Intern Spotlight: Meet John Sullivan, Mr. Chain’s Summer Intern

At Mr. Chain, we take pride not only in the products we manufacture but in the people who help make them. This summer, we’ve had the pleasure of working with intern John Sullivan, whose energy, curiosity, and work ethic have made him a welcome part of our team. We sat down with John to learn more about his background, his experience at Mr. Chain, and what he’s taken away from his internship so far.

From Cadillac to Phoenix and Back Again

John Sullivan hails from Cadillac, Michigan, and currently studies elementary education at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona a whopping 30-hour drive from home. “I’m studying education, and specifically elementary education,” John shared. His journey to this field wasn’t a straight line. After an initial rough start at another college and a year off filled with odd jobs, John found his passion while working as a special education aide at his former high school. “I really enjoyed it,” he said, recalling his time supporting students and later working at a local daycare. These experiences led him to pursue teaching a decision encouraged by his mom and made possible when Grand Canyon University reached out to him with the right academic Program.

Outside the Classroom (and Factory)

When he’s not in school or on the job, John enjoys spending time with friends playing video games and board games. He even dives into tabletop battles with games like Warhammer 40k, revealing a creative and strategic side that might surprise those who only know him from the factory floor.

A Hands-On Role in Assembly

At Mr. Chain, John primarily works in the assembly department. “If they need people in production, I can, but usually I work in assembly,” he explained. He’s also stepped in to help in shipping during busy times, showing his flexibility and willingness to support wherever needed. Despite initial nerves about working where his father is also employed, John quickly found the environment to be welcoming. “Everyone was really nice,” he said. “The work isn’t too difficult, and it was much cleaner than I expected for working in a factory.” Having previously worked at a cast-iron factory, John noted the contrast in cleanliness and atmosphere.

Learning by Doing

One of the most interesting parts of the job for John has been discovering how plastic chain is made. “I learned more about how the injection molding process worked,” he said. He also found the welding process and the various types of plastic, especially the company’s new biodegradable chain, particularly intriguing.

Growth on and off the Floor

Beyond the technical skills, John’s internship has helped him grow in other ways. “I have gotten a lot better at managing more responsibility,” he noted, referencing tasks like overseeing quality control for certain parts. On a more personal note, he’s become more confident working with others, a big step for someone who identifies as an introvert. “Being able to fix my mistakes and move on rather than beating myself up about it has been good,” he added. Of course, John’s also developed some uniquely practical skills. “I’ve gotten a lot better with a tape gun,” he joked, a must-have skill in a busy assembly department.

Fueling the Day

When it comes to staying productive, John keeps it simple: “I listen to YouTube the whole time… it helps me kinda zone out while still being able to stay focused on my work.” And for lunch? A reliable routine of “2 ham and cheese sandwiches, some cashews, strawberries, and some cheese sticks” keeps him energized throughout the day.

Superhero Dreams

We couldn’t wrap up the interview without asking a fun question: if John were a superhero, what would his powers be? “I’ve thought of a lot of powers,” he admitted. From telepathy to telekinesis to super speed, John’s ideal powers all have one thing in common: convenience. “Really anything that would make my life more convenient,” he laughed. As for a superhero name? “I’m awful at naming things,” he confessed, a refreshingly humble answer from someone clearly capable of handling responsibility with creativity and care.

Thank You, John!

We’re grateful to have John on the Mr. Chain team this summer. His story is a reminder that growth comes from all kinds of experiences, both expected and unexpected, and that curiosity, adaptability, and a good sense of humor go a long way in the workplace.

Best of luck as you return to school, John, and thanks for all your hard work!