Est. Read Time: 7 minutes

This month’s spotlight features APM US Boiler Superintendent, Jim Ridings! Jim started in this industry in 1988 after his time in the US Army, He later learned about APM in 2017 and is now an APM Superintendent and Quality Support. Outside of work, Jim is a husband of 41+ years, a father of 4, and has 36 years of experience as a Boilermaker. We are so excited to spotlight Jim and congratulate him on his APM award win! Read more to get to know his surprising fact, personal motto, and perspectives on success and leadership.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working with APM?

The most surprising thing that I have observed is the interest APM takes in their workers such as this Spotlight recognition. This is not required or an expected boon, it is above and beyond what most companies enact for their employees. It is a rare attribute for a company to possess this foresight!

What is a typical workday for you?

A typical workday is an interesting question! Never think typical, think of every day the job you are on as a new and interesting experience. Keep looking for a better way to implement your arsenal of experiences and solutions for the questions and issues of the day.

What energizes you at work?

Discovering a new and better way of articulating and/or implementing work tasks in a more lean and productive progression of work events.

What do you find the most challenging in your role?

The most challenging facet of my position is dealing with the ever-changing type and skill set of craft people and customers. Their personalities, skill sets, and the demographics from which they come from can be a challenge to accommodate and motivate to accomplish our goals needed for the completion of the project at present.

What do you like most about working with APM?

Their willingness to keep the people informed about what is going on in the field and in the office so that the whole picture may be seen by all working for APM!

How has APM helped you in your career development?

APM Boiler has supported my AWS renewal of my CWI certification.

What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete?

Boilermaker Apprenticeship / AWS CWI / Primavera P6 / Metallurgy training

What is your proudest moment with APM?

Being nominated for the Superintendent of the year.

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?

The people that have and still do influence me the most are the first Superintendents from when I first started in the trade along with trades people that have left an indelible mark such as the apprentice that comes to work every day on time and without complaint of his job assignment and the Journeyman that performs superlative craftmanship day in and day out without skipping a beat and performs them with pride and professionalism! All the mentioned people are a huge influence on my insight and to my approach of the job at hand. The fortitude that is projected daily is a credit to them and all the similar craft people from the other trades that conduct themselves in the same manner.

How do you prefer to spend your days off?

With my loving wife and traveling with her.

How do you balance your career at APM and family?

Balance is an interesting term since family is as one of the main reasons why most of us do the things we do. Working for APM is to support our family’s interest and wellbeing i.e., quality of life. So, because of this is when work is available it has priority over most family functions barring a medical emergency. I am able to focus on work items and tasks at hand because my wife navigates the home front issues with grace and her intuition.

What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?

Be aware of your surroundings and your company you keep and try to be above reproach in your daily activities.

What is a non-work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?

My day-to-day relationship with my wife and our 4 kids and watching them become productive young men and woman.

Jim’s Favorite Quote

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”

- Mark Twain

Jim’s Top 5 Life Highlights

1) The day I married my bride of 41 years

2 thru 5 are the days that my 4 children were born!

Jim’s Perspective on Leadership

True Leadership is a multi-part answer:

1) Always lead by your actions and behavior.

2) Never delegate a duty or a task that you yourself do not know how to perform and accomplish because the person that you delegated the task to may have a question regarding the task!

3) This goes hand in hand with number 1. And that is leading by example and being an example for others to follow. To be the first at the job site and the last to leave. Always try to be understanding of the job site conditions and hurdles and obstacles for the crew.

Jim’s Definition of Success

If the project is on time, on budget and no one gets hurt.

Jim’s Personal Motto

“Sua sponte” - meaning to accomplish tasks with little to no prompting.

Jim’s Surprising Fact

I practice cursive and calligraphy writing in daily journals, collect fountain pens, and auto winding analog wrist watches.