Meet A.R.E.'s Summer Intern Kristen

A.R.E. recently hired two summer interns to travel the Midwest to visit A.R.E. Dealers and Truck Dealers. We recently did a quick Q&A with one of the interns, Kristen, to get to know her and to see how things were going.

Q: What College do you attend?
A: Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio

Q: What degree are you pursuing?
A: I started in Early Childhood Education, but am thinking about switching to Business.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I enjoy playing basketball, shopping, spending time with my family, going to the beach, and reading.

Q: Why did you pursure this internship?
A: It sounds like a great opportunity, plus it sounded like fun!

Q: How is it going so far?
A: It is going great so far. It’s been fun to travel and see cities I haven’t before. Working with my best friend definitely makes it fun; there’s never a dull moment. It’s been a great experience thus far. I love working with and meeting new people. We’re having success with promoting A.R.E and the local dealers. Almost all the truck dealers we work with are very willing to take all of our P.O.P items (catalogs, table top tents, static stickers, A.R.E sign) and overall everyone seems very pleased with A.R.E and the local dealers.

Q: What have you learned?
A: I think we’ve both had our eyes opened to many different types of people, especially coming from a small town like Sugarcreek, Ohio. We’ve had mostly pleasant visits with truck dealership but of course we’ve had our fair share of rude people. I’ve learned to be respectful no matter what and to not take things so personal. With all the driving we do I’m sure both of our driving skills have improved. I’ve also learned to not try to outsmart the GPS because it’s usually right and I’m usually wrong!!

Q: Any interesting stories from the road?
A: In Indianapolis something went wrong with our truck but luckily we were at a Chevy dealership where they could fix it. They had to keep the truck overnight and give us a ride back to the hotel. We happened to be in downtown Indy, right across from Circle Center Mall. We went to a movie and shopped the rest of that day, so it worked out just fine. Haha.

Q: Would you do this again?
A: YES!!!

Long Time A.R.E. Employee Fulfills Dream

Bob Cline’s first day with A.R.E. was March 28, 1994. His first assignment was installing the base trim on caps and covers in Final Assembly on afternoon shift. He spent the next seventeen years working in Final Assembly, Paint, Returns, Purchasing, Mold Design, Production, and Service Parts.

In 2000, he took advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement Program at A.R.E. and went back to school to work toward a business degree. Over time, he began to realize what he really wanted to do was become a fireman. He started asking questions, started volunteering at the local station and quickly realized that he was passionate about this goal. He started firefighter/paramedic schooling in 2003. He was 32 at the time. Bob is 40 now and finally landed his dream job as a fireman.

In a recent company newsletter, Bob said, “There is a lot I will miss, primarily the people; co-workers, dealers, and suppliers. There are many dealers who have been with A.R.E. much longer than I have. I've developed relationships with many of you and will miss working with you. Thank you for your business and the role you've played in making A.R.E. the leading cap and cover manufacturer in North America.”

Everyone at A.R.E. wishes Bob the best of luck. Congratulations on achieving your goal – and for your willingness to risk your well being to protect others!