Five for five with Lynn Violette
Sep 18, 2024
"Math and science all the way! Just don’t ask me about spelling or grammar,” Lynn laughs as she answers our question about her interest in technology. As a child she dreamt about working for NASA or something in the space industry. Instead, the paper industry sparked her curiosity and for over 25 years now she’s been dedicating her knowledge to developing Valmet’s ThruAir® products.
Today she’s a team leader for Valmet’s Product Management group in Biddeford, Maine, USA. The role of ThruAir (TAD) product manager in Valmet's Air technology unit includes more than managing the product portfolio. Lynn and her team support customers from the sales phase through startup and commissioning for capital and service projects related to TADs. They also work on development projects including managing our products' intellectual property.
1. What is the biggest challenge in your role?
We are a small team trying to accommodate our customers in the best way that we can. With busy schedules we are often booked for site support several months out. We always want to help our customers succeed so we try to provide phone or email support if a site visit is not possible due to short request times.
2. What do you like the most about your role?
I work with some really great people. It’s amazing how many people in Valmet Biddeford have over 20 years with the company. That says something.
3. What do you like to do when you are not working?
I like being outside whether it’s watching my kids do sports, a walk on the beach (even in the winter), hiking or sitting in my kayak. I also enjoy traveling with my two best friends. Our latest trip was to Quebec City in November to visit the outside Christmas market. And let’s not forget good wine.
4. You enjoy traveling, is there a special travel memory you can share with us?
My favorite vacation was one I took in 2018 with my parents. I was born in the Azores, and we returned to the US when I was an infant, so I never knew much about it. My parents always talked to me about visiting the island again and we finally made that happen. I’m glad we made the trip happen as a family as they had so much to share. We even looked up a couple of people they knew so many years ago.
5. If someone wanted to start getting to know you, what’s a good topic to start with?
I have recently been asking new people I meet what their career is, in hopes of educating my teenage boys on all the different career options that exist and helping them find their path in life. So, tell me about your job, education and the path you took to get there. There are so many amazing stories to share with our kids.
“Five for five” with the Nonwovens Team
The Valmet nonwovens team members hold various positions and are located across the world. In this series we welcome you to get to know five of our colleagues by reading their answers to five quick questions.