Our featured employee in this quarter is Steve Lopez, one of our top superintendents and current site manager for all Corey Delta work at a large refinery.

Steve joined Corey Delta in June 1994 as a mechanic. His Corey Delta journey has taken him through our ranks to...foreman, general foreman, and superintendent to his current position. A lengthy and, sometimes, tedious route. All the while Steve has spent the majority of his "free" time coaching youngsters in his community (Napa Valley) in baseball, exemplifying caring, discipline and integrity in his players. In the workplace he is known for his willingness to teach his crews, again, exemplifying integrity in all
his activities.

His entry level position as a mechanic placed him at work in one of the bay area refineries. His rise to senior superintendent was a natural progression for this born leader.

On a recent project he directed  the relocation of three above ground steel storage tanks, all 25' or more in diameter and 30' tall...to the amazement of those witnessing the move. His skillfull preparation facilitated a safe and efficient operation and with no damage to the tanks. 
                                      
Steve is an example of  a young man with desire and character who has risen  through our ranks creating a resume of impressive projects and a cadre of loyal clients.
Another Corey Delta success story!

In these unprecedented economic times, all industry struggles to meet (and survive) new challenges.  Among these, maintaining a skilled workforce is the highest priority.  In the industrial construction sector, the presence of a skilled, experienced and motivated team is the essence of our core strength.  What, seemingly, is invisible to many is the cold fact that skills training is virtually non-existent today.  As this economy turns around, indeed rebounds, and it will, where will the craftspeople come from?  They are not languishing on the sidelines awaiting a "dispatch."

In reality, craftspeople, of all disciplines, have left our industry... for a host of reasons.  Union or non, the phenomenon is with us.

At Corey Delta, we have endeavored, for 36 years, to attract and train excellent, safe and multi skilled people for this sector; not just for Corey Delta, but for the industry.  We have, the majority of the time, funded these efforts ourselves, including the welder training we accomplished in Mexico.

We were at the forefront of drug and alcohol testing, crafts certifications, merit shop "referral" programs and industry association based training (AGC, ABC).

All that said, we did what needed to be done.  Now, the challenge is immense, too much for any one company to accomplish.  Perhaps even too much for one trade association.  This message, this call to action of industry leaders, is not intended to alarm but to inform.  We contractors and our clients must work together to provide innovative solutions.

We at Corey Delta will continue to press the issue and welcome comments and suggestions from every sector of the industry.

Gene Waken CEO

Mr. Jim Kukuchka (Kuch) came to work for Corey Delta on June 28, 1977, as a pipefitter and foreman. He has worked on a multitude of projects in many different plants ranging from building materials to food processing to refineries and chemical plants. He has proven over the years to be a fair and effective leader capable of making tough decisions when necessary.

Jim has earned many certifications over the years including: 40 Hour Hazwoper, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Recognition, Trench Safety, MSHA, NCCCO Large and Small Telescopic Crane Operator, and NCCER Pipefitter Instructor.

Jim has grown significantly during his tenure with Corey Delta and is now considered one of our top superintendents. He has the knowledge and experience to be the leader for virtually any mechanical project we take on. Jim is currently in charge of the process piping installation for the ground up construction of a macadamia nutshell processing plant in Kawaihae, South Kohala, HI, for Big Island Carbon.

We are proud to have him on our team and thank him for his years of dedicated service.

In the 10 years since, Victor has progressed from entry-level mechanic to superintendent due to his inherent mechanical ability, his personal integrity, and his professionalism.

Victor began his career with us working in the mining and building material sectors, and he currently oversees capitol projects at a Bay Area refinery. His wide range of experience and willingness to accept new challenges allow him to have a positive impact on any project he is involved in.

In the process of delivering great value, quality and safety to our clients, he has set an example and become a mentor for our newer, entry-level employees.   

We are very proud to have Victor on our team.