What’s the most dynamic and daring club at LG Energy Solution Michigan? The answer lies with the Car Enthusiasts Club! Given LG Energy Solution’s ties to the automotive industry, it’s no surprise that this club’s activities are not only exhilarating but also beneficial to work-related insights. Let’s meet Derek, Frank, and Donald, whose incredible camaraderie and passion for cars are as fast-paced as the races they love!
(Derek Stelma, New Corporation HRD Team)
Hello, I’m Derek Stelma, a Training and Development Specialist II on the North America HR Development Task Force Team at LG Energy Solution Michigan.
Our company offers popular sports clubs, like tennis, volleyball, and golf. One day, I found myself wondering, ‘Why don’t we have a car club?’ because cars are so closely related to LG Energy Solution’s business of manufacturing batteries! I pitched the idea to the Business Support Team, and voilà – the Car Enthusiasts Club was born! Naturally, I became the club’s president as well.”
(Frank Gonzales, Cell Equipment Team)
Hi! I’m Frank Gonzales, a Cell Equipment Manager on the Formation Process Team at LG Energy Solution Michigan.
My love for cars started when I was young, thanks to my dad taking me to racetracks regularly. I’ve been hooked on racing ever since. So, when I heard a car club was forming at LG Energy Solution, I couldn’t resist joining!
(Donald Bostwick, Formation Department)
Hi! I’m Donald Bostwick, an Engineer II in the Production Part of the Activation Process Team.
Honestly, I wasn’t really into company clubs before. But, when I heard about this one, it felt like fate, so I joined right away, and it’s been about two months since I became a member.
(Derek Stelma, New Corporation HRD Team)
Our club organizes a variety of car-related activities. We go to racetracks to watch live races, visit automotive museums, and enjoy off-season activities like boat cruises or group dinners when outdoor events aren’t feasible.
One of the most unforgettable moments was visiting the 131 Motorsports Park, where Donald raced his own car on a quarter-mile (about 402 meters) straight racetrack. Now, Frank is gearing up to join the next race!
(Frank Gonzales, Cell Equipment Team)
The highlights of our club’s activities include participating in various car-related events. Recently, we joined the “Test & Tune” event, where members could test their own cars on the racing track to evaluate performance—it was incredibly educational and insightful!
(Donald Bostwick, Formation Department)
We not only participate in events like car shows and races but also spend time discussing everything about cars. These conversations are a great way to learn more about automotive technology while also getting to know each other better.
(Derek Stelma, New Corporation HRD Team)
Since our club members are from different departments, many of us didn’t know each other before. But through club activities, we’ve become closer and built great teamwork.
We’ve also deepened our knowledge about the automotive field—like how to build faster cars or why modified cars excel in actual races.
These club activities have provided valuable opportunities to naturally learn about different business areas, from production to operations, which can be great for the career development of the club members.
(Frank Gonzales, Cell Equipment Team)
The club allows us to meet colleagues from other departments and gain insights into how their processes work. This knowledge often comes in handy at work. Plus, just having conversations with people who share the same interests is incredibly enjoyable—it’s a great way to relieve stress!
(Donald Bostwick, Formation Department)
Through the club, I’ve built bonds and strengthened camaraderie with colleagues. It’s these relationships that I value the most when it comes to how this club benefits my professional life.
(Derek Stelma, New Corporation HRD Team)
To me, the club is ‘a great time shared with colleagues.’ It’s also an amazing place where I can pursue a lifelong interest since childhood.
Club activities allow you to connect with colleagues from different departments, improve teamwork, and learn about the roles and functions of various departments. If you’re looking to relieve stress while spending quality time with colleagues, I wholeheartedly recommend joining an in-house club!
Derek, Frank, and Donald demonstrate how shared passions can create lasting friendships and foster cross-departmental collaboration, which is truly inspiring. Stay tuned for the next Charging Moments story!
*Click and watch [Charging Moments] LG Energy Solution Employees Enjoy Racing?!