Leading By Example
As a family-owned company, Janicki is a place where opportunities often extend across generations. For Tony and his two children, Juan and Karissa, working here has become a family affair, with each building their own careers in different parts of the company.
Tony joined Janicki in 2010, starting in mold fabrication and working across a variety of production roles at several locations in Washington. With 15 years of manufacturing experience, he has contributed to many of the company’s key projects and continues to bring dedication and expertise to every role.
Among Tony’s favorite projects was laying up, infusing, and assembling the composite green roof on Building 9. Most recently, he transitioned to the core team, preparing and sanding core materials for aerospace parts. Now he walks by and admires his work each day.
Tony’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed at home. His children, Juan and Karissa, have since joined him at Janicki. “Our dad was always pushing us to come work here,” Juan said.
“I like working here, it’s a good company. That’s why I’ve got my kids working here,” Tony said.
Rising Through The Ranks
Juan was the first of Tony’s children to join the company. After graduating from high school in 2018, he took his dad’s advice and applied for a role at Janicki. He began on the swing shift at Highway 20, sweeping floors and cleaning the shops.
He then joined the maintenance crew on the day shift, where he learned HVAC before transferring to Hamilton. Over time, he worked through a variety of facilities maintenance roles and was recently promoted to lead, now overseeing all maintenance crews in Hamilton.
One of Juan’s favorite projects was helping build a bridge over Muddy Creek to support the construction of Building 12. With a tight deadline looming, Juan spent a weekend building the bridge alongside company president John Janicki.
“John was out there with his hard hat on, swinging a hammer, it was really cool working with the big boss,” Juan said.
A Fresh Start
The family’s newest addition, Karissa, joined Janicki in April. With a background in fast food and customer service, making a career change was a big step.
“I was getting out of my comfort zone applying here. I wasn’t sure what I could do career-wise at Janicki, but I showed up to a Hiring Fair, got the job and have enjoyed it ever since,” Karissa said.
She now works in the Building 9 Controlled Contamination Area (CCA), laying up aerospace parts in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.
“The parts I work on, they’re exciting to make and there’s always something new each day,” she said.
A Family Legacy
Although Karissa and Juan are paving their own paths, they are often reminded of their dad’s long legacy.
“Everyone knows me as Tony’s daughter,” Karissa said.
“A lot of people accidentally call me my dad’s name,” Juan said.
Reflecting on his career and the advice he’s given his children, Tony said,
“I told them to stay focused and do your work, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I’m so proud of my kids.”
Karissa and Tony commute together, and every Wednesday, Juan joins the family for dinner, enjoying home-cooked meals from their mom. Outside of work, Juan, Karissa and Tony spend time together and with their friends.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate Tony and the legacy he’s building at Janicki, both in his career and with his family.
Enjoying stories like this one? Don’t miss our 2025 Mother’s Day tribute—read it here.