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One person, one lifetime, one craft, wholeheartedly creating a good door — Exclusive interview with Qianchuan wooden door craftsman Gao Shiquan

　　The foundation of Germany's manufacturing industry is their proud apprenticeship system, where a person starts learning a craft in their teens, obtains a nationally recognized qualification upon completion, and then dedicates decades to the same craft, striving for perfection. In factory workshops, it is common to see workers in their fifties diligently working on assembly lines. These individuals devote their entire lives to a single part of a craft, and their experience is a tremendous asset to the industry's development and progress. This is the so-called spirit of craftsmanship.

　　— Preface

　　In China, no manufacturing company lacks workers, but those craftsmen who can persist in the same craft for decades are not necessarily many. Manufacturing companies like Qianchuan Wooden Doors, which have stood at the forefront of the industry for over 30 years and are developing healthily with vigor, owe their success to a group of skilled and solid craftsmen and masters. They have created this brilliant scene. The 30 years of ups and downs represent the hard work and struggle of two generations. In the workshops, it is common to see masters around 50 years old busy at their posts, focused on their work. They are individual workers engaged in individual crafts, but they emphasize coordination. The transition between one process and the next is closely linked, complementing each other to create fine products. These dynamic production scenes resemble exquisite paintings.

　　Gao Shiquan, team leader of the woodworking department's line molding group, is one of the characters in this dynamic picture, like a figure in the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painting, but more importantly, one of the key figures at Qianchuan Wooden Doors: a professional and experienced old carpenter.

　　Born in Lushan, Ya'an, in the late 1960s, Gao Shiquan started learning woodworking at 17, joined Qianchuan at 32, and has steadfastly held his position for 16 years, dedicating his life to the craft of woodworking.

　　Decades of consistent dedication, striving for excellence, mastering one craft throughout life.

　　The 16 years he has been involved are a crucial part of Qianchuan Wooden Doors' development. Here, he has left not only sweat and effort but also touching stories.

　　In the company's eyes, Gao Shiquan is "a veteran employee who has left his mark in every corner of the workshop. Yet years of work have not diminished his passion; during production, he always combines practical materials to offer reasonable suggestions." (Reason for selection as an outstanding employee in 2015)

　　When the reporter saw Master Gao in the workshop, he was sitting at a table, holding a pen, writing and drawing on the production plan, occasionally thinking. Approaching him, he did not notice anyone coming, focused on his work. When softly called, "Master Gao, are you busy?" he shyly smiled and said he was reviewing the list and preparing materials, and would be done soon.

　　Regarding material preparation, it directly relates to the company's use of raw materials. Conservation and rational use have always been Master Gao's principles—saving but not cutting corners. "In the workshop, I often tell my team and colleagues that we must be dedicated to making products and maximize the reasonable use of raw materials. The company’s interests are our interests; only when the company develops well can we have personal development prospects."

　　He firmly believes employees have a responsibility to consider the company's long-term interests, feeling uneasy about wasting materials: "If one person wastes one yuan of material daily, with so many employees at Qianchuan, how much would be wasted in a year? And in ten years?" He calculates this material account clearly in his mind and constantly holds himself and his team to standards of conservation.

　　In the eyes of leadership, Gao Shiquan is "steadfast and serious, capable of handling tasks independently, and we can be 100% confident in the work assigned to him." (Technical Director Zhang Shaoming's evaluation)

　　A person's value comes from others' honest evaluations and recognition of their work.

　　For Gao Shiquan, having his work recognized by leaders and his products appreciated by customers is a great honor and value.

　　In conversation, he repeatedly emphasized, "As long as you focus on one profession and study diligently, nothing is particularly complicated. Only with dedication and effort can you talk about gains." This is one reason he has persisted at Qianchuan for 16 years. He believes that no matter where you are, only by doing your job well can you earn others' respect and affection, which brings inner calm and comfort.

　　From the start of learning the craft, he showed a pure love for woodworking, a focus that has continued throughout his entire craftsmanship career. Therefore, company leaders are willing to entrust him with important tasks.

　　In recent years, as the company has strengthened its engineering sector, more samples need to be completed quickly; new product development and sample door production are also major challenges; plus, Qianchuan's customized products are increasing, posing even greater challenges for workshop technicians. Many unknowns exist, involving new technologies, materials, and processes. A large part of Gao Shiquan's work is completing these special-shaped moldings and door caps from start to finish—preparing materials, confirming styles, assembling, sanding, completing the entire raw blank process, and smoothly handing over to the painting department for the next step. He says, "Although I face many firsts and challenges at work, when the project wins the bid and the product is recognized, a sense of pride naturally makes me forget those difficulties."

　　In the eyes of colleagues, Gao Shiquan is "technically strong, solid foundation, helpful, a very good cooperative coworker and master..."

　　Since joining the company in 2000, he has always been in the woodworking department's line molding group, serving as team leader for many years and has been recognized as an outstanding employee for five consecutive years. However, he is very low-key and never uses his seniority to suppress new employees. Over the years, through apprenticeship-style mentoring, he has cultivated a large number of skilled young workers for the company, providing guidance and help. As he always emphasizes, "Be high-profile in work, low-profile in life."

　　He is even more uncompromising about product quality. The company demands high standards, so he must strictly require himself. "We must learn to think from the customer's perspective. When consumers buy your product and are satisfied, we can be satisfied; if customers are not satisfied, what we make is worthless." He has full confidence in Qianchuan's products: "From the heart, our product materials are excellent, the processes are in place, and we pursue perfection in sanding and painting. The appearance is also quite classic."

　　With rapid technological development and ever-changing product technology, Gao Shiquan says he has learned a lot at Qianchuan over the years. He knows that only continuous learning can prevent falling behind and being abandoned by the times. When he doesn't understand something, he promptly consults and communicates with the technical department. If there are unreasonable situations, he also offers suggestions. Sometimes there are repeated trials, but he thinks it is worthwhile. "Sometimes, when facing complex problems, I can't sleep at night, constantly thinking and seeking solutions. Only when the problem is effectively solved can I sleep peacefully."

　　For his colleagues and partners, he often teaches with the experience and qualifications of a seasoned person. He frequently shares and communicates with his coworkers, saying, "We are gathered here by fate, and everyone should take doing a good job as the primary goal." After 16 years of dedication, he will continue. Now, his daughter Gao Xue has also joined the Qianchuan family.

　　In his daughter's eyes, Gao Shiquan is "a good father who is honest, kind, and has a simple and sincere personality. He has the quietness and simplicity of a carpenter, neither arrogant nor impatient, busy but not chaotic."

　　Gao Xue, who works in the dispatch department, naturally has high praise for her father.

　　"I have a good father who is honest, kind, and has a simple and sincere personality. He usually speaks little and is not good at expressing himself, but he always silently gives us the best. As a carpenter, he has the quietness and simplicity of a craftsman, neither arrogant nor impatient, busy but not chaotic. He is diligent and responsible in his work.

　　He loves his job. Since I can remember, he has been working at the company, persisting in his current position for more than ten years. I really admire his spirit of perseverance from beginning to end, which is something we should learn from.

　　I still remember, two years ago when I first started working at the company, I was very uncomfortable with the work environment. During that time, I complained to my father every day, but one sentence from him enlightened me. He said, "If you can't change the environment, then you have to work hard to adapt to it." Because of his words, I have persisted until now.

　　I believe my father will continue to stick to his current position, and I will also continue to work hard to do well in my future work. As long as you put in effort, you will reap rewards. Let's contribute a little strength to the company together."

　　This simple dialogue lets us see the spirit and temperament of the Qianchuan people, and their deep affection and love for Qianchuan.

　　Conclusion: A person's life should be lived like this: whenever he looks back on the past, he will not regret having done nothing, nor will he be ashamed of having wasted his years... The most classic quote from Ostrovsky's "How the Steel Was Tempered."

　　For Gao Shiquan, how wooden doors are made is a lifelong pursuit. "When I am old and look back on what I have done at Qianchuan, on the products I have made that have brought happiness to thousands of families, I feel not only satisfied but more proud. On this long journey, looking back on my life, I can say without hesitation: I have not lived in vain!"