Great Lakes Group in 2016 Hiring Push
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Michael Burnes (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
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Douglas Barrow (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
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Robert Shamp (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
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Justin Fortney (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
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Susan Long (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
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Nicholas Wallinder (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
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Christoper Swenk (Photo: Great Lakes Group)
Facing continued growth driven by client demand, the Great Lakes Towing Company and Great Lakes Shipyard have together added 20 new employees in Q1 2016 and are looking to hire an additional 50+ employees before the end of Q4 2016.
“We’re looking out for the future,” said the company’s president, Joe Starck. “We’re strategically focusing our efforts on finding, developing and training a team of professionals for a growing workforce to successfully accomplish the contracts we have now, and the potential contracts we are working on. This starts with hiring world-class talent.”
Recent hires include:
Michael Burnes – Financial Analyst & Cost Accountant
Michael Burnes has over five years of professional experience in accounting, business management and financial services consulting. Burnes explains that his career move was prompted by “the new challenge to work directly for a manufacturer in a complex and unique industry. Vessel repair and construction is an amazing process from engineering and design to production and final delivery.”
Douglas Barrow – New Construction Manager
Douglas Barrow has over 25 years of experience in new construction and ship repair management and has the innate ability to identify great workers. “It’s about getting the right people, to do the right things, at the right time. To build a schedule for your plan, and work the plan, not let the plan work you.” Under Barrow’s management, Great Lakes Shipyard has initiated important new procedures and processes to improve quality and efficiency, as well as new educational training for current and prospective employees.
Robert Shamp – New Construction Electrical Systems Manager
Robert Shamp brings his passion for electronics and over 30 years of experience in the shipyard industry to Great Lakes Shipyard. Shamp explains, “I have always been fascinated by electricity and electronics – how it works and why – the engineering of it all.”
Justin Fortney – Quality Manager
Justin Fortney, a United States Navy Veteran, brings over 13 years of experience as a Nuclear Machinist and Quality Assurance Specialist to Great Lakes Shipyard. “The management of inspections and testing for all repair, maintenance and new construction projects is my primary focus. I will make every effort to establish and improve standards, procedures and protocols used to ensure excellence in the Shipyard. I will also serve as the liaison between the Shipyard and ABS, U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory bodies.”
Susan Long – Buyer/Purchasing Agent
With over 16 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Susan Long comes to The Great Lakes Towing Company as an experienced purchasing professional. “My goal is to find the best parts on a cost effective and timely basis for the company and our Customers – to find quality material and equipment that meet the high standards called out in our contracts is critical for all ship repair and new construction projects.”
Nicholas Wallinder – Health, Safety, Security & Environmental Coordinator
Nicholas Wallinder is a recent graduate of State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College. Wallinder graduated with a degree in Naval Architecture and a USCG 3rd Mates license. “My education at SUNY and interest in maritime has prepared me for this great start to my career. I enjoy working closely with the Director of Operations & Compliance as well as the Fleet Captain and tug crews. I’m looking forward to learning all I can and growing with the company.”
Christoper Swenk – Marine Traffiic & Operations Assistant
Christoper Swenk was a Telecommunication Specialist with the United States Coast Guard from 1997-2002 and recently returned to the maritime industry. “It’s great to be back in maritime, I’m really enjoying it and love working directly with the tug crews and Fleet Captain, and helping the company however I can.”
In addition to these new hires, Great Lakes Shipyard is continuing to expand its workforce due to the increase in new construction projects for the Shipyard. Recently, six new employees were hired in 2016 Q1, including Christopher Hoff, Painter/Blaster Leaderman; Joshua Pirtle, Shipfitter Leaderman; Lorenzo Lopez, Welder; Christopher Eads, Welder; Christian Newlon, Receiving/Tool Room Attendant; and Samuel McKnight, Welder.
Additionally, three Engineer Interns, Mike Imbesi, Easton Tilicki and Mike Bhio, that were hired in 2015 have and recently completed their internship program and have returned to their academic studies at Webb Institute.
“At The Towing Company, we’re looking for great people to join our team and grow with us,” Starck said. “We are committed to hiring a diverse team – providing employees with a unique opportunity to learn and develop through training, to perpetuate our position as a leader in the Great Lakes community and throughout the industry.”
The company said it is now seeking candidates to fill a wide range of positions including naval architects, shipyard welders and pipe fitters, project managers and more.
