Employee Spotlight: Esteban Zendejas

Esteban Zendejas | Production Lead | Joined Penumbra in 2016

Q. What is your current role at Penumbra?

Throughout my journey at Penumbra, I have embraced various roles that have shaped my recent position as a Production Lead in the Metals Department. My focus is on supporting my team in consistently achieving our goals while maintaining high-quality standards. Starting off as a Production Builder, I gained a deep appreciation for effective leadership. I work closely with my team, fostering open communication to address any potential issues. I aim to be a reliable presence for my team. I am also excited to share that I recently received a promotion to Supervisor and look forward to this new chapter at Penumbra.

Q. What drew you to Penumbra?

In all honesty, what initially drew me to Penumbra was the convenient eight-minute drive from my home at the time. It wasn’t until I started working here that I truly recognized what an amazing company this is. The supportive workplace environment, commitment to diversity, and dedication to creating exceptional products are what made me want to stay. Eight years later, I remain fascinated by this company and am more than happy to be a part of it.

Q. What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

What I enjoy most about my job is the wonderful people I have the privilege of working with. Throughout my time at Penumbra, I’ve met some truly amazing and interesting individuals. I take great pleasure in helping my peers and sharing my knowledge and expertise with them. In many ways, Penumbra feels like a second home to me.

Q. Describe yourself at age 10. What career aspirations did you have at that age?

At age 10, I was an active kid full of energy and looking for the next thrill. At that age, I didn’t have any specific career aspirations, but I did dream of being like Brian O’Conner from the Fast and Furious movies. I was captivated by car films and racing games, eagerly awaiting the day I could drive something beyond a go-kart or my remote-controlled car. As I grew older and accumulated a few speeding tickets, I came to realize that this adventurous lifestyle wasn’t meant for me.

Q. Describe a travel adventure that you’ll never forget.

An unforgettable travel adventure was when my fiancé and I went to Lake Tahoe. We rented a jet ski, and everything was going great—the weather was perfect, the speed was exhilarating, and the water was crystal clear. Suddenly, after an hour, our jet ski shut off, leaving us stranded in the middle of the lake! We panicked at first, but luckily, I managed to get signal and call the rental center for help. Being stranded in such a vast lake was a bit scary, but we made the most of it by jumping off the jet ski and playing in the water. After a little wait, the rescue team arrived and towed us back to shore. What an adventure!

Q. What is one of your most memorable moments as a Penumbra employee?

One of my favorite moments at Penumbra was during my time in Alameda in 2016-2017 when we had food truck day combined with a Penumbra talent show. It was a delightful experience to enjoy a variety of delicious food while watching my coworkers showcase their hidden talents—who knew we had so many stars among us? It was a fantastic opportunity to bond over tasty treats and some entertaining karaoke!