In Tony Fitzgerald’s 31-year career at Gentex, he has learned that change is inevitable.
“When I first started at Gentex, it was only one building and everyone pretty much knew each other,” he explained.
Now, the company has facilities around the world with more than 6,000 employees.
After graduating high school, Fitzgerald’s mother encouraged him to apply at Gentex. She was working in the company and thought he would enjoy it. He secured employment through a temporary staffing service in October 1994. One month later, he was hired full-time at Gentex and worked on the production floor.
After a year on the production floor, he transitioned to Preventative Maintenance on third shift. Six years later, he returned to first shift, stepping into a Maintenance role. He helped launch new lines and products, such as Glass Bending.
“I like working on equipment, solving problems, and keeping machines running,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald used the tuition reimbursement opportunity for the electrician apprenticeship and is now a self-directed employee. In addition, the stability of his job and the friendships he has made are what makes working at Gentex special to him.
“I would tell someone that Gentex is a good place whether you want a starter job, or a life-time career,” Fitzgerald said, “Whether you want to be on a production line for your 8 hours while listening to music or a book, or take advantage of the opportunity to go to college and move into a different department.”
As of 2026, Fitzgerald is enjoying a change of pace in Chemical Production Maintenance. When he first began in this area, he was faced with challenges he had never seen before with new machines and different labs. He loves the excitement of solving problems and facing learning curves he hasn’t seen in his previous jobs.
His job is to make sure the equipment works correctly and he maintains and repairs the machines that create the chemicals for production, prototype, and R&D.
Tony’s manager, Randy Elenbaas, says along with being a talented mechanic, his humility and honesty stand out the most. He appreciates how Fitzgerald builds trust and inspires teamwork, making everyone better around him. His contagious work ethic sets a high standard of performance and provides the motivation Gentex needs to continue moving forward.
“Tony knows where to go when other department resources are needed, like the toolroom or maintenance storage rooms. He works diligently, is curious, treats everyone well, and asks how he can help,” Elenbaas said. “All these characteristics fit well with the team and bring day-to-day positivity.”
Due to Fitzgerald’s long tenure, he makes everyone’s lives easier around him, strengthening cross-department collaboration and ensuring projects move forward smoothly. He makes a point to greet people with a smile and a wave and if he doesn’t know someone, he loves to introduce himself.
“I am appreciative that Gentex gave me the opportunity to take things apart and put them back together over the last 31 years,” Fitzgerald said. “This position I'm in right now is the best thing that has happened for me here at Gentex, I really like the team, the equipment I'm working with, and the friendships I’ve made here.”