I am the product of technical school education. I started my welding training at Eastland Vocational Center in Columbus, Ohio. My father changed jobs and my family moved to Marrietta Ohio in my senior year and I completed my training at Washington County Vo. Tech.
I started my first welding job three days after graduation, at Central Ohio Welding Inc. in Columbus, Ohio in 1979 at the rate of $3.83 per Hr. I married my high school sweetheart just two months after I started my new job. We have been married now for almost 30 years.
Through the years and several welding jobs later, I found my way back to Charleston, WV, my original home, and went to work at Kanawha Mfg, Co.
At Kanawha Mfg. Co. I learned most of everything I need to become successful. I earned my certifications in MIG, TIG, STICK and Flux Core Arc Welding. I was certified to most welding codes.
After several years of working as a welder, I met R. Carlisle Smith who gave me the opportunity to become a welding inspector. Mr. Smith was not only the Quality Manager for KMC. he was also over the welding program at WVU-P. I worked for Carl as an inspector for Kanawha Mfg. until I made the move to become a full time instructor. I have worked as an Adjunct Welding Instructor for WVU-P since 1989. I now teach an online metallurgy class.
While I worked for KMC I became a certified welding inspector through the American Welding Society. I became a Level II non-destructive testing technitian in PT, MT, and Level I UT. And I gained a lot of experiance in all areas of manufacturing and fabrication.
It was the hardest decision of my life to leave and start a new job, But I have always been glad I did. I still work for KMC when I can, but teaching and being involved in the lives of young people, seeing them grow and become prosperous contributing citizens is the most rewarding thing I know.
