Meet Sophan, Our Production Manager for Supply Chain Solutions

Sophan began working for Relay back in July of 2019 as a Production Lead for our Food Packaging team, and within a little over a month, due to its closure, moved over to Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), where she now is the Production Manager after promotion in May of this year.

Sophan’s Manager, DeeAnn Jurgens, CFO, says this about Sophan:  

Sophan’s leadership by example has developed deep trust and confidence across the SCS team. Sophan didn’t set out to get a manager title or ask for the additional responsibility, yet that is what I watched her do every day without being asked. She is always watching and moving as she works with the production team, filling in gaps, improving processes, helping to solve problems, looking for opportunities to learn, taking on systems projects, training others, and developing strong relationships with customers. Sophan demonstrated all of the characteristics of a good production manager and I am excited to support her in her new role.  

Here's our interview with Sophan:

How did you first learn about Relay, and what brought you here?  
As a kid I always loved Paris, France and the Eifel Tower and wanted to be a chef like my dad. He used to do a lot of catering. In fact, I ended up going to school to become a culinary chef as food has always been my thing! It was fun until I had my internship and then it was a rude awakening! Chefs yelling at you and working late nights – it was very hard! (Now I create at home and have good bonding time with my mom, as I create Cambodian dishes, with her hints as to how to make the dishes she remembers when she was young.) 

Before I came to Portland, I was living in Colorado, and with my background, I began as a Production Supervisor and then became one of the Quality Controllers for a food manufacturing company called Blue Moose of Boulder. They manufactured hummus, salsa, pesto, cheese dips, etcetera.  

What brought me here to the Pacific Northwest was the change of scenery and all the beautiful hiking trails. I was visiting one of my sisters-in-law (in 2018) and just fell in love with the area, and decided I wanted to live here one day.  

How did you start at Relay?  
I was hired at Relay in July of 2019 and began as the Production Lead in our Food Co-packing business, but after a month and a half, this business was shut down and I moved to SCS. In April of 2020, there was a change in management, and I got the opportunity to be a Production Supervisor. In June of 2021, my title changed to Production Logistics Supervisor. I did a lot of ordering for Danner boots, as I understood the product side of when things are going in and out. And then in May of this year I was promoted to Production Manager! 

What do you do in your new role, as SCS’s Production Manager?  
There are more responsibilities in this role. I am taking ownership of the production side and working with customers. And right now, I am managing about 18-20 people. I have not had a chance to step back and look at all that I do, but wow! I tend to put my head down and like to get the work done. I enjoy each employee here. I have a wonderful time getting to know them and their stories. My team has been great – they make me feel like I am meant to be here. Which is a great feeling to me.  

How did you learn about opportunities for professional development and promotion with Relay?  
DeeAnn gave me this opportunity. I was at first hesitant, as I am taking care of my mom, who suffers from mental illness and I thought taking on another big responsibility would be too much. It is hard to say no to DeeAnn – she has been an amazing mentor. And this is a wonderful opportunity to move forward in my career! Sometimes you need someone to push you. 

Growing up, I did not have a lot of confidence. I do not want to fail others, but I am still here after a few months, and I have not burned the place down! (Picture Sophan laughing here!) DeeAnn always had trust in me – having her support, I could not fail. She gave me the confidence to take on this new role! 

Do you have a favorite part of your job? 
My favorite thing about my job is working with the team, getting to know each of my team members, knowing their skills, and seeing them do things in ways that I would not think of doing and succeed in their work. They keep my day light and make me smile.  

Working with people with disabilities and other barriers has been amazing to me. I always have my mom in the back of my mind. With the trauma she has suffered and her illness, I know if my mom were able to work, Relay would give her that opportunity.  

I love Relay’s mission. I did not want a job where I clock in and out. Here, I am helping to make a difference.  

How did you learn about the opportunities for professional development and promotion with Relay?  
I heard about promotional opportunities from my managers, who pulled me aside. My experience and background fit these positions. I come from a background of production. I like to show my work and see the end results. I am a very hands-on person. 

Do you have advice for people who are wanting to work and grow in their position with Relay?  
My advice is to be yourself, be kind to one another, be kind to yourself, help where you can ... and challenge yourself.  

How would you describe the Culture of Love here at Relay?  
The culture at Relay is very accepting. I have worked at different companies where this has not been the case. This company has been very accepting. Here you are free to be who you are. You are accepted for who you are.