the Navy, he worked in electronics, followed by a career in civilian production management. In this role, he enjoys being in a customer-facing position. He said he wishes he could talk to customers more than he does, as most communication is via email. But he noted interestingly that a noncustomer had recently contacted him,“ a guy with a Jeep,” about how to bend a tube for his vehicle.
However, Pieckiel noted that what L & E does best is solving complex problems for customers. He said the team environment of the company allows them to“ at the drop of a hat, gather and say,‘ How do we do this – how can we get it done?’” Sometimes a challenge doesn’ t emerge until midproject, and his job is to ensure they stay on track and on time, instilling confidence in their problem-solving capabilities.
The company likes to promote employees into leadership roles from within. Here are other key team members and where they started in the company:
• DAVID LACY, VP( runs both locations) and reports to Luttrell. He started in pressure testing.
• NICOLE WHITE, GM( runs the Clackamas Welding plant) and started in accounting.
• TYLER HAIST, GM( runs the Everett L & E plant), and started in tube bending.
• CHRIS KILMER,( runs the welding at Clackamas) and started as a welder.
• GOURAV SINGH( started as a QA Admin, now runs QA).
26 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS