Since joining the company in May of 2019, Derek has been an integral part of the Brainard Rivet family. He enjoys the freedom in his role to explore different ways to improve Brainard Rivet’s operations. Inspired by the small, intimate setting, Derek was drawn to Brainard by having room to grow professionally, as well as the lucrative benefits package which includes an (Employee Stock Ownership Program) ESOP. Read more as Derek shares a little about himself and his experience at Brainard.
Derek met Joe, the General Manager at Brainard, during Youngstown State University’s career exposition while still in college. After interviewing, he knew that this was a company he could see himself with long-term. Derek enjoys enhancing operations, whether working with new equipment, improving tooling, or helping machine operators with their workload. His work ethic gives him the tools to tackle any project head-on!
What does a typical work week look like for a project engineer? It involves monitoring the raw material inventory levels, and making sure there is a healthy amount of stock to satisfy current and future orders. He also works closely with machine builders to get status reports on new equipment they are building. Another aspect of his job is designing and drawing new tools for their equipment for any current or new jobs they have. Another responsibility that Derek currently has is to help orient their new engineer, Grace, to his previous role as Product Engineer. He held that position since he arrived at Brainard Rivet, and therefore has plenty of knowledge and experience to pass down to help set up Grace for success.
Outside of work, Derek has many hobbies. He enjoys lifting weights with his brother and playing in an adult baseball league (for the last 10 years). He stays active in his free time and enjoys most sports. He even ran cross-country and track on scholarship at Youngstown State University! But what he enjoys the most is spending time with his family, especially his wife Michaela, and their one-year-old daughter, Rosalie.
His favorite meal is steak and mashed potatoes. His favorite celebrity is Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s an avid Atlanta Braves fan and has been his whole life. You’ll find him watching or listening to most games. He even went to a World Series game in Atlanta in 2021! If he could have any superpower, it would be the ability to time travel. That way he could cherish the past and plan better for the future. Thank you, Derek, for all that you do at Brainard Rivet. We greatly appreciate all of your hard work!