on board, he offers them company-paid certifications to enhance their resumes.
The business is going strong, with one challenge according to Luttrell – the name. The company is over 60 years old and was named after the founders. Nowadays, they still go by the full name of Lafarge & Egge but have shortened it to L & E in many applications. He said the question is often,“ How to pronounce the names Lafarge and Egge?” The business is frequently mistaken for the French cement business Lafarge, although, Luttrell said, most know L & E as a precision welder and tube bender. A private equity firm owns the company.
Luttrell was drawn to the company due to the“ autonomy and accountability” he has in the job. After spending time in the Army and then as an entrepreneur early in his career, he has now been with the company for 11 years. He is a natural leader, aiming to“ earn trust and respect.” He has learned from his own mentors to care“ deeply about employees and being honest with them.” Like most leaders, though, he explained that his role does include making tough decisions.
The company now has 41 employees, comprising welders, benders, machinists, inspectors, and professional and administrative staff. While they don’ t exclusively employ engineers, many employees“ act as engineers in designing and making tools and interpolating models.” He said part of their growth in the coming years will be to bring in more engineers. This aligns with Luttrell ' s strategy of promoting from within and investing in employee development. They currently have $ 10 million in sales.
Program Account Manager, Estimator, and Planner Mike Pieckiel has been with L & E for just a year, but he is excited about his new role and says his background in the Navy has helped him assimilate. In
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