10 Years at Prima: What I’ve Learned Along the Way
At Prima, we’re proud of the people who keep our operations running smoothly, day in and day out. Reaching a 10-year milestone is a big achievement, and today we’re celebrating Dom Cowell, one of our Production Shift Supervisors, who’s been part of the Prima family for a decade. From starting out on the line to leading a team, Dom has grown with the business — and we’ve grown stronger with him. Here, he shares a few reflections on the journey so far.
From the Production Line to Leading the Team: My Decade at Prima
It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since I first joined Prima. A lot has happened in that time — for me personally, and for the company — and hitting this milestone has made me reflect on just how far we’ve come.
Lessons That Stick
One of the moments that stands out (for all the wrong reasons!) is when I chopped my thumb off early on. As painful as that was, it taught me a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since: how important it is to stay alert and keep health and safety front of mind. That experience made me more aware of the environment we work in, and it’s shaped how I approach things as a leader.
Always Learning, Always Improving
Becoming a supervisor has been a big part of my journey. I’m someone who always wants to keep learning, and this role gives me the chance to grow every day — whether that’s tackling new tasks, solving problems on the fly, or helping the team stay on track. I’m proud of how we work together and the way the team runs now. It’s taken effort, but it’s worth it.
Over the years, I’ve seen Prima evolve a lot. When I started, things were very different — and seeing the company expand and operations shift has been exciting. There have been too many changes to count, really. But what’s always stood out to me is how people are supported to learn and move forward.
Setbacks, Mindset, and Moving Forward
That was definitely true for me when I was picked by my then-supervisor to train as a line tech. He took the time to teach me properly, and a lot of what I know today started there. Without his patience, I’m not sure I’d have got to where I am now.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges — especially during COVID. I took some time away and had to work through a few things, but when I came back, I felt different. In a good way. I was clearer about what I wanted and where I was heading. That shift in mindset has helped me step back into leadership and keep progressing.
For Anyone Just Starting Out
If I could give one bit of advice to anyone just starting out at Prima, it’s this: stick with it. It might feel tough at the beginning — long hours, steep learning curve — but if you hang in there and keep showing up, things do fall into place. There’s real opportunity here, and if you’re willing to put the effort in, people notice.
Looking Ahead
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come — and I’m excited for what’s next. I’ve still got plenty to learn and goals I want to hit, but for now, I’m just grateful to be part of something that’s moving forward, and to be doing work that matters with a team I trust.
