Cimco-GC Systems is proud to be a team made up of diverse backgrounds, skill sets and interests. Every few weeks we highlight a member of our team to learn what makes them (and Cimco-GC Systems) unique.
Robert Velasquez currently works in Engineering Support and Technical Sales - specializing in Cla-Val design, quoting and specifications. Nothing captures his imagination quite like water system and valve design. When he’s not finding solutions to complex application challenges, he enjoys training operators and getting back out in the field with the service team. Read on to find out a bit more about Robert!
Q&A w/ Robert Velasquez:
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Texas but raised in Puyallup, Washington.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work I spend the majority of my time with my family. I also play guitar and sing, work on woodworking projects, weightlift in my home gym, and occasional shoot my bow.
What is your favorite thing about working at Cimco-GC Systems?
My favorite part about Cimco-GC Systems is the problem solving and creativity. From innovative approaches that solve customer valve applications to adjusting internal workflows to solve issues, Cimco is a very dynamic workplace.
Describe a time that your work made a difference and what you found satisfying about it.
A couple years ago I helped some engineers develop a new water system on the Oregon coast that was especially satisfying. It involved installing a new tank at the top of the hill and then creating several pressure zones coming down the hill. We supplied package pressure reducing stations to help separate the pressure zones. The tricky part was the system had a large difference between static pressures and dynamic pressures under fire flow conditions, so cavitation protection and valve capacity had to be balanced. It was satisfying to be involved in early site plans and design conversations to seeing the stations go in.
What's something throughout your career that people tend to come to you for your expertise?
I’m kind of a nerd who loves to know how things work and why things work the way they do. I’ve found throughout my career people appreciate that inquisitive mindset and come to me with questions or problems to help solve.
Do you have any surprise skills that no one in your professional world really knows about?
Wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I wrote it out here…
Best advice you ever received:
The best professional advice I have received is that your work is what you make it. Even the dullest work can be meaningful if you invest your time and effort to do the work to the best of your abilities.
Describe a time that you saw one of Cimco-GC Systems' values in action. Why was it memorable? What did it mean to you?
Relationships – The last several years I have had the privilege of working with many of the same engineers and operators on multiple projects. It’s always a joy to start the next project and pick back up the conversation and relationship.
Lightning Round:
Do you have any nick names?
Rob, Bob, or Bobert. Just don’t call me late to dinner.
Favorite food:
A Good Thick Ribeye Steak
Dream vacation destination:
Europe. Specifically France, Italy, and Spain.
One thing you couldn’t live without:
My Wife and Family.