Catoosa, Oklahoma, United States
I've spent 25+ years on the other side of the standards - implementing them, auditing against them, and managing the consequences when they weren't followed. My background spans coatings inspection, operations management, and quality systems across oil and gas, railcar, structural fabrication, and infrastructure industries. I'm an AMPP Senior Coatings Specialist, certified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor, Six Sigma Green Belt, and currently serve as Operations Manager for a structural fabrication facility in Oklahoma - where I work daily with AISC, ASME, AWS, API, and ASTM standards. I've been through certification audits on both sides of the clipboard - as the auditor and the one being audited. I've qualified welders, written specifications, managed NACE-level coating inspection programs, navigated NSF 61 certification from scratch, and managed major non-conformances on projects where the cost of getting it wrong was measured in weeks of delay and hundreds of reworked components. In 2026 I launched The Standards Navigator - a content site that translates complex ISO, ANSI, AWS, ASME, and industry-specific standards into practical guidance for manufacturers, fabricators, and industrial operations professionals. The site covers: • ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO 13485 • AWS, ASME, AISC, API welding and fabrication standards • Calibration, supplier quality, compliance, and certification guidance • Medical device quality standards and FDA QMSR compliance Every article is written from 25 years of operational experience - not from a desk. 🌐 www.thestandardsnavigator.com
The Standards Navigator ANSI Standards Explained for Industrial and Manufacturing Professionals The Standards Navigator is an independent industrial resource dedicated to interpreting ANSI-accredited standards, regulatory compliance frameworks, and technical codes used across manufacturing, fabrication, and inspection environments. ANSI standards, ASTM standards, ASME codes, ISO systems, and AMPP requirements shape how industrial work is performed, tested, certified, and audited. However, these standards are often dense, technical, and difficult to apply without field experience. This platform exists to make industrial standards understandable, actionable, and aligned with real-world operations. Bridging the Gap Between ANSI Standards and Implementation Many professionals purchase ANSI standards or access regulatory compliance documents only when required by: Customer specifications Third-party audits Certification programs Contractual compliance clauses Internal quality system requirements The challenge is not access. The challenge is interpretation. The Standards Navigator focuses on practical guidance for: Understanding ANSI-accredited standards Applying ASTM testing standards correctly Interpreting ASME code requirements Aligning ISO 9001 quality management systems with operational controls Navigating AMPP and SSPC contractor certification frameworks Our content connects technical standards to real manufacturing workflows.
Key Achievements: Successfully managed to eliminate a 500 valve backlog due to re-work while maintaining the business goals of daily output by implementing lean strategies and providing quality training, resulting in improved workflow efficiency, increased productivity with minimal defects. Conducted Lean Manufacturing initiatives to reduce excess inventory and achieved a reduction amount of 45% by working with Supply Chain, Procurement and Sales Depts. Implemented safety initiatives, resulting in a 100% reduction in workplace accidents within the first year. Managed day-to-day operations across multiple production areas, including Masonelian Valve Assembly and Testing, SVI Assembly and Testing, and the Protective Coatings Department, ensuring strict adherence to quality standards, safety protocols, and production schedules. Recruited as a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Protective Coatings, tasked with overseeing equipment evaluations, production assessments, and implementing lean quality management strategies. Successfully addressed process bottlenecks through comprehensive employee training and coaching initiatives aligned with ISO 9001:2015 standards. Conducted regular performance assessments, offering constructive feedback, and identifying opportunities for skill enhancement within the team.
Plant Manager (March 2018- Dec 2022) Key Achievements: Implemented lean manufacturing principles, leading to a notable 30% decrease in repair turnaround times and a significant 25% enhancement in overall efficiency. Effectively supervised a monthly budget of $750K, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and achieving a commendable 15% reduction in operational expenses. Actively contributed as a member of the JC 1st Board Group, providing valuable insights and assistance in various matters concerning Junction City, including new business development and allocation of funds for local projects. Collaborated closely with the Chamber of Commerce and local Government, facilitating donations of both time and funds for community enrichment endeavors. Developed and implemented a robust training program for employees, enhancing their skills and capabilities in handling a wide spectrum of railcar repairs. Conducted regular performance evaluations and provided continuous training opportunities to staff, nurturing a culture of ongoing development and improvement. Spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing safety protocols (BBS), resulting in a remarkable 85% decrease in workplace incidents. Operations Manager (March 2015- March 2018) Supervised and coordinated up to 30-40 employees across railcar coating, cleaning rack, and final assembly departments, utilizing ERP reporting systems to optimize workflow efficiency. Led cross-functional teams to successfully align with production schedules, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards. Achieved a notable 50% increase in overall efficiency and an impressive 90% reduction in quality defects. Established and meticulously maintained key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of Lean initiatives. Regularly communicated progress updates to senior leadership, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
Fostered collaboration with manufacturing personnel to devise innovative workflow strategies, incorporating staff feedback to bolster morale and productivity. Advised on technology upgrades and complementary products to enhance product application processes, ensuring optimal efficiency and quality. Stayed abreast of evolving industry trends and needs by evaluating and integrating new technologies, fostering adaptability and competitiveness. Cultivated valuable partnerships both internally and externally, playing a pivotal role in accomplishing organizational goals and objectives. Designed and implemented a certified training program for contractors and application teams, ensuring standardized skill development and adherence to industry best practices.