Employee Spotlight – Meet APM Specialty Services Superintendent, Rudy Dukes!
This month’s Employee Spotlight features APM Specialty Services Superintendent, Rudy Dukes! Rudy began his career with APM in 2016 and has excelled in his tenure here. As a result of his success, he was nominated for Superintendent of the year for the Specialty Services division in 2022! Read more below to get to know his career journey, valuable learnings, and insights on success and leadership.
What are some roles you have at work, and outside of work? (ex. Superintendent, parent, board member, etc.)
- Lead APM 7HA and 9HA Trainer/Bucket technician
- Pipe Welder/Fitter
- Parent to a 17-month-old boy and soon to be new baby girl on September 14th
What is your official job title with APM?
Superintendent - Level 4 Bucket technician
What led you to this industry and how did you first learn about APM?
During 2016 downturn in the offshore oil industry, I was seeking other opportunities to further my career and my skills as a tradesman. I spoke with APMSS field leader for Bucket techs, Sammy Degafferelly, and learned of this opportunity.
When did you begin working with APM and how many years have you been working with APM?
I’ve been with APM since September 2016 as a Bucket Tech. I’ll reach 8 years in September of this year.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working with APM?
What surprised me was the skill level and knowledge of leadership and their willingness to pass that knowledge on.
What is a typical workday for you?
Workdays vary in my position throughout the year, as I not only work onsite as a Bucket Technician, but I also help GE Engineering, GE Tooling & Development, and GE OSR/Procedures Development & Updates for 7HA and 9HA units.
What energizes you at work?
What drives me is problem solving issues and gaining as much knowledge as I can.
What do you find the most challenging in your role?
Separating home life and work life is difficult. Both roles are very important and very demanding all the time. Knowing when to stay focused on which one is very challenging, but my family will always come first.
What do you like most about working with APM?
I enjoy the constant growth and change within the company.
How has APM helped you in your career development?
The opportunity to learn and excel in this career path has been a blessing. Everyday presents new knowledge and opportunities.
What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete?
I am a Level 4 Bucket Tech and lead for the APM 7HA and 9HA gas turbines for the Specialty Services Bucket Tech program. I am also a Journeyman Millwright which I also do when work is slow with the Bucket Tech program.
What is your proudest moment with APM?
I consider working/training under Eric Hendricks and Sammy Degafferelly (both level 4 Bucket Techs at the time) - achieving a level 4 as a Bucket Tech myself - from their training and guidance. You always have guys you look up to in your career and take advantage of any time they spend to pass on knowledge they’ve learned over their career. Being a level 4 now myself, I feel I have a great responsibility to do the same guiding and passing of knowledge I’ve been taught and things I’ve learned along the way.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
The APM bucket tech group as a whole. We are a small group and a brotherhood that looks out for one another, helping/molding each individual to be and do their best.
How do you prefer to spend your days off?
I prefer to be with my family. Whether it’s on the boat all summer fishing or in the woods during the winter hunting. We enjoy the outdoors and are raise our kids to enjoy it with us.
How do you balance your career at APM and family?
Our significant others and kids are also a part of the APM family. That’s just how APM is so it makes it easy to turn work off when family time comes first.
What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?
Ask questions and ask them often. If you see room for improvement and have the motivation, don’t let anyone discourage you from voicing improvements.
What is a non-work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
Becoming a dad with my son being born on March 11th, 2023.
Favorite quote?
“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” - Napoleon Hill
How do you define success?
Each day requires having patience, persistence, and perspiration, regardless of the task, goal, or work. Success is only an outcome of your actions.
Motto or personal mantra?
“The pain you feel today, will be the strength you feel tomorrow.”
Top three life highlights?
Becoming a parent. Seeing Tessa (mother of my child and partner) become a mom. My dad passed away in 2017 from cancer before my son was born so seeing my mother hold my son after being born and becoming a grandparent was a top 3 life highlight. Nothing comes close to becoming a parent. I’m blessed enough to soon experience this again in September.
What does true leadership mean to you?
Guiding and mentoring others is a prime example. Knowledge is a gift and something we should pass on to others. When we die, no one will care how many jobs you did or how much you know if you didn’t use that knowledge and time to help bring others up along with you.