Applying common sense skills based solutions to manufacturing problems. Specializing in programming and manual machining as well as many other facets of manufacturing. Designing and implementing training resources. Root cause analytics, Mentoring other machinists. Design and manufacture tooling to aide the manufacturing processes. Working with tight deadlines to make mission critical components.

This position is continually evolving, which is a great thing.

Program parts manually or with assistance of CAD/CAM software, Gibbs CAM and EspritDesign fixtures, implement process controls. Troubleshoot and repair CNC Lathes, Mill-Turn and Mills. Devise a part program filing system, hierarchical with built in intelligence for ease of use and efficiency. Implement Jobboss software across a network. Create and maintain an RS-232 network for machine communication. Aid in shop floor layout and machine placement to further refine part process flow. Define machining processes and methods for measurement of machined parts. Select and purchase tooling for a variety of manufacturing applications. Manage up to 40 employees in various departments. Completed ISO 9001:2008 implementation and achieved certification. Determine inspection criteria for manufactured parts as well as all applicable material specifications and all outside processes. Design and implement data collection method for part dimensions via tablet or any device with web browser and internet connectivity. Over the years here at Padgett Machine Tools I have had to develop many roles and become a Jack of All Trades. Eventually training my replacements for many of those areas so that I can address other facets of the business that need my attention as we grow. Manufacturing is a labor of love. To this day it is still amazingly gratifying to take something raw but with a plan and a purpose then watch it progress as it is hewn and refined in its final fruition.

This was my fathers company. He gave me tasks starting when I was eight years old. There was always work to be done in some manner or another. I remember when I was that young we did many cellulose insulation jobs. After a few years of training I was able to supervise a small crew of two employees and myself. One of the guys had to drive us to the worksites because I did not have my drivers license as I was only 14 years old at the time. We also did commercial, residential remodeling and new structures. I was not over a crew for those tasks at that age however. My work duties over the years continually changed especially after I could drive. Tasks included installation of metal roofs, framing, window installation, doors, cabinets, flooring, fencing, sheetrocking, tape, float, texture, setting forms, concrete finishing, insulation, EIFS and the list goes on. There was so much experience I gained from working with my father. I ran one of the crews for him for many years. I also was charged with estimating and bidding jobs in later years. After 1996 I finally got into machining and my work in construction slowed. I would still go and help my father and the crews in my free time from the machine shop. Close to the year 2000 my father decided to slow down and partially retire out of the business. To this day he will still take up a job here and there but it is nowhere the scale of what we were doing in the days of my youth. Of all the things I learned while working for my father the most important lessons would be 1. How to think for myself, 2. Working hard is a good thing but working smart is better, 3 Respect can be earned or lost in a single moment so choose your words and actions wisely, 4 A little extra effort goes a long way towards personal and customer satisfaction 5 Never try to hide a mistake, just own up to it and go about trying to fix it. 6. A man is only as good as his word.

Performed typical duties required by manual and cnc machinists. I have the utmost respect for the owners Volker and Gabriele Steffen, they are fantastic people that genuinely care about their employees and community. Like so many small businesses the 2000 election recall and tech bubble bursting required the company to downsize their workforce at that time. Being one of the newest employees I was let go, which is only fair. They were however, kind enough to arrange an interview at another shop and put in a good word for me even though they had much bigger issues at hand during that time.

All manual machines, no CNC equipment when I was there. I worked alongside a triple decade + employee. I began by doing repairs and updates on fixturing. Most of which were designated as welding jigs as well as product transport and staging equipment. Later I was trained to do repairs on stamping and forming dies, some progressive and some single shot. With 13 acres under the roof there was always something to learn regarding manufacturing. I seemed to be "volunteered" for the Continual Improvement events quite often, however I did not mind a bit, I always got to see another side of the coin so to speak. My duties and my knowledge eventually grew into the role I was being groomed for. I was charged with the task of making fixtures, jigs, and some dies on my own. Towards the latter part of my tenure there, I spent most of my time designing, creating, and implementing safety devices/equipment to restore OSHA compliance. I must say that as a young man in the industry at that time, I was extremely fortunate to have such a great group of people to work with and an environment where there was something to learn everyday. I gained knowledge of many processes that I had no previous experience at the time which have helped me still to this day. Some of the processes I learned about while there were swaging, bending, stamping, die cutting, injection molding, blow molding, chrome plating, powder coating, cnc routing, conveyor systems, robotic welding, heat treating, manual surface grinding, fixture design, manual lathes, manual mills, TIG welding, MIG welding, plasma cutting, and upholstery to name a few. It was really pleasant to be able to work with engineers on a new product line to help implement their designs and ideas into fruition. All in all, R&D work is extremely gratifying, and I still miss it at times.