What’s the most exciting part of your job? What do you enjoy most about it?
Solving a problem or valve related issue that has had a customer stumped. We had one customer that had been fighting a nagging valve problem since the 1970s and they had a warehouse full of valves that had previously failed. AVI designed a new concept valve that solved the problem. Now that’s exciting!
What motivates you at work?
The Endless Beatings from my wife who is our CFO!! In all seriousness, teaching our valve application classes. We meet a lot of young engineers, planners and supervisors entering the industry, but what is really exciting is having that person with 30-40 years of experience…who is AMAZED at what they learn in our CVAT Class (Comprehensive Valve Application Training). Those classes are a wonderful source of motivation and just to energize me!
What does your role look like on a day to day basis?
All of us at AVI wear many hats but I am primarily a teacher. Whether working with our customers, our new valve applications specialists, engineering firms or end-users, there is a desperate need for knowledge on valves and the various applications and I enjoy that role.
What parts of AVI’s mission/values do you connect with the most?
Our mission is…”To supply the right valve, the first time, every time so as to become an indispensable partner to industries we support” and that is a pretty bold statement.
What has been your biggest accomplishment at AVI?
I think the talent we have developed internally here at AVI is our biggest testimony and their continued growth and success will be our legacy.
Do you have any goals you are working toward?
Our continuing transition as a nationwide supplier of the world’s best valves is coming to fruition. More importantly, we want a renaissance within our industry when valve application knowledge comes back to the forefront!
Who inspires you?
My wife and our son, our friends and family, including our AVI family. My wife is a machine; I wish I had 10% of her organizational skills! Our son, who had been out of college and working in engineering for the past 5 years, went back to school during Covid and has just graduated with his mechanical engineering degree. I’m very proud of that because he managed to do so going to school full time and still working 25-30 hours a week. Incredible! My work kids are also a joy to watch and learn from. I particularly relish the growth of Matthew and John. They have both come so far since joining us as part time while earning their degrees at Georgia Southern. They are light years ahead of where I was at the age. I hope I was a small part of that, but I marvel at their abilities and thoughtfulness.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
In no particular order: Acoustic Guitar (6-string therapy), great friends who we refer to as Family-By-Choice, good food, fellowship and a glass of Cabernet!
Is there anything you would like to share with your customers if they come across the blog post?
Yes! Next year AVI will celebrate our 30th year in business. Many of our customers have been family to us and I want to thank all of them but particularly those who supported a young, brash, 29 year-old in his new venture to bring the Savannah area its first Valve Actuation Center. It’s been a wonderful ride, but it could not have happened without you. Thank you all!