Employee Spotlight: Kyler Messerly, Travel Welder
Kyler Messerly, Travel Welder
What do you do at Gilbert Industries?
I work as a travel welder and polish grinder. My role involves fabricating and finishing tanks to meet high-quality standards, ensuring each project is completed with precision and durability.
What is a typical day for you like here at work?
A typical day consists of about 12 hours of hands-on fabrication. Each day presents new challenges, whether it’s welding, grinding, or polishing.
How long have you been at Gilbert Industries?
I have been with Gilbert Industries for approximately a year and three months.
What is your professional and educational background before coming to Gilbert?
I earned my high school diploma and explored several career paths after graduation. I worked in a variety of roles, including bartending and insurance, while trying to determine my long-term career goals. Eventually, I joined a local stainless steel fabrication shop, where I learned the fundamentals of grinding and welding. These experiences built a solid foundation for my current role at Gilbert Industries.
What brought you to Gilbert Industries?
The opportunity to travel was a big draw for me. I wanted to see more of the United States while I’m young, and this role offered the perfect combination of work and exploration.
What part of the job do you find most fulfilling?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a project through to completion. Watching a tank go from raw materials to a finished product is incredibly satisfying, especially knowing the effort and skill that went into each step.
What do you like most about working at Gilbert Industries?
What I enjoy most is the people I work with. The team has great energy, and we all have a lot in common. I also appreciate the places we get to visit- whether it’s hanging out at campgrounds or exploring cities I wouldn’t have otherwise visited.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
In my free time, I enjoy relaxing, spending time with my dog Rip—who’s always full of energy—and catching up on TV.
Can you describe a project you’re particularly proud of?
One project I’m especially proud of was a tank for a food and beverage customer in the Midwest. This involved constructing a double-wall, polished tank. The project presented challenges, particularly dealing with the intense wind, but we worked through it and delivered a tank that exceeded expectations.
What are you most looking forward to over the next year?
Professionally: I’m excited to visit new places, meet new people, and try unique local restaurants. One of the perks of working in smaller towns is discovering hidden gems, especially family-owned, mom-and-pop-style eateries.
Personally: I’m looking forward to becoming more well-rounded in the business, continuing to learn, and growing my skill set. Leading a tank project in Georgia recently gave me a fresh perspective, and I’m eager to take on more responsibilities, and increase my reliability.
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Check out more of our projects that Kyler has his hands on here.
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