Employee Spotlight | Meet APM Gas Power North Superintendent, Fred Hitchcock!

This month’s #EmployeeSpotlight features APM Gas Power North Superintendent, Fred Hitchcock! Fred started with APM in 2001 and has since developed prestigious tenure in the industry. In fact, his accomplishments drove him to be nominated for Superintendent of the year in 2023! Read the below article to learn more about Fred’s thoughts on leadership and success.

What are some roles you have at work, and outside of work? (ex. Superintendent, parent, board member, etc.)

-        Superintendent

-        SME

-        Husband

-        Parent

-        Grandparent

What is your official job title with APM?

APM Gas North Superintendent

What led you to this industry and how did you first learn about APM?

I was sent to a steam retrofit by the Union Hall in 2001.

When did you begin working with APM and how many years have you been working with APM?

I started in 2001, so that makes 24 years.

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

The prioritization of Safety and Team culture were most surprising.

What energizes you at work?

What energizes me at work is our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our crew while delivering high-quality machines to our customers. This dual focus motivates me every day.

What do you find the most challenging in your role?

One of the toughest parts of my job is dealing with unexpected challenges. Working as a team to overcome these obstacles requires strong communication and collaboration. It’s tough, but it makes us better at finding solutions together.

What do you like most about working with APM?

What I enjoy most about working with APM is the camaraderie with my team and the strong bonds I've built over the years.

How has APM helped you in your career development?

They have given me the opportunity to work on multiple units of both steam and gas turbines.

What is your proudest moment with APM?

My proudest moment was being awarded Gas Superintendent of the Year for 2023.

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

I have worked with many great people that helped me throughout my career. Joe Wirasnik has always been a great mentor and resource to me throughout my career.

How do you prefer to spend your days off?

I enjoy hiking with my dogs, and spending time with family and friends.

How do you balance your career at APM and family?

I make the best of any time off, spending as much with loved ones when I have the opportunity.

What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?

My advice for prospective APM candidates is to ask lots of questions, stay positive, and prioritize safety.

Miscellaneous:

Favorite quote?

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. –Henry Ford

How do you define success?

Professional success for me is to complete a project with no injuries and no quality issues.

Motto or personal mantra?

Without hard work nothing prospers.

What does true leadership mean to you?

To me, true leadership means accepting responsibility for the team, prioritizing work effectively, mitigating problems, coaching and mentoring team members, and giving credit where it's due.