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Process Equipment & Service Company

Latest Blog & Articles

Latest Blog & Articles

Latest News


By Jess Robertson 16 Jan, 2024
While the oil and gas industry continues to produce and fuel our economy, the pursuit of alternative energy sources continues to spark interest among Oil and Gas (O&G) companies. By looking at readily available resources already in place within the oil and gas structure, new ideas are emerging for how to maximize things like wastewater to bring even more efficiency to the table. Produced water from O&G wells has long posed problems for the oil and gas industry. Because it contains mineral salts, organic compounds, and heavy metals, disposing of it has proven challenging. In the past, a tiny percentage of wastewater has been used in various ways like fire control, power generation, equipment and vehicular washing, or even irrigating non-edible crops where the water is shown to be clear enough. However, most wastewater is either treated and reused for fracking in place of using fresh water, or it is disposed of in wells deep underground. But what if we could get more out of O&G wastewater? Now we can. And the potential has huge benefits not only for the O&G industry but for our nation as a whole. Lithium With the increasing demand for Lithium (Li), it’s hard not to wonder if and when the monopoly will begin in South American, China, and Australian Li recovery operations. Because they are some of the world’s biggest suppliers, places like North America and Europe are growing dependent on their production. Our dependency on lithium is due to its use in the energy-storage sector, not only in Li-ion batteries but also in its potential use in thermonuclear fusion. And let’s not forget smartphones and other electronics, or how it’s used in CO2 adsorbents that are used in submarines and aircraft. Because of its increasing value and consumption, the search for Lithium has spurred researchers to start looking in unexpected places and new innovative ways to recover Lithium in locations we had previously thought impossible. Like the oil and gas industry. Lithium in O&G Wastewater For years lithium has been known to be in water produced with crude oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs. On locations such as the Smackover Brine - a large limestone aquifer spanning Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama - Li extraction has proven fruitful and promising. The current method of extraction on locations such as this is evaporative ponds, harnessing roughly 209,000tpa (tonnes per annum) from the El Dorado , Southern Arkansas location alone. But evaporative ponds do have their downfall. The evaporation process is lengthy - taking a full year for the complete process - and Li levels must be highly concentrated in the water in order for this method to work. Thus, the oil and gas industry has been largely overlooked because the Li levels in wastewater from oil and gas are far less concentrated. Does that mean O&G wastewater as a source for Li is a non-starter? Innovators today say no. Here’s why. Absorbents and Membranes The problem with O&G wastewater is its lower levels of Li concentration and Li’s difficulty in being selectively recovered. But with shale plays in the Eagle Ford and Permian Basins in Texas generating millions of gallons of produced water every day, it’s imperative to look towards a ripe opportunity to glean such a valuable element. And emerging technologies may just have found a way to do that. Absorbents Commonly used in water purification and decontamination, ion-exchanged absorbents have long been utilized. But unlike other minerals and heavy metals, Li is much harder to selectively absorb. With O&G wastewater containing such high values of other elements, companies like Dow Chemical in the U.S. are approaching the problem from a new angle. By developing an aluminum-loaded resin, they were able to successfully select Li from brine water. In fact, several companies - FMC, Simbol, and Eramet - have seen the promise in aluminum-based absorbers and have their own patents. Similarly, other companies have infused a specific chemical compound that makes it highly selective for Li, separating it from sodium and potassium ions. These infused solvent resins have proved very promising in the Li recovery game. Membrane Another method currently underway utilizes membrane technology - and it’s already showing potential. What’s great about membrane technologies is their ability to be applied to wastewater that has a far lower concentration of Li, which is typical of most oil and gas wastewater. Furthermore, membrane technology can be utilized on a variety of wastewater and brines, and is less costly than absorbents, making it more versatile and alluring to the oil and gas industry. A recent test was done using this strategy, studying nano-filtration and low-pressure reverse osmosis to separate the Li-ion from wastewater brine. With favorable results, this method of extraction will undoubtedly continue to grow in practicality for Li extraction. In fact, our very own New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is actively developing new membrane systems specially designed for Li extraction as well. The Bottom Line  The Li demand is only increasing and O&G water may prove a part of the solution. With emerging technologies, existing O&G locations could be utilized to harvest Li while making more use of produced water. Shale plays across the U.S. have Li amounts to boast of, some comparable to known Li deposits. Tapping into this valuable resource not only enables the U.S. to be a bigger player and less dependent on other countries, but enables the O&G industry as a whole to be more resourceful, and more well-rounded in making the most of all the products that come with oil and gas, and help pave the way for more energy tomorrow.
By Jess Robertson 01 Dec, 2023
Being a salesman in the oil and gas industry poses its fair share of competition. With a multitude of salesmen out fighting for the same client, it can be hard to stand out. When everyone is essentially selling the same product at varying prices, just how is it that some salesmen and companies seem to continually keep getting bid after bid? Just how do they do it? Is it better pricing? More expansive workspace? Or is it a matter of wining and dining the potential customer? Well for PESCO, it’s more than all of the above. For a grassroots company that has vastly expanded over the years, the basis still remains the same for how the company treats its own employees as well as how they approach sales: Relationships. The Difference When it comes to selling your company to a prospective client, there’s a lot of information to cover in a short amount of time. From your company’s values and products to their reputation and capabilities, you convey all that information in a way that stands out from the rest. So how do you do that effectively? While you could read off facts and statistics from a brochure coupled with your memorized sales pitch about your company - you run the risk of sounding just like everyone else. PESCO approaches sales differently - and it's working. 1. Get to Know the client And that’s not just a figure of speech. When PESCO salesmen meet with prospective clients, it’s not just about closing the deal. It’s about a genuine amount of time spent getting to know the client. What are their interests outside of work? What is their family life like? What do they value in their job and in their employees? What makes them proud of where they work? This effort to get to know customers isn’t just a tactic to be different. PESCO has established a company culture that these partnerships should be ongoing, spanning decades, and that people come before the product. Because when you actually get to know someone, it takes business negotiations and transforms them from transactions to actual conversations. It becomes an ongoing discussion that makes it more natural and easier to see where a need needs to be met. And when PESCO sees that need, they can step in and fill it. 2. Sell PESCO As a Whole It can be easy when selling a business to gravitate towards leaning heavily on one facet of the company. Maybe you hone in on the variety of products offered or the amount manufactured per year. But for PESCO, it’s a company sold as an entire package from the ground up. With a robust team of engineers and drafters, coupled with an expansive shop staffed with talented and hard-working individuals, it’s easy to showcase why PESCO produces superior quality - from the shop to the CEO’s office. Because so much is focused on employee care, PESCO functions with quality and integrity from the ground up. Because when everyone has pride in their work, everyone’s work is exceptional. 3. Capitalize on Customization. As with any industry, figuring out how to stand out from the competition is crucial for success - and PESCO has found their niche. While they are capable of manufacturing multitudes of standard units, customizing is where PESCO truly shines. From patented units designed in-house to taking units and refurbishing them to their full potential to creatively engineering around problems, PESCO has taken customization to a whole new level of efficiency. You see, when it comes to existing or new clients, PESCO isn’t worried about what’s in store. They know how to out-design the obstacles before them, giving them another opportunity to outshine the competition. Different = Better So even with heavy competition in the oil and gas industry, PESCO has learned how to make their mark. With a unique approach that follows their company standards of people first, they’re shaking up the industry with long-lasting partnerships that produce exceptional products for valued customers. They’re doing it differently - and different is definitely working.
15 Aug, 2023
When it comes to separators, any process equipment company in the industry has their version. But as with most things, standard one-size-fits-all products have their downfalls. Sure, the unit will work, but how well will it work? Standard products deliver standard results. But at PESCO we don’t aim for standard – we shoot for exceptional. At PESCO, the units we build don’t just work, they’re flawlessly optimized for your conditions. And our customers can attest. Whether it be perfectly sizing a unit, or designing a customized, tailored product, or something engineered outside of the box, our commitment to detail and design is what continues to set us apart for our customers. With a highly skilled team of engineers, PESCO can delve into all the environmental and surrounding conditions of a well site, and design a meticulously precise and proficient unit that is impeccably acclimated to the surrounding variables. This PESCO mindset of precision and detail is what leads our customers to let us know just how well our units perform. Several years ago, one such customer had a set of separators from us ready for a new location. After operating on the site for several months, they reached out to let PESCO know that, despite the unusual extreme volumes of sand, the separator was functioning exceptionally well, performing at its optimum levels. Examples like these showcase how PESCO’s dedication to detail and precision pay off. With our superior manufacturing processes, coupled with our design team of engineers, PESCO continues to prove that their products are incredibly resilient and effective despite the conditions and obstacles. Because you see, to PESCO it’s not just another separator. It’s our opportunity to blend design, ingenuity, and expertise, all to showcase what we do best: provide superior process equipment. It’s our time to deliver another exceptional product, engineered to extreme precision, all to provide our customers the ultimate results. Our customers know our dedication to detail – do you? Come see how PESCO is raising the standards of expertise and excellence every day.
26 Jul, 2021
PESCO’s management and employees are focused on getting their job done safely, and when it comes to the Trucking Department safety is key. “Safety is a big part of PESCO, no matter what job is being done from welding all the way to transportation,” said Scott Creech, transportation coordinator at PESCO. Creech, who joined PESCO four years ago, coordinates the delivery of equipment to customers, primarily in North Dakota, Colorado and Texas. Many of the loads are delivered to locations in the middle of nowhere, and it’s up to truck drivers Wesley Grubbs and Calvin King to make it there safely. “We basically load the units, haul them out to location, and the customers unload it,” Grubbs said. “Once it’s on the ground its theirs and we leave after that.” Grubbs and King have been hauling units once or twice a week to sites, almost exclusively in the Permian Basin. Much of the equipment, which includes oil and gas separators, treaters and dehydrators have been at PESCO in the yard for about a year awaiting delivery dates. This was because of the downturn in the oil and gas industry as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. “Now that oil is hovering above $70 a barrel, people want their equipment,” Creech said. PESCO remained busy during the pandemic and continues today. “Their reputation for quality leads to the stability through the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry,” Creech said. “I have a lot of customers who really like our units. Because of the quality, they can plug them in and start making money pretty quickly with the ease of operation.” When a customer is ready for their equipment, PESCO’s truck drivers focus on getting the unit to them safely. “We don’t get in a rush. We take our time,” Grubbs said. “We check everything, make sure everything looks right. We do walk around inspections on our trucks before we leave and when we arrive on location.” They also select safe routes and check in with the Department of Transportation to make sure everything will be okay. The drivers also make certain they are ready to do the job at hand. “We make sure we are in good shape, getting plenty of rest,” Grubbs said. King, who has been with PESCO for eight years, said he enjoys getting paid by the hour, because it allows him the time to focus on safety. “There were other jobs, where I was paid by percentage or per mile – with that, guys just rush through their job,” King said. “With being paid by the hour – the rush isn’t there anymore. I enjoy that.” Grubbs started with PESCO two years ago and said it was the job he had been hoping for, because of the stability, retirement and benefits. He also likes the focus on teamwork and safety. “It’s a friendly atmosphere. The owners are very good people to work for. I feel like you can talk to them,” he said. The focus on safety, professionalism and quality helps keep the transportation department motivated to do their job. “We are ready to do our job here and keep our trucks our ready to go,” King said.
03 May, 2021
Our President, Kyle Rhodes, was a guest on the local Ken’s Think Tank show talking about his philosophy on how to treat people. He believes the way we treat people has a major impact on the results we see. Kyle is also the President of the Farmington School Board.
12 Apr, 2021
PESCO is an industry leader in process equipment engineering and manufacturing, and Albuquerque-based company BayoTech recognized that when it partnered four years ago with PESCO to build its portable, on-site hydrogen production units. “We’ve been working with them for four years, building components for their prototype. We’re going to be building the units in the immediate future,” said John Byrom, business development manager for PESCO. BayoTech’s core technology originally came out of Sandia National Laboratories following more than $50M of research and development. BayoTech’s on-site hydrogen generators reduce or eliminate transportation and storage costs, which result in less energy wasted and a lower carbon footprint than traditional hydrogen production technology and electrolyzer-based systems. BayoTech chose PESCO to build the skid-mounted hydrogen production units, which are very similar to the units that PESCO manufactures for oil and gas companies.
08 Apr, 2021
Our President, Kyle Rhodes, was a guest on the local UmattR TV show talking with high school hosts of the show about responsible energy development and education. Kyle is also the President of the Farmington School Board.
06 Apr, 2021
As San Juan County turned into one of the highest COVID-19 positive counties in New Mexico, it became nearly impossible to find vendors that could keep medical facilities well stocked in necessary supplies. In a time of need, the San Juan College Makerspace partnered with ABC Canvas and PESCO to produce face shields and ventilator hose adapters for San Juan Regional Medical Center, Pinon Family Practice, and Northern Navajo Medical Center. Each team member used their services in an innovative way to produce 700 medical face shields and 150 ventilator hose adapters . A New Mexico Tech freshman majoring in engineering, a PESCO business development manager, the owner of ABC Canvas, and San Juan College’s President became aware of the community’s need for personal protective equipment and worked together to solve the problem. This project was recognized with a 2021 Innovation of the Year Award from League Board and Alliance member colleges . Projects recognized with this prestigious award reflect capstone achievements and the spirit of innovation and experimentation upon which the League was founded. This award acknowledges innovative programs, practices, partnerships, policies, and activities that improve the ability of institutions to serve students and the community and to honor the faculty, staff, and administrators who have created and implemented them. Granting this award provides a venue for showcasing these innovations and the dedicated community college educators who strive for excellence on a daily basis.
30 Dec, 2020
Process Equipment & Service Company, Inc., also known as PESCO, is celebrating 50 years of service. This family-owned business has a foundation of leadership that is dedicated to service within the company and to the community. PESCO was founded in 1970, by Ed and Mary Lou Rhodes. Ed provided field service and pump repair, while Mary Lou handled the clerical duties and ran the parts counter. Ed had a vast knowledge of production equipment, which he translated into manufacturing, growing his company into an industry leader.
23 Mar, 2020
For our employees affected by the reduction in on-site support, please watch the video below about the NM Unemployment program to provide financial support during the COVID-19 crises. Additionally, we’ve provided a Fact Sheet provided by the NM Department of Workforce Solutions.
05 Apr, 2019
BayoTech is partnering with PESCO to build reactor units for their first modular hydrogen plant in Albuquerque. With technology originally developed by Sandia National Labrotories, Bayotech in Albuquerque, NM plans to roll out modular, transportable units that will allow hydrogen, ammonia, and fertilizer producers to produce fuel and fertilizer on the spot instead of at large, centralized facilities.
04 Apr, 2019
Our main facility here at Process Equipment & Service Company, Inc. (PESCO) is getting a brand new paint facility.  To keep up with growing demand for PESCO’s world-class production units, we are expanding our facility footprint through a multi-million dollar construction project at our main location to add a new paint facility – and through our new 60,000 sq ft PESCO South facility across the highway.
03 Apr, 2019
For all of us here at Process Equipment & Service Company, Inc. (PESCO), meeting and exceeding client demand is paramount. In this effort, we are proud to announce the opening of PESCO South. PESCO has been one of the fastest growing companies in New Mexico for the past year and half – and we’re still growing. This month, we will open our newest facility just across the highway from our main facility. PESCO South is a 60,000-square-foot facility opening during the second week in April 2019 with operations beginning during the third week in April. This expansion is in response to large demands for our high-quality products. We have the people, we have the “know-how,” and now we have the space to continue to provide the very best equipment to support oil & natural gas production – and more.
02 Apr, 2019
Here at Process Equipment & Service Company, Inc. (PESCO), we are proud of our design process. We are proud of our manufacturing process. We are proud of the quality of our work and our level of service. We are most proud of the one thing that makes all of this possible . . . we are proud of our PEOPLE. Over the past two and a half years, PESCO has been one of the fastest-growing companies in New Mexico . During this time, we’ve hired over 200 employees. This year (2019), we have crossed the 400-employee mark. We’ve enjoyed some exciting times, are in the middle of exciting times, and are preparing for even more exciting times. Continued robust demand for PESCO’s high-quality products continue to spur our growth, and we’re prepared to meet that demand.

Employee Spotlight Articles

By Jess Robertson 16 Feb, 2024
When it comes to logistics, details, and new technologies, John Byrom is your guy. With a calm demeanor that never seems flustered, John has learned to take things in stride, working through problems and looking for opportunities with an eye toward innovation and change to reach the objective. And that’s just what he’s doing at PESCO. His role as Business Development Manager for the last seven years has provided him the chance to gather his previous work experiences and channel them effectively into pushing PESCO to look beyond the status quo and towards bigger potential. Where He’s Been Being a Farmington local, John inevitably sought the chance to return home when the time came. After graduating from Texas A&M, he began working for Union Carbide Corporation in Houston, Texas. Dealing with pipelines and petrochemical products, he gained invaluable leadership experience while learning about facets of the petrochemical industry, as well as how large corporations function with their focus on strategic planning and formal systems and processes for continuous improvement. But with home continuing to draw him back, he took a job in Farmington working for a small oil and gas company, D.J. Simmons, where he worked for 20 years. John was given the opportunity to see the world of business behind the scenes and up close, helping to lead an entire business from long-range planning to the daily challenges of operations, personnel management, and cash flow. While some may question his decision to step off the major company corporate ladder, John certainly did not. He knew what a blessing it was to be back in Farmington and was enthused to put what he had learned into practice and to continue learning. It is that continuous desire to keep learning that is a trademark of John’s character. Not afraid to push past boundaries, he calmly and resiliently continues to look toward the future and find ways to progress. Where He Is Now With the economic downturn of 2015, John made his move over to PESCO. Having known PESCO President and CEO Kyle Rhodes for many years in various areas of the community, he knew it would be a good fit from the start. And it was. So what was John’s new role at PESCO? Stemming back to his knack for systemization and unyielding curiosity for learning, John is responsible for business development, including finding new applications, technologies, and products where PESCO can use its strengths. He’s looking at how to maximize efficiencies in oil and gas, as well as find areas beyond oil and gas where PESCO can branch out into new horizons. He guides in strategic planning, helping PESCO reach long-term goals by looking for more effective methods and implementing the steps to reach those goals. He loves working with the PESCO leadership team to help set up new methods and practices so that PESCO can run the smoothest and most efficiently. Essentially, John is given the privilege to think outside the box. And it’s working. With the encouragement of Kyle and the rest of the leadership team, not only is John pushing boundaries by thinking outside the box, but this mindset has seeped into the company culture - for the better. With an established company like PESCO that’s been in business for over 53 years, it can be easy to gravitate towards keeping things the same. Change can seem scary with the looming fear of failure and branching out into new arenas can feel difficult because oil and gas is what PESCO has done so well for decades. But if you aren’t innovating and growing, you run the risk of stagnation and decay. John is always pushing toward the next, new thing to make PESCO a better company for its owners, customers, and employees. PESCO’s culture continues to shift away from accepting the routine as is. With involvement from leaders like John, teams approach their problems differently, taking time to understand the process, what is broken, and how to not just fix the problem, but improve the system so those problems don’t happen again. Without the fear of failure, new strategies can be tried, learned from, adapted and implemented. Perfection may not always be attainable, but continuous improvement is. John has helped steer the culture toward working through problems creatively and seeing the great potential that can follow. Where He’s Going - The Flywheel In Jim Collins's book, Good to Great, he references an example called the Flywheel analogy - something John emphasizes in his work at PESCO. In essence, momentum occurs with innumerable small pushes in the same direction repeatedly. It’s challenging at first, of course. But with each continuous effort pushing in the same direction, the work progressively gets easier, the momentum builds, and your hard work has paid off. You’re now spinning your flywheel with ease, confidence, and experience. And John feels that PESCO’s flywheel is really starting to roll. Where some companies rely on quick-fix schemes to build momentum, they eventually limit their progress. Changing from one tactic to another, they are constantly changing directions and going nowhere, never gaining any momentum. But that’s not PESCO. All the hard work and dedication that PESCO employees have put in over the last half a century is truly paying off. PESCO is a strong company, surviving economic downturns, staying ahead of competitors, and working diligently to produce the best equipment, all while investing in employees and the community. This sets up PESCO to not only maintain its leadership in oil and gas, but will give it an advantage as it expands into new industries as well. The flywheel is spinning fast now - and John is thrilled to be a part of it. He’s motivated to continue pushing the boundaries, to keep pushing PESCO further, and is proud to be a part of a company that has built such a bright future for itself. The diligent work in the past, and now, is gaining fabulous traction for PESCO - and John can’t wait to see where it leads.
05 Oct, 2023
If you were to meet Tony out of the blue, he would be the guy you can easily strike up a conversation with, chatting for hours, like he’s known you for years. With a congenial and jovial disposition – and the gift of gab – Tony is not only personable, but is an endearing individual who genuinely takes the time to listen to you. That’s one of the many reasons PESCO is thrilled to have him as part of their staff. But Tony’s story goes much deeper than just being a good conversationalist. His story with PESCO is one of loyalty, generosity, and appreciation. Tony’s experience with PESCO sheds a light on PESCO’s company culture that is wholeheartedly about investing in their employees and always putting them first.
26 Apr, 2023
Ryan Mussett Senior Engineer Ryan Mussett began working for the company when he was in high school. He spent time in the warehouse for a couple of summers and then, moved into repair the summer of his senior year. Mussett is the son of Gini Baxter and the stepson of Kyle Rhodes, the company’s president, and CEO. “I’ve known Kyle since I was 4 years old,” Ryan said, adding his parents “held me to a high standard.” They expected him to work, and he did at the company for about 5 summers and then he went to New Mexico State University to study civil engineering. “I first thought I should get an engineering degree because of this business and the family history. My dad and stepdad are both engineers. My grandpa was an engineer, the other was a geologist,” Mussett said. “There’ a lot of mechanical engineers. I wanted to do something different. I like buildings and bridges, so I chose civil engineering.” He started working full-time at PESCO on September 1, 2006. “A lot of his adult years have been spent here,” said Linda Rodgers,” Chief Financial Officer at PESCO. “I’ve been here so long, I see all the changes,” Mussett said. “I’m like an old person, who says don’t change it.” As the project manager Mussett sees projects from the beginning to the end. “We will take a project and basically run through drafting and design, and then, we will run it through the shop from start to finish,” he explained. One project he was proud to be part of happened in 2008. That year, PESCO decided to set up its own internal sandblast and paint operations, instead of subbing out this side of the internal work. “Dwight Smith and I went to a training in Pittsburgh to become more familiar with the QC side of painting our manufactured units, how to check film thickness, environmental conditions,” he said, adding they had to make sure they had the right equipment. “That was one of the major things I was part of and that felt good to learn about. To think about where we were to where we are now, we have an entire building dedicated to painting.” Mussett said being a civil engineer is a bit different for his position at PESCO, because the company typically hires other types of engineers. “The top three would be mechanical, chemical, and industrial – because of the factory setting,” Mussett said. “Civil is a bonus. What I like the most is working with drafting, coming up with how these drawings are going to look; helping solve problems that come up during the design process.” As a civil engineer, he is able to look at drawings and read the prints no matter what is being constructed, and Mussett enjoys spending time on the shop floor watching the manufacturing of the design. “You see it on paper, it doesn’t do it justice until you see it,” he said. PESCO is able to take a set design from a company and construct it, but the engineering staff also can design a product and manufacture it from the concept to the completed product. “Ryan has always had the gift of seeing how things are put together,” Kyle fondly recalls. “I remember him helping me put together a baby crib for his baby sister when he was around 9 years old. He could see how that crib was supposed to go together – even better than me! Adding his fun and calm mindset to that ability to see the manufacturing process makes him a great asset to PESCO.” Mussett has an infatuation with sharks, which could be tied to the animal’s sleek appearance, moving through the water like a perfectly designed machine. “I loved them when I was a kid growing up. They’re very streamlined,” he said, adding he would have enjoyed being a marine biologist. “I’m scuba certified and would like to cage dive with great white sharks.” That could be a personal challenge, however, Mussett shared a challenge he faces each day at work – supply chain issues. This is something all companies have faced in a post-covid world. Accessing materials “is an ongoing nightmare,” he said. “Things are so screwed up right now trying to get materials.” For some projects it has taken two years for the materials to arrive at PESCO. Despite supply chain issues, PESCO continues to thrive and grow. “I try not to stress out too much, because at the end of the day there’s always going to be a solution. It might not be the best solution, but as long as you can come to the table with some options, usually it all works out in the end,” Mussett said, adding it has to do with “having the correct leadership in place is highly important to having a successful organization.” Rodgers added, it’s about hiring people who are “well suited to the position.” PESCO also encourages employees to be community minded, and that is not different for Mussett, who coached the Piedra Vista High School Junior Varsity Girls Soccer team from 2007 to 2013, and the tennis team from 2011 to 2017. He is a Piedra Vista High School graduate, having been in the second class out of the high school. “I went there when it was a fresh car smell,” he said. Mussett is the father to three children. He has a daughter, 13 and two sons, ages 2 and 4. As a family they camp in the summer and ski in the winter. “We like to go on little trips,” he said, adding the family stays active with sports, especially soccer and volleyball. “I remember Kyle telling me that his dad Eddie never missed a high school game of his, so I’m going to try and do that with my kids,” Mussett said.
05 Jan, 2023
Megan Baird Production 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 was ready to get back into the workforce. PESCO gave her the opportunity she needed. Megan was an experienced welder and weld inspector. To refresh her skills, she participated in PESCO’s first Welding Bootcamp at San Juan College. Upon successful completion of the bootcamp, Megan took a position as a welder’s helper at PESCO’s La Plata site. When the opportunity arose, she volunteered to head up the K123 house project hoping it would lead to other opportunities. Her strategy proved accurate, and in a short time, she moved on to building skids at PESCO South. When the COVID-19 shutdowns began, there were several cutbacks. Megan’s position was halted, and she was laid-off. Determined to continue working at PESCO, she applied for various positions as they became available. After a strong recommendation from Megan’s former supervisor at PESCO South, she was offered a new position. She came on as a parts welder. Megan moved around to a few other projects, including work on the BayoTech Prototype, before moving into her current position. In her role as a QC Inspector, she undertakes weld inspections for departments including Weld Assembly, Code Weld, and Parts Weld. In addition, Megan’s position requires that she verify that raw materials meet specifications before they are used in the welding process. She also tracks and updates welding qualifications. When asked what she appreciates about PESCO, she said she “I enjoy the friendly culture where people know your name and take an interest in you as a person. Everyone is approachable. No one here is too important to be engaging and I appreciate that I am greeted by name.” She is grateful for the independence she has gained since working for PESCO. After a difficult divorce, Megan was left to build from the ground up. Her dad helped her find a place to rent and her mom gave her a vehicle. Working at PESCO has enabled Megan to purchase her own home and vehicle, providing stability for her and her daughter. She says her daughter is thriving and is part of the gifted program at school. Megan is also an artist. Some of her art pieces are on display at PESCO South in the Engineering Office. Before coming to PESCO, Megan used her talent to produce ISO Location Drawings for various businesses in the oil and gas industry. When asked about the culture of PESCO, Megan expressed gratitude for the intentionality toward developing leaders. She said, “Just because you get a promotion, it isn’t taken for granted that you know everything. Books are recommended to help people become better leaders.” She went on to talk about the quality of life that a person experiences when they are happy at their job. PESCO’s employees are, for the most part, happy because they are treated with respect and are valued. This in turn impacts their family and community lives, enabling employees to build better futures.t
08 Nov, 2022
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 incarcerated and would repeatedly succumb to the temptation of drug addiction. The change of pace and location was one of the best decisions he ever made. It was only four days after his release from prison that Pedro began his career at PESCO. “It’s working out pretty well.”, he said with a smile. Pedro has been with PESCO for four years. He started as a night shift pipefitter, he was promoted to paint and blast, earned certification as a paint and blast specialist, then moved to his current role as production specialist. Pedro says he enjoys the constant movement here at PESCO. There is always something changing, and it challenges him to adapt, to work with others and to reach the end goal. Pedro also appreciates being part of a team that consistently encourages him to grow. When discussing the topic of leadership, Pedro expressed his view that a good leader is one who can rally their team and inspire them to think outside the box, enabling the team to move toward a common goal. Once people are inspired to go beyond their self-imposed limitations, they discover a new sense of confidence and pride. He noted that a second key trait of a leader is one who will jump in right alongside their team when help is needed. It’s Pedro’s goal to be this type of leader no matter what he is challenged with at PESCO, or in life. Married 13 years, he and his wife Brittney have five kids: four boys and one girl. In his personal time, Pedro enjoys reading, church, fishing, watching his kids sports and his daughter’s cello performances. Pedro has a great sense of humor and enjoys making people smile. A couple of things few people know about him are his interest in world history and his love of Celtic music. One day he would like to travel to Ireland. He has overcome the odds and has worked hard to build stability and security for his family. In the next five years, he sees himself continuing his PESCO career and sustaining the lifestyle he now enjoys.
13 Jun, 2022
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 circumstances. Losing his father to drugs at the age of two and being raised by a mother who was also addicted to drugs, Josh’s young life was open to much instability. By the time he was 12, Josh began a 33-year cycle of repeat imprisonment. To say that PESCO was a godsend is an understatement. Josh learned about PESCO while in a local men’s transitional home, Byron’s House of Hope. He heard PESCO was a great place to work, and he was ready to build a life he had never known. From the time he was hired, Josh has brought his best to work daily. It didn’t take long before this level of work ethic drew the attention of Warehouse Supervisor Larry Moore. Josh had only been with PESCO four months when Moore offered him a promotion to Night Leadman. Moore says of Josh, “He is dependable. He consistently goes above and beyond, putting his total effort toward what is best for ­the company.” Moore went on to say that “Josh leads a strong team and expects a lot out of them. Leading by example, he won’t ask anything of them that he isn’t willing to do himself.” Josh is grateful for the PESCO culture. He enjoys coming to work and finds that several employees have strong integrity and willingly impart their knowledge about the job and wisdom for life. This motivates Josh to learn more about the company and its culture. When asked about his personal life, Josh eagerly shared the joy his daughter brings to his life. He is grateful to build a relationship with her and smiles as he reflects on his struggle to say “no” to her at times. Josh also mentioned one of his high points in life being his faith in God, saying, “God answered my prayer for strength to break away from the cycle of drug addiction.” He mentioned several mentors who continue to inspire his spiritual and personal growth. While Josh is still on the path of learning what his new life looks like and what it means to make goals for his future, he anticipates a long career with PESCO.
02 Nov, 2021
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 part of that plan and adding Linda Rodgers to the management team nine years ago helped them in meeting their goals. Rodgers was getting ready to move to Colorado, when she received a call from Kyle Rhodes asking her to join PESCO as the Chief Financial Officer. She told him she might be able to provide part-time help, because she was moving, but Kyle and Jim convinced her to talk to them. “They were genuine and authentic about wanting me to work here,” Rodgers said. “I accepted the position, and the rest is history.” Prior to working for PESCO, Rodgers had a 23-year career at First National Bank in Farmington which was acquired by Wells Fargo Bank in 2000. “I loved my banking career,” she said, making the CFO position at PESCO a great fit. “I am responsible for the accounting and payroll departments as well as funds management – banking, equipment and facilities financing, cash flow,” she said. Rodgers said her background in banking and employment with an oil and gas company in Farmington helped prepare her for her career at PESCO. “While I worked in banking, I learned a lot of different things, and that experience was great training for what I’m doing now,” she said. “I had fantastic managers who saw things in me that have helped me now. It’s all part of lifelong learning and becoming who I was created to be.” “We are lucky to have someone of Linda’s caliber, driving the financial behemoth that is PESCO,” Chief Operating Officer Randy Large said. “She’s tough but fair. When I have a problem or need to run an idea by someone, Linda is one of my first choices. In an organization with the majority of employees being men, she fits in as being one of the guys.” Since starting at PESCO, Rodgers worked through an oil and gas downturn, a sharp uptick, a downturn, an uptick and then COVID. Through it all, PESCO has survived and even worked with other industries to diversify. However, the success is deeper than that. PESCO’s success comes from the quality of the product and the people who work here. “If you think about it, we start with a flat piece of plate, our welders turn it into something cylindrical, add electrical parts and components to it. What they create is a work of art. The artisans and the craftmanship we have here are unbelievable,” Rodgers said. Another aspect of PESCO’s success is the fact that it is a Christian-based company. “The owners have a deep and profound faith,” Rodgers said. “That faith and love of people shows up in everything we do. We are like family. Losing my husband to cancer a few years ago was a painful and challenging time in my life. So many people in this company helped me by showing their loving, caring kindness and support. “ “Working for PESCO has helped me to become a better leader. I love that my job challenges me every day in different ways. I can truly say I learn as much from employees as they learn from me. As a manager, I want to inspire others and help them find meaning and fulfillment in the work they do,” Rodgers said. Through this personal growth, Rodgers has learned to stand up for what she believes will be best for the company. “She maintains her own perspective,” Chief Information Officer James Simmons said. “She brings a different perspective.” Simmons worked at PESCO before Rodgers, and he saw a positive change in the leadership team after her arrival. “When Linda came to work here, she helped transform a department. It was Linda’s leadership that helped bring about changes and create a professional work environment.” Because of the faith-based atmosphere at PESCO, there also is a focus on service in every aspect of the company. The company serves its customers, and employees are encouraged to serve their community. Rodgers has served her community for many years, working with United Way and serving on the Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission for example. She also was elected to and serves as a Farmington City Councilor. “I have always believed in community service, but PESCO really complimented that belief. Not only is it a good idea to be involved but also to be of service and make the community better,” she said. “We give back what we’ve been given. Then, we make the world a better place,” Rodgers said. “When I decided to run for Farmington City Council, I asked Kyle (Rhodes) for his blessing first. He was supportive then and still is. Kyle is President of the Farmington School Board and values community involvement. PESCO is very generous in this community, but the time of letting employees serve in leadership positions is encouraged.” “I love the people of PESCO,” Rodgers said. “I have the greatest co-workers across all aspects of the company. I am proud and honored to work with this phenomenal team every day.”
24 Aug, 2021
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 and CEO Kyle Rhodes. Buckles’ career first took him to Fort Worth, Texas, where he worked for Lockheed’s aerospace division building the F-16 Fighting Falcon and doing mod-work on the F-111s. Lockheed was a company with 33,000 employees. “It took 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to my office,” Buckles said. When he arrived at PESCO to work as a drafter under Vice President Jim Rhodes, Buckles said the company was fully staffed with 80 employees. “I remember when I first came to work here, I was the only drafter. Jim did all his own drafting. He’s got a lot of patents, so I was drawing all of the experimental projects,” Buckles said. At that time, it was founder Ed Rhodes’ philosophy to “build the same thing, build what the customers like and build a ton of them,” Buckles said. Buckles worked for 24 years in the drafting department, and during those years, he also taught AutoCad courses at San Juan College at night. Through this work, he was able to grow the drafting department. “I taught them AutoCad, and then I hired them to work in drafting.” Drafting Manager Renaldo Yazzie wasn’t planning on a career in the oil and gas industry, when he took Buckles’ AutoCad class at San Juan College. “John contacted me and offered me a job and that’s how I came to PESCO in 2006,” Yazzie said, adding he worked as a drafter until 2011, and then attended New Mexico Tech to study Civil Engineering. “John encouraged me to take a look at that.” Yazzie graduated and became staff engineer and then later became the Drafting Manager after a drafting program upgrade. “Right now, my assignment as project manager is to look for ways to make drafting more efficient. When you’re in drafting, it can be challenging to see the areas that may need to be improved,” Buckles said, adding his focus is to take projects that might normally be four months and narrow them down to two months. “We’ll be working on that for a few more months. I’ll be taking the smaller jobs as they come in and working them through the shop as project manager.” Buckles has spent most of his professional life at PESCO and can’t say enough for the company and its management. When he announced his plans to retire in April of 2022, he said Kyle wanted to make sure he was ready for the transition. “When Kyle realized one of their long-term employees was going to retire –Kyle wanted to make sure that mentally I would be ready for retirement,” Buckles said. PESCO is providing him with counseling to help him make plans for life after retirement. “That is how caring PESCO is.” Buckles pointed out that at PESCO the focus is God, Family and PESCO. It was that way when Ed and Mary Lou Rhodes founded the company, and it remains that way under the leadership of Jim and Kyle. “It isn’t a job, it’s a journey,” Buckles said. “They care so much. I’ve seen them not just with me but with a lot of people. They really care about their employees.” When Buckles first came to PESCO, he had some issues with alcohol. “The first thing they did was make sure I went out and got the help I needed. I haven’t had a drink in 25 years because of that,” Buckles said. “While I was in a treatment center, they would pick my kids up and take them to church.” They also encouraged Buckles to go back to church and he regularly participates in a Tuesday morning Bible study at PESCO, where he says Bible study groups happen on a regular basis on different days at the company. “This company is unlike other workplaces,” Buckles said. “Moving from the environment that I did at Lockheed, where I was just a number, to a company with 80 people – a company, where they cared so much, it was remarkable. PESCO believes in their people,” Buckles said. “You see the love they have for their employees, and it makes you want to work harder. You’ll give up on yourself before they give up on you.” Buckles recalled a time when Kyle asked him to buy a bicycle so they could ride from Durango to Purgatory. “I finally caved and bought a bike,” he said smiling. “We started doing some bike rides. He took me on a 10-mile bike ride, and I was coughing up a lung. But Kyle kept encouraging me, telling me that that I could do this.” They finally completed the ride from Durango to Purgatory, and Buckles said they also were in “tiptop shape for their 40th high school reunion.” Although Buckles is planning his retirement, he says PESCO will still be his employment home and that of his family members. And for the next few months, Buckles would tell you his job description “is to bring joy to people’s hearts and turn frowns upside down. When I’m not doing that, I’m project manager.”
26 Jul, 2021
PESCO’s constant flow of projects, movement of parts and fast pace is what appeals to Material Handler Supervisor Brent Davis. Brent has been in his current position for only a few months but has been with PESCO for over 9 years. Brent initially applied for a sandblast position, but having warehouse experience, he was offered a position there instead. While in that department, he advanced to Warehouse Lead, remaining in that position for 5 years. Larry Moore, Warehouse Supervisor, says, “Brent is very knowledgeable, thorough, and goes the extra mile. He’s a great teacher and is willing to share his knowledge with anyone who has a question.” When asked to describe what it is like to be a part of the PESCO team, Brent referenced the PESCO Values: Integrity, Commitment to Excellence, and Mutual Respect and Trust, saying these are an accurate reflection of the culture at PESCO. Brent mentioned the respect that is evident amongst the employees throughout the plant. He also says he enjoys having fun at work and can be a real joker, “Making my co-workers laugh keeps the workplace more enjoyable.” Mike Corley, who has worked with Brent for several years, said with a chuckle, “he’s a little quirky, so people probably haven’t realized what an asset he has been to this company for many years. Brent is meticulous, with a vast knowledge of parts. If there is a problem, he is going to figure it out.” Corley went on to say, “he is a good guy and a great father to his kids.” Being new to his position, Brent says he is still learning. As he develops in this new role, he plans to build with what he considers strong leadership traits, “reliability, understanding, trust, honesty, teaching others and good character”. Brent is excited about his new role and looks forward to learning more about the materials and processes in this new department. Brent describes himself as “just a regular guy”. The most important thing to him is being a father. Brent is a single parent of two children, a 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. His son plays baseball, and his daughter enjoys drawing and painting. Brent makes it a point to be involved in the interests of his kids. He also enjoys the outdoors: hunting, camping, hiking, and fishing. As for the future of PESCO, Brent looks forward to seeing continual growth and expansion, as the company moves into production of equipment for more renewable energy.
22 Jul, 2021
James Kennedy is a 28-year-old father of eight. When his previous job required him to be out of town, leaving his wife home alone with their children for weeks, sometimes months, at a time, they decided he needed to find a new place of employment. He applied at PESCO and was hired at an entry level position as a pipe fitter. James is now the Hydro-Test Foreman. When Kennedy joined PESCO 4 years ago, hydro testing was part of the Service Department. Randy Large, Chief Operating Officer, was instrumental in restructuring and establishing several of the departments at PESCO. It was then that they decided to make hydro a team of its own and James was given the opportunity to be the first lead on the newly structured Hydro Testing Team. After seeing the success of the new structure, the decision was made to develop Hydro Testing as its own department and James was offered the foreman position. He helped build his department, saying he was grateful to have been given the opportunity. The attitude and atmosphere at PESCO are at the top of James’ list for why he enjoys his job. “At other places, employees are sometimes ‘just a number’. PESCO takes an interest in its employees and their families.” When asked what he has gained personally from working at PESCO, James said he has, for the first time, developed a sense of pride. “I used to consider myself a grunt with a wrench. PESCO has helped me to see that I can be more. They have helped me find inner strength and I have learned to lead and establish healthy boundaries. I’ve learned not to settle and always continue to do better and climb the ladder.” James’ hope for the industry is to see PESCO continue to grow and broaden their manufacturing capabilities. He has great respect for the leadership of PESCO, noting their proven record to lead well through tough times. James says, “I trust they will continue to do good and make wise decisions.” In his personal time, James keeps busy with family life and working his 5-acre farm, where he raises cattle and chickens. In his spare time, he enjoys building furniture for his wife. James and Roxanne have been married for 6 years. Two months into their new marriage they received a call to take in their first two foster children. Today they have 8 kids, 2 boys and 6 girls ranging in age from 4 to 14. James and his wife are working on adopting all their kids. With a big smile, he said, “It’s our forever family.” James’s goal is to retire from PESCO noting the standards with which they conduct business, “We care about the products we put out and do so with the highest values and integrity. It’s part of the reason I am happy to be a part of this company.”
15 Jul, 2021
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!”
07 Jul, 2021
James Shorty Jr. is the Layout Foreman at PESCO’s Main Plant. The Layout Department is the first step in the manufacturing process. Once a job is released by a Project Manager, Layout will cut materials, roll cylinders, and prep materials for the next step, which is Code Welding and Parts Departments. James, known as Shorty, began his career at PESCO at the age of 24 and has been with the company for over 27 years. He recalled how a friend from church encouraged him to apply at PESCO, knowing that his former employer had gone out of business. He was newly married, they had their first child, and he was eager to find work. The first person he met at PESCO was Charley Tyler. He recognized him from high school football, where Charley was a referee. Shorty recalled being asked, “Do you know how to run a torch?”, when he said yes, Charley slid him a paper to sign, and he started the next day. He chuckled as he looked back on the starting wage and how the hiring process was handled compared to today. “There are lots of things that have changed over the past 27 years.” Shorty said, “There have been significant improvements including Lean processes and safety regulations over the years.” He also noted the growth of the company from about 90 employees when he started, to nearly 500 in early 2019. A work highlight for Shorty was when he played on the PESCO softball and basketball teams. “We played in the Farmington City League, regularly bringing home the championship. The late Mr. Ed Rhodes was supportive and always at the games.” He went on to reflect that, “Mr. Rhodes knew our names, knew about us personally and gave some of us nicknames.” He recalled Mr. Rhodes’ distinct chuckle, as he would call him “Mr. Basketball Man”. Shorty has been a foreman since 2005 and appreciates the challenges that come with the position. He expressed gratitude for his former boss, Larry Baugh, saying, “He believed in me and helped me get to where I am today.” Shorty values the continued training he receives, as well as getting to meet and train many of the new employees. He would advise those new to PESCO to truly implement one of the company’s core values, “Commitment to Excellence”, saying, “Take personal responsibility to motivate yourself to become successful. As a foreman, I can encourage an employee, but no one can do it for you.” He went on to say, “My father taught me excellence, telling me to arrive at my job early and find ways to do better in everything.” Shorty encourages his own children with this value as well. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 31 years, Tina, their 3 children and their granddaughter. He enjoys fishing and camping. Shorty says he appreciates the culture at PESCO. He believes that being a family-owned company contributes to the way the employees are treated. He notes how, time and time again, he has seen the company “step-up” on behalf of their employees, and he is glad to be a part of the team.
01 Jul, 2021
PESCO’s warehouse supervisor brings more to the position than his management experience in retail. Larry Moore is a part-time pastor, who serves the community from his church – Hope City. Moore’s career at PESCO came during a time of transition – it also happened just before the COVID-19 pandemic. He went to work for PESCO in November 2019, as an errand runner. “I would go after different things people needed in the offices and throughout the plant. I would do mail runs and shop for the different needs in the company,” Moore said. “When COVID hit, they did away with my position.” Moore was placed on a two-week furlough, and then was brought back as a member of the materials team. “It was a new concept with the company – a team to track materials from the warehouse to the shop and ultimately onto the vessels,” he explained. By December 2020, Moore was the warehouse supervisor. Experience from his former career played a role into his being able to efficiently manage a warehouse. Moore had moved to Farmington in 1997 to work in management at Wal-Mart. He had been with the company and transferred from Douglas, Arizona. Moore stayed with Wal-Mart until 2002, when his heart felt a different calling. He wanted to pursue ministry opportunities. Moore was an associate pastor at World Harvest Center, until stepping away to join PESCO. Moore’s interest in PESCO came from his knowledge of the company. “I heard the owners were very good people and people of faith,” Moore said. He decided if he had to work outside of ministry, PESCO would be the place he would want to be. “That was my driving force with applying.” PESCO is a business with a Christian philosophy. “Employees are extended family – I understand that – it’s our vision with church as well. Everybody needs a support system – a friend that can help them get through life,” Moore said. “I love the people in my life – peers and those that are in positions above me. Those who I am mentoring as well. We give up and we give down and we affect the sphere of influence we’ve been given at home and at church. It’s important that we realize we carry influence and to be that positive influence in all that we do.” Moore supervises eight employees in the warehouse. “I lay out daily responsibilities to get done,” he said. “We receive all of the freight coming into the company. We stock the shelves with it, store it in the warehouse and we issue it out to jobs that call for those materials.” The warehouse was a new environment for Moore, despite his experience at Wal-Mart. PESCO leadership told him he was not put in the position because of his knowledge of parts, but because of his knowledge of managing people. “The people are what drive me. I love to lead people and be there for them,” Moore said. “I’ve told my folks we’re here to do a job, I want our relationship to be more than that. I want to be your boss, but I want to be your friend. It’s more than “what can you do for me,” but “what can we do for each other.” Once again, this follows the PESCO philosophy of business and management – it’s about relationships and believing in people, while maintaining a sense of professionalism and service. “As a leader you become vulnerable at that point. You take a risk. I tell my crew, “Let’s be professional but let’s be personable,” Moore said. “If we’re not willing to take risks, especially in relationship, it can be a lonely place – not only at church or at work, but life in general. I work with a great bunch of folks and they know what needs to be done and they get it done.” Moore is all about relationships and continues to build them through family, work and church. He and his wife, Serena, who also works for PESCO, run Hope City, a church located at 308 W. Broadway. They do not collect a salary from the church, because they put all of that back into the community. “We’ve helped pay for a few funerals, helped people with car troubles and helped them pay their utilities,” Moore said. “Our vision is to minister to the community.” The Moores have two grown children: Anthony, 26, and Christopher, 24. Anthony is married to Stephanie, and they have a baby boy, Reuel. Christopher is studying to be a chiropractor at Parker University in Dallas. In addition to all of this, Moore serves on the Farmington Community Relations Commission and is board president for Leadership San Juan. “I am thankful that PESCO came to me in a time of transition in my life. I am thankful for the company and the opportunity to be here and move up,” he said. “I feel like I moved up quickly, and I’m very grateful to be here. I love the company and the people and look forward to a long career.”
24 May, 2021
Desiree has been an employee of PESCO for 6 years. She graduated from San Juan College with her Instrumentation and Controls Technology Degree in 2015. Being aware that her degree would be a good fit, she applied and began her career at PESCO two weeks after graduation. Desiree started as a pipe fitter in the service department before making a few moves to various departments within the company. She currently works in Final Assembly as a part of the Quality Control Team. Of the projects she has worked on at PESCO, her favorite assignment was running the Electrical Panel Shop. She enjoyed the challenge of constructing the electrical junction boxes for each of the units. Desiree enjoys taking initiative in getting a job done. Her proudest moment thus far was when she was moved to her current role in Quality Control. Desiree says she appreciates that PESCO is a family-oriented company with strong values. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family, long-time boyfriend, and friends. Desiree said of her PESCO experience, “It’s great to gain the book knowledge at school, but it’s a whole other level of learning when it’s hands on.”. She went on to say, “There is so much opportunity to learn here. You’re really the only one who limits yourself.” She is grateful for the opportunities PESCO has afforded her and hopes to see continued growth and diversification as PESCO moves into the future.
31 Mar, 2021
A move from Oklahoma to northern New Mexico has proven to be the right decision for PESCO Field Service Supervisor, Tim Grant. He began at PESCO in 2005, after moving to the area at the urging of his uncles, Paul Holt and Jeromy Weaver, both of whom are former PESCO employees. Tim started in the Final Assembly Department and worked there for a few years before deciding to explore his options and resigned from PESCO in 2007. After a brief stint at a couple of other jobs, he realized what he had at PESCO, and returned as soon as the opportunity arose. Grateful for his career at PESCO, Tim says, “They are a company that really stand behind their employees, giving us every opportunity to succeed.” Tim has been in the Field Service Department for the past 13 years and has been a Field Service Supervisor for over 5 years. He, along with Luis Marquez, oversee 15 employees in their department. He enjoys the dynamics of his role saying, “I’m always in a position to learn something new. Whether that is building a relationship with an employee, having to do the hard things as a supervisor, or going out and learning something new in the field.” Tony Atencio, one of PESCO’s Sales Representatives, who works closely with Tim, says, “Tim’s been great to work with; he’s a real asset to PESCO in field service. He works well with our customers and does everything necessary to get the job done.” Progressive is one way Tim describes PESCO, “It’s constantly evolving and forward-thinking. We never settle for good enough and are always looking for areas to improve.” He appreciates working for a company where, “If there is a hurdle, we figure out how to overcome it, and we learn from it.” When asked his thoughts on leadership, Tim said, “True leadership is setting an example by being willing to do anything you would ask anyone else to do. A true leader doesn’t expect someone to do something he isn’t willing to do himself.” As for Tim’s personal life, he is a proud self-proclaimed “Dance Dad”. Tim has been married for 13 years to his wife Georgia and they have one daughter, Olivia. Olivia has been in dance since the age of two. He is the dance dad who is willing to do whatever is needed to help. “My entire existence revolves around work and dance.”, he said with a chuckle. In his free time, Tim enjoys playing pool and watching sports. He especially enjoys USA Soccer, whether World Cup or Olympics; he is a huge fan. Tim describes three of his life highlights, “the day my daughter was born, the day I got married, and the day I took my dad to watch his first Dallas Cowboy’s game in person.” Although Tim is not a Cowboy’s fan, his dad is a big fan, so it was a true joy to take him to watch his favorite team play. The family dynamic at PESCO was at the top of Tim’s list of what he likes most about his job. “I love the people here. There isn’t one person who I can’t joke with or have a serious conversation with.” He expressed the importance of work relationships and how they impact a person’s ability to enjoy the job and be successful. “There’s just a different culture here at PESCO.” Tim has so much respect for the PESCO leadership saying, “The leadership here is fantastic! They have given me many opportunities that I am very grateful for and have provided me with the help and knowledge needed to succeed.”
24 Mar, 2021
Jamie Mead, part of a fourth generation, born and raised, Farmington family, graduated from ITT as the valedictorian of her class. After graduation, Jamie enjoyed doing administrative work at San Juan College. In 2008, after being consistently asked by the Human Resources Manager at PESCO, Jamie decided to join the PESCO family – a decision that she says was one of the best she has ever made. Originally hired to help in the human resource department, Jamie eventually moved into the position of Executive Assistant, which she still proudly holds. “Taking a leap of faith to come to PESCO was a blessing,” Jamie said. “Becoming the Executive Assistant was another blessing.” Jamie’s position gives her the opportunity to work closely with Kyle and Jim Rhodes, as well as the company’s leadership team. “It’s a fun thing,” Jamie said of her position. “Being an executive assistant is a fancy title; it’s really all about relationship. It is knowing where someone wants to sit on the plane when they travel, knowing what kind of pizza people want, or if there are any dietary restrictions. It’s also about building relationships with local businesses.” Linda Rodgers, PESCO’s CFO, works closely with Jamie and describes her as a superstar. “Jamie has a servant’s heart. Whether the task is big or little, she achieves her goals by helping us achieve ours.” The appreciation Jamie has for her position at PESCO goes beyond the walls of her office. “Kyle is all about PESCO’s employees being involved in the community. I am involved with Grace Place (a non-profit that offers care and support for couples who are expecting a baby) and I help with fundraisers. I have worked with youth groups at my church, served on my church council, and volunteered with the American Cancer Society.” As with most of PESCO’s employees, Jamie said the family atmosphere at the company is at the top of her list of things she likes best about working here. “When we had the layoffs last February, we prayed before we informed employees of the layoffs. When an employee’s son died (years ago), we helped put the funeral together. When you work for PESCO, you know you are loved.” Jamie said. “We work through the hard times and we make it a joy to come to work.” When the COVID pandemic changed the world as we know it, Jamie’s position at work took on new dynamics. The front office staff, who had been helpful to her, was now reduced, and Jamie’s responsibilities were expanded. Those additional responsibilities resulted in her building her knowledge and offered additional opportunities. “I keep learning and pushing myself here,” Jamie added. “Our administrative staff supports learning, and we grow together. There is always a way we can do something better. I have learned to understand people better and the importance of making relationships work.” Her position at PESCO and her volunteer work keep Jamie busy, but in her personal time, she enjoys attending her niece and nephew’s sporting events, hanging out with her family, yard work, and movies. “I also have fur babies,” Jamie added with a smile. “Midnight and Georgina are my cats and Lucy and Ricki are my dogs. “ While Jamie loves her fur babies, her dream of having children will not come true. “I love kids,” Jamie said, “but I’ve had Type One diabetes since I was six and my husband has health issues. We decided having children was not an option for us, health wise.” Helping others is, however, a dream Jamie is living. “I am a servant,” she said. “I had to be cared for a lot when I was a child and I want to be able to take care of and serve others now.” Servant-leadership is a core value at PESCO. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines “servant” as “a person who is devoted to or guided by something.” Jamie Mead is truly a person who is devoted to others and exemplifies servant leadership at PESCO, and in her personal life.
17 Mar, 2021
Many of PESCO’s employees have been with the family-owned business for decades. But in May of this year, one of them will have worked at the business for 43 years. Not surprisingly, Jim Rhodes, Vice President of Engineering, Research and Development, and Quality Management, along with his brother, PESCO’s President, Kyle Rhodes, own the honor of long-time employment at the company. “Officially, Shane Galloway has the longest tenure.” Jim said. “He went to work for us a couple of months before I graduated from college. Unofficially, Kyle and I are tied with over 50 years each. Wow.” When Jim and Kyle’s dad, Ed, lost his job at the age of 49, Ed and Mary Lou, Jim and Kyle’s mom, decided they would go into a business of their own. “I had a job whether I wanted it or not,” Jim said with a smile. When Jim graduated from college in 1978, he joined the company full time, although he spent many more years working at the business while in high school. In addition to his engineering expertise to the company, Jim also brings a passion for creating patents. “Coming up with a patentable idea is easy,” Jim said. “PESCO is known as a problem solver. When a customer has a need, I can usually figure out a way to solve the problem. Patenting a design isn’t about vanity or ego. It’s about seeing a need and, if we have the ability to solve it, let’s do it.” The opportunities of having a family-owned business are many, Jim said. “Every day I come here, I find a proud moment,” he said. “We have the ability to employ people and to focus on making enough money to stay in business and to serve our community. I am proud I am able to work side by side with my brother. We’re a good team and he was my best friend growing up and he still is.” Kyle echoed Jim’s sentiments. “Not only are Jim and I brothers, but also best friends. We’ve always worked well together, complimenting each other’s gifts. With Jim’s engineering brilliance, PESCO has excelled in equipment quality and design.” In spite of all he knows and has accomplished, Jim believes there is always more to learn – about the business and life. “We surround ourselves with good people,” he said. “A career is nothing if you’re not helping people.” Jim is a very low-key guy and his close friend and PESCO’s Employee Success Manager, Craig Curry, said “What others don’t often see is the serving side of Jim. His brain is impossible to keep up with, but his willingness to help, often behind the scenes, is built into his DNA. I saw it in his church work. Kathy and I have been a recipient of it. There’s a soft heart keeping that brain going!” In spite of putting in countless hours at PESCO, Jim has other passions he enjoys in his spare time. A talented photographer, Jim enjoys taking the time to get the perfect photo. “Photography is a ministry for me,” he said. He also enjoys playing golf, tying flies to use when he fly fishes, and loves to do landscaping. “I find out a way to do everything I want to do,” when he’s out of the office, Jim admitted. Jim is also passionate about climate change, the continuing need and demand for fossil fuels. “I research about climate change and decide what is fact and what is fiction.” He said. “As an engineer with a science background, I want to figure it out. I’m also passionate about seeking out the truth and I like to be right about fossil fuels. I am a truth seeker.” Jim’s talents go beyond the office, the rivers, the golf course, and the landscape, however. He is a trumpet player for Celebration Brass, a quintet based out of First Presbyterian Church, and for the Trumpet Geezers, a group of over 50-year olds who play whenever they can and wherever they’re invited. “I was an accomplished trumpet player in high school,” said Jim, “but I put my trumpet away for 30 years. Then I decided to play again, and Mick Hesse (a noted and respected musician) gave me lessons.” Jim also has sung in church choirs since 7th grade and has been a bass soloist with the San Juan Symphony Chorus. When Jim talks about his business and his hobbies, he is animated and enjoys sharing his passions. However, when he talks about his most important best friend, the softer side of him emerges. “My wife (Arna) and I like to hike and just generally be outdoors. She’s a great cook,” Jim said. “I married my best friend.” It was Arna, a retired RN, and another of Jim’s good friends, Dr. Ron Calcote, who cared for Jim when he tested positive for COVID. “They got me through it,” Jim said with emotion. He recovered from a tough battle with the virus and credits Arna and Dr. Calcote for their care and support. With a best friend who is his wife, and another best friend who is his brother, Jim said the future of PESCO includes providing jobs for employees who have become family. “We will stay in business, provide those jobs, and focus on diversification. “ With PESCO’s emphasis on family values with its employees and the customers it serves – and with the commitment of the Rhodes family to do what is best for those employees and its customers – the company will always focus on building better lives and communities. And there’s a good chance that Jim will be there, camera in hand, to document it!
10 Mar, 2021
When a customer calls PESCO for a product, they can be guaranteed their technical sales representative knows what he is talking about. Tony Atencio has been in the oil and gas industry since 1990 and he went to work for PESCO in 1996 as a Field Service Technician before having the opportunity to move into Sales Department 2003. “I’ve been on the drilling side of things and on the production side of things,” Atencio said, adding he was a dehydration specialist before coming to work for PESCO. He has the equipment knowledge. He knows how they operate. “One of the things that helps me is seeing all those different types of equipment from the San Juan to the Permian, to DJ, Powder River, and the Bakken. They all use different types of equipment. Every producer is different, but they’re all trying to achieve the same thing.” Atencio is an outside technical sales representative. “There’s not much I don’t do. I sit on the design team. I do a lot of technical trouble shooting, customer relations, and I’ll even sweep and mop the floors at times.” For Atencio, it’s all about the relationships with his coworkers and his clients. “In the past we’ve done employee appreciation barbecues for the day and night shifts. We’ll cook burgers, sometimes steaks for them. I’ve been one of the main cooks which is fun,” Atencio said. “Everybody is important to us. We are all a team. I can’t do my job without them.” He stays in continual communication with more than 30 companies, and then receives inquiries from new and existing companies that might be potential clients. “There are companies out there that we are looking to do business with, and I’m making contact with them.” Atencio is a people person, and he loves to talk. “I love to make friends. In fact, I’ve made some great friends, whether they’re purchasing equipment from me or not,” he said, adding many of those relationships carry on outside of the company. “One of the things about my job that I enjoy the most is dealing with the different companies and their representatives – it is all about the relationships. We’ve built some amazing relationships.” Atencio will call customers whether they are buying equipment from PESCO or not, but when they do buy equipment from PESCO, the service is unmatched. “The quality of PESCO equipment is second to none. We are known for the quality of the equipment we manufacture. We pride ourselves on being a strong Christian-based company. Those values are represented in everything we do.” Part of building those relationships is encouraging the customers to come and visit PESCO. “We encourage surprise visits. Once the customer visits PESCO – the shop, the people, the environment – they say that doesn’t happen with other manufacturers and vendors they go to. We talk to everybody out there. They talk to us, and we joke with them. Everybody is important.” Atencio said there is an open-door policy and customers can talk to any and all employees when they visit. Once a product is sold, it must be designed, Atencio said there are certain conditions from the customer that have to be met. “We now are going to sit down, based on what the customer has given us, and we are going to design a vessel to meet their needs,” he said. “We will review it with the customer, and if they see changes that need to be made, we will make changes until they are happy with it and it’s exactly what they want,” Atencio said. “Then, we will start the manufacturing process.” According to Atencio, when PESCO looked at building Lease Automatic Custody transfer units, they had to be exact. PESCO’s electrical team designed them, and “it led to PESCO being able to offer those regularly now.” One of Atencio’s other titles is trainer, and he has traveled throughout the Rocky Mountain region training PESCO’s customers on separation and dehydration controls. “It’s about educating our customers on how things operate and what to look for in troubleshooting,” he said. “I talk clients through a lot of things over the phone.” Every workday is different for him, because he might get a call from a customer on an RFQ, or have an over-the-counter sale come in. “I may get a call with questions about a piece of equipment or it could be a customer needing information on how to install it,” Atencio said. For Atencio, working at PESCO is all about seeing the company and its employees succeed. “I don’t look at my job as being about me,” he said. “We are a team. I’m selling equipment for everybody who works here- from maintenance, to the shop floor. They all have families, we want everybody to be successful.”
26 Feb, 2021
Watson Benally – PESCO Plant Superintendent Watson Benally’s life is one etched deep with experience, trial, and triumph. Watson learned, at the young age of 13, the importance of hard work. His father would wake him in the early hours of the morning to work irrigation pipes in Idaho. He said his father taught him great work ethic. It was one of the greatest gifts he ever gave him. As he grew up, Watson excelled in high school with good grades and as a disciplined athlete. The summer leading to his junior year, Watson worked to save enough money to buy his first vehicle, a 1966 Chevrolet. This proud accomplishment soon became a distraction and led to poor decisions. He started hanging out with the “wrong crowd” and began to experiment with alcohol. Soon he dropped out of school. Watson dealt with shame for letting his coaches, teachers, and peers down, making it difficult to return. He was always a natural leader, which made it hard to face those who looked up to him and those who knew he was capable of more. Toward the end of the Vietnam Era, at the age of 18, Watson enlisted in the Marines. He made many friends with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. He enjoyed the travel he experienced and the friendships he formed with his comrades. The excellent work ethic instilled by his father quickly earned Watson the respect of his superiors. He had a close-knit group of brothers in the military. “We had each other’s backs.”, he said. After serving his term and returning to civilian life, he began having difficulty coping. He found himself alone and unable to obtain a job. Watson delved deeper into alcohol to cope. For the next several years, he struggled to find stability, having lost everything, he found himself in one of the darkest seasons of his life. He was homeless, living on the streets. It was during this time that he met his wife, Katherine. Sharing the same addiction, they found themselves battling together to find their way back to a meaningful life. Watson said one day he looked at himself in the mirror and said, “I better get my act together.” He set his mind to finding a job. Watson worked in a lumber yard, in the oil field, doing farm labor, anywhere he could get hired. He was not satisfied with odd jobs and decided, with his G.I. Bill nearing expiration, he would enroll at Utah Technical College, earning his certification in welding. In 1982 Watson dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. Through his faith, his life began to change for the better. And in July of 1990, he started his career at PESCO beginning as a tank welder. Watson said, “Welding is an art, and I was not a natural.” But he didn’t give up and became a proficient welder. It was not long before Watson was moved to various departments throughout the plant, each time, working his way to leadership positions. He became the Night Shift Superintendent and was in that position for 15 years. More recently, he became the Assistant Plant Superintendent, and for the past year, he has held the position of Plant Superintendent. When he was offered this position, he wondered how he would fill such big shoes. After some time of reflection and realizing all the places he has led through life, he decided he would simply be himself. He referenced General Chesty Puller, who ate with his troops. Watson chooses to be an approachable leader. Watson said although he was offered opportunities at the mine and other local companies, he never left PESCO. He has great respect for the Rhodes family and how they conduct business with strong Christian values. “PESCO intentionally invests in their employees.”, he said. He appreciates the resources PESCO has provided to develop him as a leader; the books, tools, training, etc. During one of his most difficult moments, when his wife became ill, the PESCO family was a major support. He reminisced about a time while in Albuquerque caring for Katherine; this was one of his lowest points, and the women from the HR department showed up. He said it really lifted his spirits. They spent time visiting with him and gave him an envelope with a collection taken by the PESCO family to help him out. PESCO stepped up in ways that are uncommon in most workplaces. Watson lost his beloved Katherine 6 years ago, and the PESCO family was a true support system. “I work with a lot of good people here at PESCO. I am grateful for the comradery I have in humble men like Larry Baugh and Scott Payne. They were instrumental in paving the way for me to become part of the PESCO leadership team .” PESCO is a company that believes in second chances. Watson hopes that in sharing his story, he would encourage someone dealing with addiction or hopelessness. There is a hope and a future, “just do not give up.”
17 Feb, 2021
PESCO has an onsite electrical department that can offer complete turnkey packages for its clients. “This has made us a better company. It’s standard that we quote and build instrumentation and electrical on most of the equipment we manufacture,” PESCO’s Master Electrician D.J. Martinez said. Martinez was hired in 2014, when PESCO began developing its electrical department. Management wanted someone who could come in and build it from the ground up. That person needed be a master electrician. The company found what they were looking for in D.J. Martinez. D.J. came to the company with a varied background in electrical work. As a Master Electrician, he is licensed in Colorado and New Mexico. He currently is working on his master electrician license in Texas. “Each state is different for licensure. Requirements include several years working under a Journeyman and getting a Journeyman license. Then you must build up hours and take the test,” Martinez said. “It takes about six to eight years.” Martinez came from a family of electricians. “My dad started his own business in the ’70s,” Martinez said. “As kids we would go help him during the summers and on weekends. We would do whatever jobs we could.” D.J., along with his brother Joseph Jr., and Daniel, all worked with their dad, Joseph Martinez. “When we got older, we kind of had burnout, but we realized it was a chance to earn a living and get paid. I was the first to jump into it.” They all now work as electricians. When Martinez came to PESCO, he had already worked for several other companies and had varied skills. “I learned to do special systems, like voice, video, data, and fire alarm systems.” He was a perfect fit. Not only had he worked all over the country as an electrician, but he also worked in the oilfield as a master electrician running crews for Foutz and Bursom. “I’ve been in the industry full time for 28 years,” Martinez said. Building an electrical department from the ground up was a welcome challenge, giving Martinez an opportunity to put that experience to use. He began by quoting equipment with the electrical equipment and instrumentation. “We had to develop company standards on the electrical,” he said. “This is how we build things. This is how we do it. Prints had to be drawn up in a certain way to meet code.” Martinez worked with project engineers and drafting to build those standards. This meant that every time PESCO built a skid with electrical instrumentation, it would meet codes and customer requirements. “I had to build PESCO standards to supersede everyone’s standards,” he explained. After six years, Martinez said nearly every skid is quoted with instrumentation and electrical and he oversees the instrumentation electrical equipment design and installation. “I work on the design and drafting and make sure everything is right for the customers approval,” he said, adding that he also helps with materials for the purchasing agent. “I have crews in the shop that I oversee. They do the instrumentation and electrical for all the skids that we work on,” Martinez said. Sometimes, the job includes having Martinez set up the unit onsite. Being licensed allows him to do field service work in instrumentation and electrical in both Colorado and New Mexico. “That is added value for our customers. We can perform maintenance and troubleshoot problems,” he said. Just recently, D.J. led a team of PESCO Field Service personnel to help a key customer troubleshoot and startup an advanced process skid. The customer expressed their appreciation for the help and the level of expertise we were able to provide. Martinez currently has a crew of about 10, and he says that he honestly loves his job. “I grew up with my brothers doing electrical work. Here at PESCO it’s kind of the same mindset,” he said. “It feels like family – like when I was working, when I was younger – that’s what makes it fun. I like my job.”
02 Feb, 2021
Henry Sandoval has been part of the PESCO family for over 25 years. He started in the days when PESCO was still a small family-run company. Henry’s exemplary qualities are quite evident- problem solver, visionary, and teacher. “The values at PESCO- Mutual Respect & Trust, Integrity, and Commitment to Excellence– truly resonate with him. Kyle Rhodes, President and CEO of PESCO said “Henry is one of those people who defines PESCO.” Henry began his career with PESCO as a pipefitter and today he works in the Training Department. When asked how he would describe his experience with PESCO, he said, “It’s a good place to work. PESCO has always treated me right- they’ve always been good to me.” Henry went on to say what he appreciates most: “PESCO treats their employees like family. They do a lot to support their employees.” Henry brings value to the company regularly by recognizing ways to make processes run more efficiently. He participated in implementing the “Five S System,” which helps organize the workspace and increase productivity. Henry is constantly asked for insight on various projects and, at times, has offered recommendations during the engineering process. Henry is passionate about his work at PESCO and has a real gift for imparting wisdom and knowledge to those willing to learn. Kyle said, “What I admire about Henry is he is always teaching, he is always equipping, and he is always very positive. His attitude when helping others is just phenomenal. Henry is one of the most knowledgeable people that PESCO has ever had in service.” Henry mentioned two mentors he is very grateful to have worked with: Blake Wallace and Allan Hawbecker. He said, “I learned a lot from these two men.” One of Henry’s proudest moments with PESCO was the expansion project that led to expansion of the manufacturing footprint. He had long anticipated this expansion and was proud to be a part of seeing it come to fruition. “Before that, we had to work out in the cold. It meant a lot to see the enclosed structure when it was built.” Once this growth happened, better equipment was brought in for the crew, and he was happy for them. Henry’s eyes lit up when asked about his family. He and his wife, Anita, have been married for 43 years and have raised five children, of whom Henry is very proud. In his spare time, Henry enjoys being with his family. One special memory he reminisced about was trips to watch his girls play softball and said that his son is now a registered nurse in Albuquerque. He looks forward to summer trips to watch his grandkids play fastpitch softball once the COVID restrictions are lifted. In his spare time, Henry’s hobbies include building small utility trailers and storage sheds. When asked what the future holds for him, Henry said he still has a few years before retiring. He is still deciding what that time will look like for him. Perhaps he will have a small shop where he builds utility trailers, possibly work with the family livestock, or travel with Anita. It was evident that Henry has a keen sense of the importance of PESCO’s drive to diversity. Being in the oil and gas industry for over 43 years, he is all too familiar with the highs and lows. Henry acknowledged that “with more irons in the fire, PESCO will always have something to fall back on.” Henry trains many of those employees who begin their careers at PESCO. Henry said he advises new employees to “learn as much as you can at PESCO. If you are in one department, go beyond that and expand your knowledge. PESCO is a great place to learn. We have some knowledgeable people here at PESCO who are willing to teach you new things. People are not always given that experience or opportunity to learn in other companies.” Henry would like to thank PESCO for giving him the chance to work for them. PESCO has come a long way, and he is grateful to be a part of it. 
02 Feb, 2021
As an employee of PESCO for almost 28 years, Tom Lewis has experienced opportunities he had never considered. He is one who keeps his nose to the grindstone, doing his best to become proficient in every department he has worked. This dedication to excellence has opened doors to numerous departments here at PESCO. Tom began with PESCO as a welder, and after nine months he took a position as a supervisor in the tank shop. From there, he went on to become a supervisor in the assembly department. With his drive to learn new skills, and quickly recognizing that computers were the choice tool of the workplace, in 2009 he began taking computer classes at San Juan College. It was this decision that led him to earn a degree in drafting. Tom’s career development, since joining PESCO, has included learning to work as a part of a team and leading a team. Through his years at PESCO, he has learned to identify and empower the people who can do a job well and take the time to train others to the same level of proficiency. He shared a moment that revolutionized his approach to supervising his team. After discussing a project with his then-supervisor Keith Tucker, Tom commented that he would “push his guys to get the job done”. Keith stopped him and said, “Don’t push them, lead them.” From that moment on, he changed his approach and led his team to become more productive and synergetic. John Buckles, Project Manager at PESCO, reflected on Tom’s decision to make a change in his career. He said Tom came to his office one day asking about drafting. John encouraged him to enroll in the Drafting Program at San Juan College, saying he would have a position upon graduation. At the time, John was head of the Drafting Department at PESCO and an adjunct instructor at San Juan College in the evenings. He said, “Tom had a real edge in the class because he was already very knowledgeable about the equipment.” And as promised, Tom was offered a position as a drafter after receiving his degree. He has been a draftsman at PESCO for the past 10 years. John went on to say, “Tom is a top-notch guy. He has high values and is a good example of a PESCO employee.” When asked what a typical day at PESCO is for him, Tom said, “It’s awesome! There is ease and efficiency as I clearly understand my responsibilities.” He expressed confidence in the leadership of PESCO saying, “Kyle Rhodes (President and CEO) does a good job staying ahead of the game in our industry. There is great communication regarding what’s expected here at PESCO.” Tom takes much of what he has learned here at PESCO and applies it in his personal life. He utilizes improved communication skills, safety practices, as well as organizational systems. Overall, he says, it makes life better. His favorite pastime is caring for his horses. “If my grandkids ever ask me to take them fishing, I wouldn’t know how, but I do know horses,” he said with a chuckle. What Tom appreciates most about working for PESCO is the mutual respect, good training practices, and the raising up of leaders. He emphatically stated, “I love it here! PESCO is my second home.”
22 Jan, 2021
Daniel Gamboa sat down in the chair, looked down at his hands, then said, quietly, “PESCO saved my life.” Daniel is celebrating nine years of sobriety – an addiction that he struggled with for 20 years. During those 20 years, Daniel became known in the community – known as an addict by local law enforcement. He also found a new place to live – he spent four years in prison in Las Cruces for robbing a drug dealer and was charged for residential burglary and conspiracy. Life changed for Daniel when he decided he wanted to use his skills as a welder and work for PESCO. He passed the mandated drug test and was hired as a code welder. Six months later, however, Daniel tested positive for meth. Linda Rodgers, PESCO’s Chief Financial Officer, said Daniel was tested because of a “reasonable suspicion” of drug usage. “A friend cared about me enough to turn me in,” Daniel said. “I lied to my supervisor (about doing drugs), but the test came back dirty, as I knew it would.” The Human Resources Department at PESCO told Daniel that they cared about him as a person and as an employee and encouraged him to get treatment. They offered him a position if he recovered and wanted to return to the company. “I wanted out of here and I left,” Daniel said. “Six months later, I was right back where I started (doing drugs). I went to Overcomers (a support program) and I lied to them about my usage, but they saw right through that. They said I would need a year of counseling and I agreed.” While Daniel wanted to change his life and win his battle with drugs, the lure of the drugs remained strong. “I figured I’d do what they wanted me to do, then I’d go back to doing what I wanted to do,” Daniel admitted. During the six months he continued doing drugs, Daniel lost a friend to an overdose and was known by the local gang task force. On February 11, 2012, Daniel hit rock bottom. He knew he had to change – for himself and for his family. Daniel went to his garage, where he kept a small container that he used to mix his drugs. He looked at the small amount of drugs he had left, and he thought it wouldn’t hurt to use, one last time. “I thought I could use (drugs) right now, and nobody would know,” Daniel said, explaining that he never used drugs in the presence of his wife or his children, out of respect and his love for them. Thinking of his family, Daniel made a decision. “I flushed them all. That’s the day I won my battle with drugs.” “I was done putting my wife and children through this,” Daniel said of his addition. “I called PESCO and asked if the offer of coming back still stood. They said yes, and I returned in June of 2012.” PESCO was happy to have Daniel return – and that he beat the demon who had haunted him for 20 years. “PESCO has a history of helping people,” said Chief Financial Officer Linda Rodgers. “God has blessed PESCO and during its 50 years in business, has helped countless people through tough times. PESCO doesn’t just want it’s employees to be successful at work, but in life.” Watson Benally is a friend and supervisor who works with Daniel and was glad to see him return to work. “Daniel Gamboa is a man of God; a great leader; full of energy, humble; compassionate; great heart who loves to work with the youth in our community and the people here at PESCO,” said Watson. Daniel’s recovery process included going to church with his wife and children. “I got on my knees and I surrendered my life to God,” Daniel said. “I told God I needed his help with my more than 20 years of addiction.” PESCO also contributed to Daniel’s recovery. In addition to supporting him and encouraging his continued growth with the company, it also helped his family. “PESCO gave my wife her husband back and my kids their dad back,” Daniel said of PESCO’s support in his recovery. “That’s the reason I love this company. God changed my life and now I can be the person I always wanted to be.” “I see life as a puzzle,” Daniel said. “Each piece represents when we were born and when we die, and God puts the puzzle together. God uses all we’ve been through in our puzzle and it is because of God’s grace that he has used me.” Daniel also had the support and love of his wife, who is a major piece in his life puzzle. “I would describe my wife, Shaundale, as a woman of God,” Daniel said. “When I went to prison, she was the sole provider and a single parent for my kids. She stayed with me and she raised our kids to follow Christ. And she never lost faith in me.” As a survivor of an addiction, Daniel knows that God opens doors and Oasis Church in Farmington was a door God opened for him. He offers his insights, his encouragement, and his story with others at Oasis and at the San Juan County Detention Center. He is proud to be on the board of the church. As a survivor, Daniel’s life now revolves around his family, his church, and his commitment to help others. His pride in his children is evident when he speaks of them. Rebekah is 22 and is a junior at New Mexico State University and “is my favorite, because she is my first born,” Daniel added with a grin. Nathan is 21 and is currently in the police academy. Erin, who is 20, is a youth pastor at Oasis Church, and Devyn is 17 and a junior at Farmington High School. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys mountain biking with several friends, who share his faith. “I love biking,” he said. “When I’m biking, my only focus is on the ten feet in front of me. I can’t see the stresses or the worries in life; I just concentrate on riding and looking ahead.” “I’m grateful God led me here, to PESCO,” Daniel said. “They gave me a second chance and God’s timing was perfect. They changed my life and the person I was. I hope I am always helping and speaking to those God puts in my path.” For Linda Rodgers, Daniel has been more than a great employee – he is also a great friend. “My husband was going through cancer treatment and Daniel stopped by my office to check on me,” Linda said. “I was humbled that he thought of me and shared a prayer with me. It helped get me through a rough day.” “PESCO has given me the opportunity to advance and utilize my past to help others,” Daniel added. “The tools PESCO has given me include giving me the knowledge that everyone is going through something and my words can empower and bring out the best in people.” PESCO’s website states the commitment the company has to its employees, its community, and the people it serves. “PESCO is not just a place to work. It’s a place to build better lives and communities.” Daniel Gamboa is grateful that PESCO gave him a second change to build a better life for his family and himself – and to share his story with those in his community who can benefit from it. Daniel embraces PESCO’s emphasis on integrity and knows he must live it. “Integrity is always doing the right thing, even when you know no one else is looking.”
15 Jan, 2021
The security team at PESCO has 80 years of combined law enforcement experience between its four employees – all of whom retired from state and local law enforcement agencies. The team was built by retired New Mexico State Police Officer Max Salas, who was hired in August 2019 and tasked with building a competent team focused on “protecting life and property” at the company’s facility on Bloomfield Highway. “I began by hiring retired police officers,” Salas said. “So far it’s been great.” Salas brought in longtime friend and co-worker Paul Gonzales, who made the decision to retire, based on the opportunity to work for PESCO. “Max told me they were starting up a security team,” Gonzales said. “When this opened up, I made the decision.” Retired Farmington Police Detective Paul Martinez and retired Farmington Police Officer Chad Herrera joined the team as well. Salas said when he started, upper management wanted to address safety on the site, where there were actual crimes occurring. With more than 400 employees, the team was dealing with stolen property, drinking on the job, domestic violence, “all types of shenanigans.” “They also wanted to address the issue of active shooters,” Salas said, adding this was in response to the Aztec High School shooting, as well as other shootings around the country. The retired officers came in as armed security officers, which according to Herrera, “provided a sense of security of PESCO employees as well.” With trained law enforcement on site, Salas said, “the calls for service from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office have gone way down. We’re handling things here instead of bringing in a deputy from off the street.” Safety is not the only aspect of these officer’s job descriptions. The entire PESCO workforce is a team from upper management down, and the employees are considered members of the extended family. This is apparent in the relationship between members of the security team, as well as in the service they provided to the employees. Martinez told of how he has changed employees’ tires, unlocked car doors, when employees leave their keys inside and just provide help wherever and whenever it is needed. “We have jumper cables, so when your car doesn’t start you have somebody, who can help you,” said Gonzales. “We interact with the employees to build that mutual respect.” Herrera added, “We’ve taken a lot of responsibility from the employees, such as securing the buildings, locking doors and setting alarms.” They also like to keep the atmosphere light, joking with one another. “Real men work 12-hour shifts at PESCO,” Martinez joked, as all four expressed their appreciation for the company. “PESCO treats us good. We appreciate them letting us work here.” The security team also has kept the facility open and functioning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. “A lot of things changed,” Salas said. First there were layoffs, and people were not happy. “We had to stand by with Human Resources,” Salas said, adding security helped to defuse situations and make certain that people left the premises peacefully. All four of them had taken Crisis Intervention Training, while employed as police officers, so they have the skills to lessen the stress that can occur in a crisis. “It was a time of uncertainty and confusion, and they kept things under control,” PESCO Chief Financial Officer Linda Rodgers said. “Once we got layoffs out of the way, we had to man the gates – checking people in,” Salas said. They were tasked with verifying employment, checking identification from vendors, visitors and contractors. They also began taking temperatures and asking questions about a person’s health status for contact tracing purposes. Just as with most businesses, some employees were placed in quarantine because of either contact with COVID or having contracted COVID. Upper management kept track of those individuals and security made certain, they did not return to work until they were given the all-clear for their health status. Rodgers said their work helped to keep the business operational, during a time when some had to close their doors. “We are really fortunate to have this group of people on the security team, helping to keep us open and to feel safe and secure.” Herrera said when people know they have to enter through armed security, they listen, and the security team is perceived as a good thing amongst staff. “We keep the integrity and professionalism at a very high standard here.” Rodgers echoed the sentiment. “They really are professional and courteous – top notch!”
29 Dec, 2020
Sixteen years ago, Taira Shelton was looking for a job and an opportunity to start a new chapter in her life. Her dad (John Buckles) and her uncle (Pete Buckles) worked for PESCO and knew there was an opening for an invoicing clerk. She applied for the position and she was hired. In addition to learning her invoicing job, Taira wanted to learn about other areas. “We have a complicated software program at PESCO, and I learned it through some trial and error.” She worked closely with shipping and receiving, helping to facilitate shipping equipment to customers. For many years, Taira benefitted from discovering all she could. She enjoyed the work and she learned more about the company and its customers. However, when a position in the accounts payable department opened, Taira decided it was time to learn more about PESCO from another perspective. “This account payable position has been good for my career path,” Taira said. “I have developed relationships with PESCO’s customers and have a good network with them that I can establish myself as a solid professional. I’ve made friends and bonded with vendors across the country, which is something I least expected.” Taira’s determination to excel in whatever position she is assigned has not gone unnoticed by PESCO’s leadership team. “Taira has grown and developed her base of knowledge,” PESCO’s Chief Financial Officer, Linda Rodgers, said. “It is awesome to watch her develop new skills and take on new challenges and to succeed. Everybody she interacts with enjoys her.” Taira hopes to continue to grow and learn with the company, and to be a respected leader like her supervisor Linda. “Leadership is being on a level with employees and showing them how to be the best they can be,” she said. “Leaders have to get down and dirty and work alongside their employees. Linda has done an excellent job as a leader. She challenges you to look for new ways of doing things and think outside the box. Her example of a leader is to trust and have integrity, and that example makes us all grow.” While Taira loves her job at PESCO, there is one “position” she loves more than anything: being a mother. “I always wanted to be a mother,” she said. Taira is a mom to Isabelle, age 16, and Madison, age 5. “These girls give me a purpose to wake up every day and to be the best person I can be.” Her family is a priority for most of the spare time Taira has. “I play with children, and we love to camp and explore the outdoors,” she said of her family and that spare time. Taira wants to show her girls that hard work and determination can get you any where you want to be. PESCO’s leadership team, its focus on family and its commitment to helping employees reach their full potential is an important part of the company’s success, and one of the many reasons Taira said she loves working with and for the Rhodes family. “PESCO is a Christian based, family-oriented company,” Taira Shelton said, “which is what I like best about working here.”
28 Dec, 2020
Michelle Wilcox and Leanna Martinez are both chemical engineers at PESCO. Michelle earned her degree from New Mexico State University and Leanna earned her degree from New Mexico Tech. Both are former engineers at ConocoPhillips. When ConocoPhillips sold its interests in San Juan County in 2017 to Hilcorp, Michelle chose to leave ConocoPhillips and stay in San Juan County. Her two children who are much loved by grandparents and other family members who live here were the motivating factor. Leanna worked in the San Juan basin before she transferred to Houston in 2014 and worked there for two years prior to moving back to Farmington in 2016. She chose to stay at home with her young daughter while working from home as a consultant during that time. Working for a company that is family owned and smaller (but still growing!) was different in many ways than working for a large corporation, Leanna and Michelle said. The variety of projects they get to participate in and working more closely with customers to find solutions to the problems is challenging and exciting, the women said. “We learn new things almost daily,” Michelle said, “and there’s still so much more to learn.” “Working with the fabrication shop to size and design equipment has taught me so much,” Leanna said, adding “and experiencing and seeing the way the PESCO team works together has been inspiring.” Being employed by a large corporation can be somewhat rigid, Michelle said. “PESCO has given me the opportunity to think creatively,” she said. “Jim (Rhodes) is creative by nature and has taught me to think outside the box. He is great at coming up with solutions to problems.” Jim Rhodes, PESCO’s Vice President of Plant Operations, Engineering and Research and Development, works closely with Leanna and Michelle. Both women admire and respect Jim. Michelle enjoys teaching school children about engineering. “I took a 3D model of a piece of equipment I helped design to my son’s class,” she said. “The kids enjoyed it. In fact, later in the day some parents said their child now wants to be an engineer.” In their spare time, Michelle enjoys working out on her Peloton bike and snow shoeing. But most of her time away from work is spent with her family. Leanna also spends most of her spare time with her family, but enjoys cooking and Michelle said, she is an excellent cake baker and decorator! Both women have goals they hope to achieve in the next five years with PESCO. Leanna hopes to grow with the company as it grows and work with diversifying into different industries. Michelle hopes to help expand the customer base by offering new solutions to new problems. Leanna and Michelle said working for PESCO allows them to continue to succeed in their chosen careers and offers employees the flexibility to be with family when needed. When asked what three words they would use to describe PESCO, their answers were similar. “Family, quality and versatility,” Michelle was quick to respond. Just as quickly was Leanna’s response – “Family, integrity and fun.” Linda Rodgers, Chief Financial Officer, said having Michelle and Leanna as part of PESCO’s engineering team has been incredible. “They are role models for women,” Linda said. “They prove you can have a family and a career and be successful at both.”
15 Dec, 2020
When Rudy Duran retired from PNM after 33 years of service, he fully expected to enjoy his farm in La Jara, a small town about five miles northwest of Cuba, NM. The farm, Rudy decided, would be the best place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the benefits of retiring. After a while, however, Rudy noticed trucks – PESCO trucks – in the area of his farm. Always curious and always wanting to know about people, places and businesses, Rudy asked his church friends if they knew anything about PESCO. When he learned the company was a good company owned by good people, Rudy couldn’t resist the opportunity to check it out. He discovered the company was looking for a forklift operator and Rudy decided he wanted to retire from retirement, and he applied for the job. “I was persistent,” Rudy said with a smile. “I filled out applications three times.” Rudy’s determination to become part of the PESCO family paid off when he was hired on May 13, 2016. “This is a great company with great people,” he said, adding that once he started, he wanted to know everything he could about what the company offers its customers. “Scott Creech, my boss, calls me ‘Inspector,’” Rudy said with a laugh, “because I notice everything.” The “everything” Rudy notices includes, well, everything! He has an interest in every unit, every material, every customer, and every final product. “I like seeing the start of a unit and what it looks like when it’s done.” Linda Rodgers, PESCO’s Chief Financial Officer, said Rudy’s interest in the company and his willingness to do anything and everything he can to help everyone has been recognized – and appreciated – by the company’s employees and leadership team. “If Rudy sees something that needs to be done, he does it,” Linda said, adding that it didn’t take long for Rudy to find something that needed done. “Rudy organized our yard,” Linda said. “He put down gravel and he put equipment in order. Now, if we’re looking for unit 16, we know it’s between units 15 and 17 and we don’t have to go looking for it.” Logan Myers, Supply Chain Manager at PESCO, was one of Rudy’s supervisors. “Rudy is reliable, hard working and open to learning new things,” Logan said. “And he’s always willing to help find a solution to a problem.” Rudy said he has learned a lot since that 13th day of May in 2016, and he is proud of the company and all it does for its customers and its employees. PESCO has been creating custom solutions for the demands of the onshore oil and natural gas industry, including the engineering, design and manufacturing of new production equipment, refurbishment of used production equipment, and field services “What people don’t know about PESCO is the quality of the equipment that comes out of here,” Rudy said. “What we do here is art, and the people who work here create that art.” Rudy’s curiosity extends beyond the yard at PESCO, however. He is a caring and compassionate guy, who is always looking for ways to help others. “I like giving – especially to people who are in need. I pay for someone’s groceries or I’ll pick up tickets in restaurants,” Rudy said. “I am so very blessed, and I encourage people to pay it forward.” A kind, gentle and caring man, Rudy appreciates his PESCO family. “I’m proud to work here,” Rudy said. “We have great people here — everyone feels like family.” Rudy is a piece of the puzzle that has made PESCO successful. Logan said Rudy is part of what PESCO stands for. “It’s all about having the right people here,” he said. PESCO’s website states that the company wants to grow its business but wants to grow it right by working with integrity and honest communication with our customers. That goal includes hiring the right people, who share the company’s commitment to integrity. While Rudy loves his job and his PESCO family, he does have a future goal. “I want to drill for water in Africa,” he said. “As a little kid, I watched a commercial on TV about a drilling rig, drilling water in Africa, and that’s what I want to do.” The leadership team at PESCO is dedicated to community service. If the community Rudy Duran wants to serve is in Africa, it is certain he will receive all the support and good wishes of his PESCO family.
03 Dec, 2020
If you ask Earl Brown what he likes about being part of the PESCO family, be prepared for a response that will be full of appreciation, commitment, respect – and a lot of laughs. Years ago, Earl worked for companies that required him to travel. A skilled welder and a dedicated family man, Earl decided the travel didn’t give him the time he wanted with his family, and he began looking for another job. “I came to PESCO when Ed Rhodes (who, along with his wife, Mary Lou, started the company 50 years ago) was still here,” Earl said. “Ed would greet everybody. He knew everybody by name, and he treated everybody like family.” Earl has spent almost 21 years at PESCO, and the benefits have been many. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge (about the business) and how to treat the people I supervise,” he said. Recently promoted to Assistant Shop Superintendent, or what he calls a “rookie superintendent assistant,” Earl displayed his leadership and his commitment to PESCO when he helped streamline the code department. The code department is responsible for welding high- and low-pressure American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard coded vessels, which regulates the design and construction of the equipment PESCO manufactures, said Linda Rodgers, PESCO’s Chief Financial Officer. “The code department has some of our most highly skilled welders,” Rodgers said. “Earl was able to divide the code department into various divisions, then promoted some of his top people into leadership positions. That gave them responsibilities for their areas and gave them the freedom to do what they needed to do to accomplish their tasks. As a result, the productivity of the code department doubled.” Earl said his proudest moment at PESCO was the streamlining of the code department, which allowed him to give those promotions and give his staff weekends off. “We used to have to work Saturdays and Sundays to get things done” he said, adding “but now we can do the same amount of work in four days.” Earl’s dedication to his job and his employer is second only to his dedication to his family. “My sons are my heroes,” he said. “My kids (Tyler, 28, and Zachary, 26) are important to me. I enjoy spending time with them.” That time with his sons is spent hunting, fishing, and camping. Earl has a love of “outdoor stuff,” which he has passed on to his sons. He also has a love of archery, which he learned as a child. “I like a bow and a string. You can look at the target, shoot, and hope you hit it!” he said. Earl lists his top three highlights in his life – “My kids are one and two, and, after 55 years, I recently purchased my own home.” That home is shared with his wife, Sandra, and three of their children. Earl appreciates the opportunities – especially that much desired time with family – that PESCO has given him. “The people make PESCO a great place to work,” Earl said. “PESCO always tries to do what it can to help its employees and the community,” he added. Linda Rodgers said PESCO’s leadership team appreciates Earl’s dedication to the company. “I have three words to describe Earl,” Linda said. “Integrity, respect and determination—Earl always strives for excellence” “Our mission is to make the lives of our customers easier, and the lives of our employees better,” is shared on PESCO’s website. Earl Brown knows his life is better because of that mission and he is grateful for it.
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