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July 26, 2023
FOND DU LAC – When Mercury Marine isn’t building what they describe as the best outboard/inboard engines in the market, the Fond du Lac-headquartered company is encouraging its employees to give back.
Mercury’s Creative Design Manager Jon Erlien is an example of that.
Erlien, who moved to the Sheboygan area as a teen, is celebrating 10 years with the company this September – spending most, if not all of it, giving back to the community.
“I moved to Sheboygan when I was 13,” the 43-year-old said. “I’ve been in the Sheboygan area ever since.”
Erlien said he feels fortunate to work for such a great company in Mercury.
“Mercury is great to work for,” he said. “I’ve been lucky to work with some of the hardest working, smartest and most passionate people I’ve ever met. Those three qualities make me push the boundaries of what’s possible – there’s a good support system at Mercury.”
Erlien said leaders at Mercury have always encouraged him to “go after my intuitions.”
“It’s allowed me to have a voice, bring through some ideas and see them through – from concept to completion,” he said. “The opportunity for growth and to have a voice for my passions – around the creative area – has been greatly appreciated.”
Shadowing high school students
Recently, Erlien volunteered his expertise to a handful of Fond du Lac High School students through its job shadow program – which provides high school students an opportunity to learn about occupations or professions to see if it’s a good fit.
“Mercury is a great neighbor to the community of Fond du Lac,” he said. “There’s a relationship with the high school and the professionals at Mercury.”
Erlien said an individual from the high school contacted Mercury’s human resources department asking for a favor – and things took off from there.
“They said, ‘We have a group of young adults here who are interested in graphic design,’” he said. “They were wondering if anyone from Mercury was willing to come and chat with these young minds and give some perspective to their career path.”
Erlien said it was a “no-brainer” decision to volunteer his time.
Jon Erlien
“I love to lead and inspire where I can,” he said. “(The job shadow speech) was during one morning when I set aside a few hours – it was a great time.”
Erlien said he tried “laying the foundation” with the five young adults he spoke with.
“There’s so much a person can do with graphic design, and I tried to fill them in on the endless career path possibilities,” he said.
Erlien said it doesn’t matter the size of the group he speaks with.
“If I’m in a room with 1,000 people and I inspire one of them, that’s awesome,” he said. “I ladder it up to, I wish I had an individual who came and spoke to me and gave me some real-world perspective on things. I want to provide good advice. It’s an overwhelming time for many of these students.”
Erlien said the support system he received after finishing school is what he wished he had in high school.
“Once I got into the graphic design field, I had individuals who nurtured me, shaped me and gave me a good perspective,” he said. “I want to provide that for others.”
Giving back in other ways
Aside from his career at Mercury, Erlien owns a photography business – Jon Erlien Photo, which focuses on professional headshots, personal branding and commercial photography services.
Having his own business, Erlien said, affords him the opportunity to give back in different ways.
“It also allows me to gain experience providing guidance to others based on my own successes and failures,” he said. “I like to – and don’t mind – work with other photographers one-on-one, whether it’s about lighting or general photography.”
Erlien said he enjoys being a mentor and guide.
“I’m passionate about helping everyone,” he said. “I’m always looking to learn more about my field of work, so I learn from others, too – learning never stops.”
Erlien said he also likes owning a business because “it helps me perfect my craft at Mercury.”
“Practice makes perfect,” he said. “When I’m called upon at work and asked, ‘Hey, can you go photograph Mercury leadership,’ it can be nerve-racking, but it’s about my confidence and skills to get the job done. I think people appreciate the level of effort I put in.”
Life is busy
With a career, social life and family obligations, Erlien said giving back – and finding the time to do so – isn’t always easy.
“Giving back is a core value of mine,” he said. “I’m one of those people who understand that the people who took the time to help and guide me made me who I am today. Knowing that, I want to do the same for others. You have to find the balance.”
