Employee Spotlight – MELVINA CEPI
Melvina Cepi- enthusiastic, courteous, and friendly, is a welder in PESCO’s Parts Department. She is of the Tsenjikini (Honeycomb Rock on Cliff Dwellers People), Tachii’nii (Red Running into the Water People), Totsohnii (Big Water Clan), Tabaha (Water Edge Clan).
Originally from Dilkon, Az., where she was a landscaper, Melvina was ready for a career change when she moved to New Mexico. A relative suggested she return to school. Reluctant at first, Melvina decided to give it a shot and enrolled at the San Juan College Welding Program. She soon discovered that she had made the right decision as she thoroughly enjoyed learning the trade. Having met some of the PESCO Foremen through the program, Melvina began her career at PESCO in 2018 after graduating with her Welding A.A.S.
Only 3 years into her career, she says she feels confident but acknowledges that there is still quite a lot to learn. “When I have questions, my coworkers are always willing to help. Everard Silas and Bask(erville) Beyale (PESCO Trainers) are great at helping us understand when we aren’t sure about something.” Melvina’s goal is to ultimately become a Code Welder. The Code Department at PESCO consists of the most highly skilled welders. When asked about her job at PESCO, she said, “I love it! I look forward to what I do and am always learning new things.” Expressing appreciation for her coworkers, Melvina went on to say, “We’re like family here.”
She laughed as she talked about the time when Nashota Yazzie, PESCO Human Resource Manager, invited her to play on the PESCO softball team. She said she did not know how to play the game but enjoyed hanging out with coworkers outside of work. “They would yell from the dugout so I would know when to run,” she said with a grin.
It is evident that her natural family is an important part of Melvina’s life. Melvina is fluent in Navajo and expressed the importance of knowing her heritage. She enjoys family gatherings where they share meals, work the land, and go on hikes. Melvina values the wisdom that is passed on from the elders of the family who emphasize the importance of hard work and helping family.
Melvina looks forward to her future with PESCO. She expressed her gratitude for the Rhodes family and the opportunities they have provided, saying, “I appreciate Kyle and his family. And I am thankful for the leadership who allowed me the opportunity to work for them. PESCO is an awesome place to work!”
Employee Spotlight – MEGAN BAIRD
Megan BairdProduction Weld Inspector Megan Baird has been a part of the PESCO team for 3 years. She contributes an element of spunk, creative interest, and exceptional attention to detail. After taking a few years to invest in the vital role of becoming a mom, Megan...
Employee Spotlight – PEDRO STEVENS
When asked to describe PESCO, without hesitation, Pedro Stevens responded, “Second chance.” Originally from Albuquerque, the move to Farmington was a decision he and his wife felt would be in the best interest of their family and future. Pedro spent several years...
Employee Spotlight – JOSHUA SAIZ
Starting over a little late in life, PESCO offered Josh Saiz a second chance. Sometimes, it’s all a person needs to succeed. Josh is the Warehouse Night Leadman at PESCO’s Main Plant. A native of San Diego, California, Josh was born into some of life’s most trying...
Employee Spotlight – LINDA RODGERS
PESCO has been an important business in Farmington for half a century, but it was in the last decade that Kyle and Jim Rhodes began focusing on diversifying and growing the production business their parents started. Putting together a great management team has been...
Employee Spotlight – JOHN BUCKLES
John Buckles has had an interesting and life-changing career working as a drafter and project manager for PESCO. Buckles came to work for PESCO twenty years after graduating from Farmington High School in 1975. In fact, he was in the same class as PESCO President...
Randy’s Rules, Part 3
Randy’s Rules This is the third in a four-part series entitled “Randy’s Rules.” In our fast-paced technology saturated society, distractions have become part of our daily lives. Randy’s Third Rule directly challenges distractions that often lead to lost productivity....
