Ed Stephens

Director of Operations

About Ed

What do you do at MPIC?

Review purchase requests, cost sheets, production and delivery schedules. Administrative management of staff and inmates in production shops.

What are your credentials/education/past experience, for working in your position?

In my career with MPIC I’ve worked as a shop manager, production manager and now as operations manager, for a total of 22 years gaining experience along the way working within MDOC facilities and with inmates.

What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?

Production delays that come from outside of our scope.

What do you like about working at MPIC?

It’s bittersweet, but I like being able to see people learning new skills and setting personal goals for themselves to become productive and independent, developing good working relationships with them, then they are released and find a job outside of MPIC, I hate to see a dedicated, talented person leave, but glad they were able to, which is our ultimate goal.

What’s your background?

I grew up in Florence, MS and still reside there. My family and I like the small-town atmosphere. The area we live in has a few lakes we fish at and even one we swim in.

Growing up, my dad would spend a lot of time explaining what he was doing and why, and having me to perform small jobs that I could handle. It taught me how to have a good work ethic and some skills I still use as an adult.

Favorite quote:

“Can’t never could”

What are the values that drive you?

Being a good listener, paying attention to detail and treating others like I’d like to be treated.

What are your favorite Podcasts/Books?

Most recent book is “1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently” by Marc and Angel Chernoff.

I do watch instructional videos, to research anything from recycling equipment to welding/fabrication equipment or how to videos, if for nothing else but to get a better understanding.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Getting outdoors, hanging out with family, and grilling on the weekends.