I started my working life as a farm hand, fixing fences, driving trucks, bailing hay, and planting trees. This is where I learned the value of a hard day’s work. Shortly after, I found my way into the restaurant industry, working as a waiter and busser, and I found immense joy in serving others. The inspiration to help others led to some time working as a youth counselor in a wilderness environment. Here too, I found a wonderful sense of purpose. As life changed, I found myself continuing a childhood curiosity about technology, which turned into a career.
I’ve been turning wrenches since I was about 6 years old. I took a course in automobile mechanics in high school, but most of my experience comes from on-the-job training. My dad and uncle were both mechanics and I worked in my uncle’s shop when I was younger. I did all the jobs he didn’t want to do. I also worked on lawnmowers and motorcycles.
I’m responsible for maintaining KEC’s fleet of 115 vehicles. Our fleet includes pickup trucks, SUVs, line trucks, boom trucks, backhoes, mini excavators, UTVs, trailers, a snow machine, a plow cat, wire-pulling equipment, and 2 small boats. KEC has both gas and diesel-powered equipment, and we do as much of the maintenance work as possible in-house.
This includes generator maintenance, oil changes, engine swaps, transmission work, fabrication, and repairs on chainsaws and battery-operated equipment. All this work requires the right tools, equipment, and parts. Some of the vehicle maintenance on our large line trucks or boom trucks is done by a contractor due to space constraints and the need for specialty tools.
Currently, helping with the development of our new headquarters facility is a challenge, but I really enjoy being part of the team that is active in the design of the new facility. The planning for the new facility includes multiple committees of KEC employees to ensure we are building an efficient facility. I appreciate being able to add my thoughts and input into this process. It’s a big project and there are a lot of details. I’m especially involved in the planning of the new maintenance facility, which includes bays for mechanics, welding, and a vehicle wash system.
Learn more about the maintenance facility on the next page. Another challenge we are facing in fleet management is the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the market and materials procurement. Vehicle prices have skyrocketed and car manufacturers’ production is limited due to a shortage of materials, computer chips, and workers. For us, that means it is going to take 2 to 3 years to get a truck after it’s ordered. We are also closely monitoring a potential tire shortage and those prices are also increasing. Every day seems to bring a new procurement challenge that we need to consider to ensure we are planning for the future.
I enjoy the variety in my job. I get to work on something different each day. Sometimes it may be changing the oil, other times I may be installing a new engine. The goal is to keep the trucks all rolling so our crews can meet the needs of our members.