Background:

I started my career in the U.S. ARMY as a 44B (metal worker). In March of 2000, I was employed by Pratt & Whitney to weld on combustion chambers for the military and commercial engines. Roughly in 2006, management brought in IGT (Industrial Gas Turbine) components for us to start a new venture, which would become MD&A’s San Antonio Service Center. I became a Cell Lead for the Static (non rotating) Parts repair team in 2009. In 2013, I started performing some field service work by pinning compressor blades and welding cracked diffuser cases. This opportunity has taken me across the world. In 2021, I was promoted to Rotating Parts Supervisor, where I managed daily production with 14 team members who put pride into their daily work ethic.

What do you do here at MD&A? What aspect do you enjoy most about your role at MD&A?

I am the MD&A San Antonio Service Center Operations Manager. I manage the day-to-day production process, making sure we stay on schedule with delivery dates and ensuring the customer receives a quality set of parts. What I enjoy most is still working hand and hand with all the employees I’ve come to know in all these years employed by this company.

What are some of the biggest challenges in managing gas turbine component repairs, and how do you stay ahead of them?

One of the biggest challenges is finding the time to engage with the teams on the floor. I try to stay ahead by having individual team meetings with the rotating parts team and the static repair team. I believe that when you include the team in production planning and/or process; it motivates the team to work hard to meet the weekly and monthly production goals.

How do you stay connected with both your team and customers during complex, multi-phase jobs?

Communication; that goes a long way with both your teams and customers. Without communication, there is no structure.

What do you think sets MD&A apart when it comes to servicing and supporting gas turbines?

What I’ve seen here at MD&A is that the customer comes first, and we will do what it takes to meet or exceed customer expectations. A happy customer can mean long-term contracts.

Why did you choose to work for MD&A, and why have you continued to choose to work at MD&A? How would you describe our company culture?

Well, I didn’t choose MD&A; MD&A chose me by merging with PW POWER SYSTEMS. With this bond, MD&A is a powerhouse for the repair side and the field service side. I continue to work for MD&A because this place is like a second family, and MD&A has been good to me. Our company structure, to me, is like a football team; everyone has a position, and everyone strives to do the best they can do. It takes a team to win; without everyone doing their part, we can’t succeed.

Do you have a motto?

My Motto: IT’S NOT WHERE YOU CAME FROM, IT’S WHERE YOU ARE GOING!!!