Meet APM Canada Project Manager, Paul Mahe´!
This month’s spotlight features APM Canada Project Manager, Paul Mahe´! Paul joined APM Canada in 2001 as a first year millwright and has worked his way through the ranks ever since, achieving positions including Foreman, Superintendent, Safety Officer, Western Canada Regional Manager, and Project Manager. Today, he coordinates some of the largest outages we have ever executed in Canada, and last year he was nominated for the 2020 Presidential Awards. We are so excited to spotlight Paul! Read more to get to know his history with APM, proudest moments, and some of his favorite hobbies.
What led Paul to this industry and how did he first learn about APM?
When I was a first year apprentice, I asked all the Journeymen Millwrights I met what the safest and steadiest work was in our industry. Many of them said "turbines" so that's the path I chased.
What energizes Paul at work?
The challenges faced working in the nuclear environment are very dimensional. Working through the challenges motivates my day. The feeling of watching the crew work through the plan safely and knowing what all it took to get there is extremely rewarding.
What does Paul find the most challenging in his role?
You’re always on. Keeping up with the required pace is more than a full-time job. My family is very supportive and understanding. If they weren’t, I’d have to leave a position I love, so I am very thankful.
What’s one thing that surprised Paul about working with APM?
Back around 2010, APM Canada was as large as it could have been with the resources we had at the time. Then, APM took a more direct approach with Canada around the same time Jake Locklear became the CEO. The additional investment in resources and support allowed us to aggressively grow under Ben Jonas’s leadership. I never would have thought such growth would have been possible until we achieved it.
What does Paul like most about working with APM?
APM is like a family. We get to work with the best in the business. APM is very professional and there’s no limits to the opportunity within the organization.
What advice does Paul have for prospective APM candidates?
When you find something you enjoy, it’s not as much of a job as it is a hobby. APM is a great company with limitless opportunities. If you enjoy the work, and stick with it, you can grow into the career path of your choice.
Who has influenced Paul most when it comes to how he approaches his work?
Ben Jonas and Mathew Prior have been very influential. They are both mentors to me, and they have given me guidance throughout the years. Their patience, knowledge, and leadership is what I strive to become.
How does Paul balance his career at APM with his family?
When I’m with my family, I am 100% engaged with them. When I’m at work, I am 100% engaged with work. There is no balance in time, only in effort, and the combination works for us.
How does Paul prefer to spend his days off?
What days off? Lol! I spend all my time off hanging out with my family doing whatever they want. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, just being with them is special.
Paul’s Top Three Life Highlights:
My marriage to my wife ... We have been together for 15 years.
The birth of my children, Addelyn, Kane & Harlow ... Watching my family in all it’s dynamics grow throughout the years is the greatest accomplishment I have.
The development of my career.
Paul’s Motto:
The life your future self will lead depends on the actions you take today.
Paul’s Perspective on Leadership:
A true leader adapts to the needs of any team. Therefore, you need to be able to adjust your style to suit the team you are leading. You can’t be a leader if you don’t have followers.