Employee Spotlight: Samuel Landa

At Leavitt Machinery, our strength lies not only in our equipment but in the people who bring our values to life every day. One such individual is Samuel Landa, a Learning and Development Specialist who joined us in October 2022. Samuel’s journey with us is a testament to the power of community, continuous improvement, and the joy of learning—values that resonate deeply within our company culture.

Background & Journey: A Career Shift for Growth
Samuel's path to Leavitt Machinery was driven by a desire for growth and change. After years in the education sector as an AP teacher and Education Consultant, Samuel sought a role that offered upward mobility and a better work-life balance. In September 2022, he connected with our team, and within a day, he was welcomed on board. His transition from education to Learning and Development at Leavitt Machinery has been marked by significant milestones, particularly in Foundation and Sales training.

For Samuel, Foundation Training is more than just a program—it’s about community building. Over 230 people have gone through his training, forging strong professional and personal bonds. Samuel highlights the unique nature of each cohort, with participants ranging from branch admins to executives, all learning together and supporting each other. He is particularly grateful for the executives who participated in his program, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow alongside their colleagues.

In Sales Training, Samuel found validation when hiring managers and GMs began reaching out directly to collaborate on tailored curriculums. This level of trust and autonomy underscores the appreciation and confidence his colleagues have in his work.

Day-to-Day Life: A Dynamic and Fulfilling Routine
A typical day for Samuel involves teaching Foundation Training, preparing for upcoming sessions, and connecting with managers, trainers, and trainees. His work is diverse and dynamic, ranging from developing new training products to acting as a communication hub for current and past trainees. Among his proudest projects is the development of the internship program pilot, which has since flourished under his manager's leadership. He’s also proud of the segmented training plan for Lonestar Forklift, which allows trainees to learn locally and integrate with their branch seamlessly.

Samuel stays motivated by the people he works with, both within his team and across the company. The support he receives fuels his dedication, even on the toughest days.

Team Dynamics: Supportive, Dynamic, and Never-Dull
Samuel describes his team as “supportive, dynamic, and never-dull.” One of his most memorable moments at Leavitt Machinery was receiving a surprise video compilation of congratulations for his wedding, organized by his manager. This thoughtful gesture, involving colleagues from various departments, stands out as a highlight of his career.

His team supports his growth through collaboration, approachability, and coaching, helping him refine his techniques and continuously improve his work.

Professional Growth & Learning: A Continuous Journey
Leavitt Machinery has helped Samuel become a better communicator, presenter, and teacher. His growth is evident not only in his ability to teach but also in his empathy for new hires, having once been in their shoes. His learning journey includes gaining a deeper understanding of the equipment and brands Leavitt Machinery deals with, turning his initial unfamiliarity into expertise.

Company Culture & Values: The Importance of Continuous Improvement
For Samuel, the value of Continuous Improvement resonates most. It’s a principle that drives both his role and the broader company culture. The growing demand for training and the expansion of his Foundation Training cohorts reflect this commitment to improvement. The connections formed in his classes, which continue beyond the program, are a testament to the community spirit at Leavitt Machinery.

A Life Beyond Work!
Outside of work, Samuel is a proud dog owner and an avid reader. His downtime is spent with his energetic Jack Russell/Mini Poodle mix, Alfie, or delving into books like The Silk Road, a history of trade routes and civilizations. He’s also a fan of RPG and FPS video games, though he modestly claims not to be very good at them.

Looking Ahead: Ambitions for the Future
Looking to the future, Samuel aspires to lead a team of Learning and Development Specialists, covering Sales, Foundation Training, and Internship Training. His advice to newcomers is to be open to learning, embrace challenges, and, most importantly, be ready for some groan-inducing dad jokes during training!

Recruitment & Advice: Why Leavitt Machinery?
Samuel would recommend Leavitt Machinery as a great place to work without hesitation. He believes the essential qualities for new recruits are a desire to learn and an open mind. His advice to his younger self? Expect the unexpected, and know that technical difficulties on day one are normal. Samuel’s journey with Leavitt Machinery is one of growth, community, and continuous learning. We are proud to have him on our team and excited to see how his career continues to flourish.