The Cast ... the leadership

This is interesting. There are many, many people in this story.

1st. My Zone Leader; the T/L, let's call him: NK
Early 40's. 5'10", dark hair, fit, broad shouldered, small scar on his chin. Usually clean shaven.
NK reminds me of the quintessential combat seargent in a combat movie. If he wore a helmet it would be sitting sideways on his head with the straps un-buckled. He supports his platoon (zone) patrolling, keeping in touch over the radio, making sure everyone has what they need to do their job. No nonsense. Quick with a joke, barks orders when needed. Listens to everyone. Only time I've ever seen him smile is when he's cutting some crude joke about one of the other guys in the zone who are goofing off. Pretty sure he wishes I would evaporate back to the office. NK does a really good job running his zone. His associates respect him, he's seen as fair, compassionate when required, cool under fire.

Guest "sub" T/L; EG
EG is older than NK ... mid-50's. Clean shaven, 5'9", lean, wiry build with a "Klinger" nose. EG is the guy who knows how to help everyone do their job. EG was posted into the zone from some other deparment about a year ago. He knows everyone by 1st name. He can joke with them all. EG is a non-stop talker-joker. Capable, experienced, nice-guy. Doesn't want to be the boss ... quite happy being the run-around problem solver, extra guy on the line who can fill in if someone has to take a washroom brake.

"sub-sub" T/L; NB
MB... like a junior NK. Maybe 5 years younger. Same build, light brown hair, moustache. Quieter than NK or EG. I think he has an injury cause I've never seen him lift either of his hands above his shoulder. Capable, efficient. Runs the "sub-area" in the back where I unload trucks and other associates do some sub assembly on front-end components before the entire part is then put back onto another cart and pulled up to the line. MB doesn't make conversation, works quietly in the background making sure his "sub" area is on track and up to speed.

All the other 15 or 18 associates are "just associates". Doing a job, their process, as directed. There are a few standouts;

CM
Nice guy. Good trainer. 5'7". Average build, clean shaven. Early 50's. Taught me the most efficient way to do some of my processes. Doesn't gripe, quiet.

EP
Tall, over 6'2". Dark hair, broad shouldered, clean shaven. EP can step in to many different roles as a trainer, extra worker, tow-motor driver. Quiet but quick with a joke.

EM
Another nice guy. 5'9", average build, easy smile, clean shaven. EM knows all of his processes very well. Efficient... doesn't expend extra energy unless something is awry. Likes to talk, swap jokes and curses with just about anyone who will listen.

EJ
Tall, over 6'4". Bearded, scruffy salt & pepper, average build, kind of stooped over ... leaning forward. Has a bit of a drawl in his speech that makes you think he doesn't know much. In reality he knows a lot. Clear thinking, problem solving ... walks fast on the way out the door. Doesn't smile much.

AL
Nice lady. Early 40's, 5'6", longer dark hair, capable, no-nonsense ... only swears when something is going wrong. Good trainer.

AA
Interesting lady, late 30's. Reddish brown shoulder length hair. Always quick with a smile. Very expressive, always joking and cursing with the guys. Knows how to do her job.

TK
Young, very early 30's, 6' tall, lean, broad shouldered, long blonde hair - in a pony tail. Nice guy - hard working, likes to joke around.

NB
Young again, maybe 29. Slim build, short dark hair, 5'7". Always moving.

There are many others ... I haven't worked with them all. As a group they are professional, generally respectful and courteous to me ... they encourage me and always thank me for my help. Nice people.