About Je Nor
Some people have a knack! Their abilities span
the full range of human endeavor and may include, for example
an extraordinary ability to add a column of numbers quickly, solve
a puzzle in record time or write beautiful musical compositions.
The rest of us may find such astonishing skills hard to comprehend
but those blessed with the "gift" are often equally
amazed that their accomplishments are considered remarkable.
“Jesus Martinez approaches engineering problems with no nonsense, practical solutions accompanied by a gentle laugh”
 | | Jesus Martinez has such a gift. He approaches
engineering problems which confound the experts with no nonsense,
practical solutions accompanied by a gentle laugh and the explanation
that "it's simple." For instance, recently his company,
Je Nor, was asked to package a watch which combined a timepiece
with an altimeter. Useful for skiers, hikers and other concerned
with altitude, the watch failed to perform accurately and top
engineers were baffled. Jesus briefly studied the circuits and
with a minor adjustment solved the problem. |
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An immigrant to the United States from
Mexico in 1981, Jesus came with a limited
background in electronics and mechanics and was
unable to converse in English. He found a job in
Union City as a machinist making bicycle seats.
Each machinist at the shop was able to manufacture
25 units during an eight-hour shift. Jesus watched
the process and posed questions to the owner. Why
not alter the method and increase quality and productivity?
The business owner was doubtful, but let Jesus
try. As a result of Jesus' suggestions, the shop
quickly converted to a new system and each employee
was soon producing more than 400 units in the same
eight-hour period. Four months later, a full year
of production was completed using a "$7 machine"
built by Jesus.
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Je Nor began when Jesus was asked if he would
be interested in doing "piece work." He began to find
easier and faster ways to complete the work assigned. By 1996,
the success of this enterprise required a separate company structure
and workplace. Je Nor, a combination of his name and his wife's
(Norma), was born.
Visitors walking through the large warehouse in Union
City will see products being assembled, machinery, fabricated
by Jesus of course, and electronic parts for testing, again on
machines created by Jesus. Tucked in the back of the facility
is a machine shop where Jesus fabricates his inventions.
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Recently, a neighboring business removed a machine which was destined for disposal - a large spindle, originally used to hold rolls of carpet. Inspiration struck! Jesus sensed an opportunity and asked if he could use
the part. The "useless" piece has been converted to count
windings of strap metal used for packaging. A job that previously took hours
can now be completed in a matter of minutes.
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“A job that previously took hours can now be completed in a matter of minutes”
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Jesus looks, he sees possibilities and solutions.
A friend, crippled in an accident, had problems
maintaining adequate circulation to his legs. Jesus got
busy and, using discarded bicycle parts, created a bicycle,
which, while operated by his hands, also exercises his
friend's legs as well!
Asked about commercial possibilities, Jesus shrugs and explains
that this was his gift to a friend, not a business venture.
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Jesus is now assisted by his son, Gerardo, who handles many of
the daily operations. Gerardo readily agrees that the key to Je
Nor's extraordinary productivity is due to the innovations of
his father.
Recently, a CD distributor asked them to package CD's
and mail the orders. No problem, but Jesus watched the slow process
of inflating the packing material to just the right pressure and
knew there was a better way. A simple machine now inflates the
packing material in seconds.
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The beginning of a new idea or process is usually
the result of observation and deduction by an alert individual.
Although history may accentuate the contributions of figures such
as Galileo, Marie Curie, George Washington Carver, Benjamin Franklin
and Albert Einstein, there are many others who contribute in less
public way. Jesus Martinez is one example of this constant quite
revolution. On almost any afternoon Jesus can be found in his
workshop developing a new idea. When asked to explain, he will
turn to his guest and with a wide smile and gentle laugh, and
comment: "It's simple!"
Written by William Marshak, What's Happening,
December 2000
Reproduced with permission.
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