While recognition might not be something everyone consciously strives for, it’s good to gain—especially when it comes to job performance and abilities. The Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP), the premier industry association for heavy equipment and vehicle fleet management professionals, announced this year’s Technician of the Year Awards for private and public equipment and vehicle fleets. This is definitely the good kind of recognition.
At the 35th Management Conference & Annual Meeting, two outstanding fleet technicians were honored with the AEMP 2017 Technician of the Year award.
PRIVATE SECTOR
Lee Manzanares of Albuquerque, New Mexico-based RMCI Inc. received this year’s AEMP 2017 Technician of the Year Award—Private Sector. Manzanares has been with RMCI Inc., a general contractor specializing in waste water and flood control projects, for nine years and is the company’s lead technician.
Manzanares credits his service while assigned to Howitzer Battery Red Legs 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment during Desert Storm for teaching him how to work under pressure. As his unit was advancing towards Iraq, a Howitzer tank was hobbled when its steel oil line failed. Manzanares made a quick field repair, creating a make-shift replacement oil line using a rubber tube and an asbestos mitt. The repair lasted the entire battle.
With more than 28 years of heavy equipment service and management experience, Manzanares takes on the tough challenges and displays a “can-do” work ethic any employer would welcome. Mike Pierce, RMCI’s vice president of equipment and Lee’s supervisor sums it up best: “I have never heard the word ‘quit’ come out of his mouth. Lee is the perfect example of ‘the one who always gets it done.’”
Manzanares shares his knowledge with his team and is dedicated to mentoring younger technicians.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Virginia Department of Transportation’s Brian Satterwhite was the recipient of this year’s AEMP 2017 Technician of the Year Award—Public Sector.
Satterwhite has worked with VDOT since 2013. He is well known in his department as an innovator who frequently designs new tools and procedures that makes the entire department’s work safer and more efficient. He recently invented an auger repair lift that positions and stabilizes the work tool at the proper height and angle while worn blades are cut off and new blades are welded on.
Satterwhite takes advantage of every training opportunity that comes his way and has earned more than 300 certifications over his 21 years in the equipment repair profession, including the John Deere Master Technician certification and his Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic certification from the Fluid Power Society.
He shares his commitment to personal growth and professional excellence with new technicians and is always available to help co-workers diagnose tough equipment problems.
AEMP
Formed in 1982, AEMP advances heavy duty on- and off-road equipment management as a career. AEMP is the only professional organization for the heavy equipment industry’s fleet professionals who work in construction, government, utilities, energy, mining—any industry that requires the effective deployment of heavy equipment. AEMP University’s education and career development programs provide opportunities to earn an Equipment Manager Specialist (EMS) Certificate, a Certified Equipment Management (CEM), or a Certified Equipment Support Professional (CESP) credential.
For more on AEMP—or to find out how to nominate someone for the Technician of the Year Award—visit www.aemp.org.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: MAY 2017 ISSUE
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