Sierra Watkins

Paint Team Leader, Daimler Truck
Native of Rowan County

Industry: Manufacturing

Sierra Watkins is a self-proclaimed “dope soul” who grew up in Rowan County and has worked at Daimler Truck North America in Cleveland, NC, for ten years. She currently works as a Paint Team Leader. Daimler Truck is “a leading provider of comprehensive products, services, and technologies for the commercial transportation industry.” Sierra thinks that Daimler is a great work environment because they have a great work/life balance, and she couldn’t see herself leaving. Since they spend more time at work than at home, she strives to make her team aware that they “are family.”

According to Watkins, Rowan County is like nowhere else because it has the “country life” and retains its small-town charm, “even though it’s growing.” There are people in Rowan County who embrace the small-town feel but keep the “big city mindset,” which is essential for growth and progress. She volunteers with her daughter’s school, Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary, to keep herself engaged with what is happening outside of the manufacturing industry.

In addition to working in Cleveland, Watkins frequently enjoys many features of Rowan County, like local restaurants, parks, and festivals. The Smoke Pit and Tokyo Express are places to grab a great meal. Dan Nicholas Park offers outdoor adventures for everyone. The annual festivals like Cheerwine and Salisbury Pride are ways to explore what downtown Salisbury has to offer and to support local businesses and organizations.

Watkins believes one of her greatest accomplishments is that she still lives here in Rowan County. When others move away, she always jokes that they’ll be back. Not only does Rowan County offer “top tier” manufacturers, but it’s “growing and glowing…becoming a better place!” Few places can boast that they offer a “small-town feel, but a lot of people here have [the] big city mindset.” Her advice for someone looking to relocate or start their career here? “My advice is apply, apply, apply & do not only apply to one place, venture out, expand your horizons. I definitely understand putting in applications is a job itself, but what’s for you is for you!” There is something for everyone here in Rowan County.