Employee Spotlight: Jeff Custer, Engineering Director
What do you do at Gilbert Industries?
As the Engineering Director, I get to work close with a great group of people in the engineering department; engineers, CAD designers, material and fabrication layout persons, and procurement. I am also given the opportunity often to collaborate with each department throughout the company, or employees one-on-one. I work with this group to produce calculations, equipment drawings for production and the customer, purchasing BOM, company specifications, department improvements, and more.
What is a typical day for you like here at work?
Start as early and finish late as often as I can. It is at times stressful and mentally draining. It would not be called work, if it were not those things. I enjoy it. I may not be able to say that if it was not for this type of work I get to do and the people I get to work with each day.
How long have you been at Gilbert Industries?
18 years
What brought you here?
Josh Gilbert asked some people he knew in the industry, and they shared my information with Josh. But what brought me here was meeting the Gilbert Family. I didn’t have a doubt it was the place for me.
What part of the job do you find most fulfilling?
We try hard to supply our customers with the product they require, they trust us to provide vital equipment for their project. I get to watch all the hard work, putting their skills to the test, and long hours the team puts out. When I see the final results, that is when the job is fulfilling.
What do you like most about working at Gilbert?
I really do enjoy working with so many different professionals in the industry, meeting new people or catching up with existing customers I have worked with for a long time, that has a nice personal connection.
I have a passion for what I do, and I'm blessed to get to do this every day with my friends, that's what my co-workers are here, my family and friends. We have been through a lot together, as the business grows from a tiny eager seed to a strong White Oak Tree. It is special to be a part of.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my immediate and extended family. It really doesn't matter what we are doing, as long as we are doing something together. My wife and I enjoy spending summers at Table Rock Lake with our son and daughter. We also have two dogs, a mini Australian shepherd and a golden retriever. I like working with my hands, cooking, working on vehicles, construction, attempting to play sports or games with my kids.
What is your professional and educational background before Gilbert?
I have always enjoyed the mechanical nature with engineering from childhood, through high school, and college. I have worked in this industry for almost 25 years, gained the best kind of experience. However, I try not to overlook or take for granted, I get to learn new things every day from the Gilbert team, vendors, partners, and customers.
I would say my leadership has to come from several different ways. I was privileged to witness great leadership during my 8 years of service with the United States Army Reserves. I also picked up on some wonderful leadership skills I have witnessed over the past 18 years working with the Gilbert family. They very much lead by example, and I have greatly benefited from this the most.
What are you most looking forward to over the next year?
Professionally: As the company grows, I want to continue and accelerate improvements to the engineering department to keep up with the increased volume of business
Personally: I would like to travel a little bit, help our son learn how to drive...responsible and safe, and help our daughter get through college.
-------
Check out more of our projects that Jeff has his hands on here.
Keep up to date with our employee spotlights and more by following us on Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram!