There holds extra significance when our perspective towards work is more about the journey than the actual end goal. It keeps us present in the moment and focused on the task at hand, making sure we do the job to the highest standard. When People Operations Assistant Rachel Howard had her hand in welding her own cover for her GMC Canyon, she was just doing what she’s always done for the last 6 years at this company — tackling the task head on and doing it with the utmost excellence.
It took Rachel sharing a time-lapse video of her welding the cover for us to be reminded how her involvement in the production process has epitomized her journey at DiamondBack, and that within every role she’s been in, with every team she’s served on she’s made an impact (and that’s an extreme understatement).
How many different roles have you been in at DiamondBack Covers?
I began working as a welder here in October 2020. 11 months later, I became the Lead Welder for my team for the next 3 years. Then in November 2024, I was appointed the Lead of the Finish team. The biggest jump was my latest transition in July 2025 from Lead Finisher to People Operations Assistant.
Did you always know you wanted to weld DiamondBack Covers after high school?
Yes. I saw DiamondBack as not only my first stop, but really no other plan B. If I wasn’t going to work at DiamondBack, I would have fallen back on my doula certification that I received while in high school.
Prior to even knowing the company, why welding and a doula certification?
Going to technical school for welding and obtaining a doula certification felt like two opposite ends of the spectrum to me. Having experience in both allowed me to have pretty different opportunities whichever skillset I decided to choose post-high-school.
You’re on your 4th role in 6 years here. Every team you’ve worked in, there’s been impact. What’s your secret?
Growing up, my dad would always hit us with this line: “It’s always the right time to do what’s right, it’s never the right time to do what’s wrong. Do all things for the glory of God.” This mantra is definitely something my family has tried to live by.
Did you think you’d end up being a part of our People Operations team after spending 5 years in the production process?
Not necessarily. Although it’s not too related to what I’m doing in my current role, I’ve always had a heart for volunteering and hearing about DiamondBack’s volunteer program reinforced my passion for working here and the opportunities outside of the office.
What kinds of opportunities?
I’ve had the opportunity to travel on dozens of missions trips — visiting places like India, Africa, Israel, Puerto Rico, Belize and within them, visiting orphanages, rescue shelters, working with human trafficking organizations. Through these experiences, I’ve seen and heard a lot of life [...] and it’s had me gain the perspective that life is very short, there’s lots of seriously awful things, so do what you can to the best of your ability, and love Jesus. That’ll take you far.
