped an adoptee with their own (birth) family tree. It’s super interesting stuff, with closets and skeletons! 

Mild, Medium or Spicy?  More on the spicy side, but with a hint of can I try some first??

Antonio Cruz – Parts Specialist/Service Writer, Fresno
Total Industries employee since 2012

First job: John’s Incredible Pizza here in Fresno

How I got started as a parts specialist:  I was hired by TMH as a shipping and receiving clerk. When a position in the parts department became available, I was offered the position and I accepted it.

What It’s Like Working at TMH:  I enjoy working for TMH  and I’ve learned so many things just in the last 6 years working here. Recently I’ve been able to apply what I learned from working in the parts department in my new role as a service writer. I like interacting with customers on a daily basis and helping customers find parts for an older lift. 

TMH is different because it’s a family-oriented place. Everyone is nice and easy to work with. When I wake up, I never complain about going to work, you can’t say that about many places! 

Favorite Movie: any of The Fast and the Furious movies
More about Antonio: In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family (wife and kids), whether that’s going out of town or playing video games with my two boys. 

Mild, Medium or Spicy?  Medium

Get to know our family. Read more TMH Employee Spotlights.

TMH is currently hiring Forklift Technicians to work in the field (West Sacramento, Livermore, Salinas and Fresno, CA) and Planned Maintenance Service Technicians. See our job openings website here.