Employee Spotlight: Rosalee Pierce, CCI-Speer

The number 13 gets a lot of hype for various reasons. It’s the first prime number. There are 13 ways in which the three fastest horses in a horse race can finish (allowing for ties). Some hotels are known to leave their 13th floor unmarked. And Friday the 13th brings superstitions, suspicions and shenanigans.

For Rosalee Pierce, Charger in Rimfire at CCI-Speer, 13 is a very special number, as she herself is the 13th in a family of seven boys and six girls.

Originally from Montana, Rosalee and her siblings look forward to their annual summer camping trip: an event left to plan by the baby of the family.

“Every year, I round up all the siblings and tell them where to be, and when,” she said. “We always meet at Racetrack Campground – where we camped as kids – and spend 10 days together.”

But this year will bring a different flavor, as one big element is changing. The location.

Rosalee is hosting at her property in Lewiston, Idaho. The property, located in the mountains just outside of Lewiston, is one of Rosalee’s biggest accomplishments, so she’s excited to share it with her entire family this July.

And anyone who has been lucky enough to stop by her residence knows she’s a great host.

“I love cooking and entertaining. People will commonly stop by, so I’m always sure to have extra food prepared to offer a meal to extra people – that’s what I enjoy,” she said.

Her specialty? Prime rib on the smoker, potato salad and homemade baked beans.

When she’s not exploring recipes, sauces and salads, Rosalee is usually exploring the property with her partner, Chris. Together, the couple enjoys hunting – enough to have a popular YouTube channel, Marksman’s Creed.

“We’re avid hunters. Our hunting and YouTube activities coincide well with the property,” she said. Rosalee says she most enjoys elk hunting but added that one of the biggest, most exciting ventures of her life included shooting her first bear on a hunt about six years ago.

Rosalee grew up hunting, so shooting has always been familiar to her, which is likely why she was drawn to CCI-Speer after driving by the facility as a new Lewiston resident nearly 20 years ago.

“The first time I traveled to Lewiston, I saw how beautiful it was, so I moved here,” she said. “I was driving down Snake River Avenue, saw an ammunition factory and said, ‘I really want to work there.’”

Rosalee had been in bar and restaurant management – quite the change from ammunition manufacturing – but she applied despite doubts she’d be hired.

“The job was totally different, but I wanted to get out of the service industry. I had no experience, so I was nervous to even apply,” she said. “It was a bonus that it was doing ammunition. I found it interesting and I’m thankful they hired me… and I still am!”

Rosalee started as an assembler and soon became a backup charger. She then shifted to working as a full-time charger and is responsible for filling the charge plates, making the pellets that go into the rimfire casing. She has been with the company for going on 17 years.

And it’s clear CCI-Speer is an environment she thrives in.

“There’s a saying I’ve always stuck with. I heard it at one of my first jobs during an employee meeting. I recall them saying ‘time is money.’ That phrase stuck, and it’s why I feel I do well in production – I always think: how many plates a minute to get what’s expected. If I get extra done, that’s a little extra money for the company. Time is money. It’s what I’ve always gone by – in any position I’ve ever had,” she said.

Rosalee said she loves working with her team. She described her coworkers as family, saying that everyone is team oriented, respectful and feels like family.

“We all work well together. We do everything as a team to reach our goals, including swinging to help other teams. It’s a good environment.”

Rosalee has carefully built a life she loves. It’s clear – despite being number 13 – she’s one of the lucky ones.

Fast Facts:

A day off with no obligations would include:

I would probably be at camp, chilling and fishing.

What do you feel is your best quality?

Honesty.

Something you’re most likely to buy in bulk?

Taco seasoning.

Most interesting job you’ve had?

The people and the different things I learn at CCI-Speer make this the most interesting job I’ve had. It’s a learning experience all the time. I can help other groups and as a more senior person, I enjoy learning how other people do the same job. I watch and I try their way. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t.

Least favorite candy?

I don’t have one. I love candy!

Best type of meat? How is it cooked?

Rib steaks – smoked.

Dog or cat lover?

Dog lover! We have two.

Worst injury?

I’ve sprained my toe. Other than that, I’ve never been hurt.

Favorite activity?

Elk Hunting.

If you could only use one condiment for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mayonnaise, so I can make salads and all kinds of stuff with it.

The best thing about working at CCI-Speer?

Everybody respects everybody. We are like a family here.

Winning behavior you relate to most?

Boundaryless teamwork. We’ve all worked well together. We do everything as a team to reach our goals. It’s a good environment.