Serving as a lead mechanic supervisor in our large fabrication shop Rey Gutierrez is an integral part to the Steel America Fabrication Team. Rey works hard to ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on budget, and still keep the high quality our customers have come to know and respect. An interesting task that Rey has acquired over the years is serving as a translator for our employees who are from the Philipines. Rey was born in the Philipines, but moved to the United States in 1996. One of the core values at C.S.I. and Steel America is “Family”. We took a few minutes to sit down with Rey to get his insight on Steel America and learn more about him on a personal level.

How long have you worked for Steel America/Colonna’s Shipyard?

I’ve worked for 4 and half, 5 years.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Busy every day… I don’t want to be bored. When I have nothing to do, I feel sleepy.

What do you like most about working here?

Working as a team – that’s best. People work with me & cooperate when a project is behind. 

What do you find most challenging about working at Steel America?

Trying to get an improvement in attendance with the guys. I try to improve the culture.

If you could switch your job with anyone else within our company, whose job would you want?

Tom Godfrey [our company’s president], but I am happy where I am.

What advice do you have for prospective new employees?

If you learn a lot and do a good job you will/can be promoted. Learn to use your tools well also.

What has been your favorite project since being here, and why?

I like every project. The crane loader project was the most complicated. It was a challenge.

One of our core company values is “Pride”, what is your proudest moment at Steel America?

Earning respect. If everyone respects each other, then the jobs would get even better. We are like a family.

What are three words you would use to describe Steel America?

Family, Family, Family.

When you aren’t at work, what is your favorite thing to do to decompress/have fun?

Home improvement – I am learning about wood working. I am building shelves for my closet.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I went to school in the Philippines. I wanted to be a mechanical engineer to build and design things.

People would be surprised if they knew… (i.e. speak more than one language, hidden talents)

I watch HGTV & YouTube. I am addicted. If I watch it I can do it. I like to work on home improvement projects.