Employee Spotlight – Meet APM Specialty Services Superintendent, Shawn Warren!

This month’s #EmployeeSpotlight features Specialty Services Superintendent, Shawn Warren! Shawn started his tenure with APM in the Boiler side of the business and has since built an established 7-year-long career with APM. His energetic and optimistic attitude primes him to start the day with determination to succeed. Read more below to learn about Shawn’s hobbies, ambitions, and thoughts on leadership.

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

 - OSS Welder

- Pipefitter

- Lead welder

What is your official job title with APM?

 - Specialty Services Welder

- Superintendent

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

 Once I struck my first arc, I knew welding was more than a skill. It took me on a road to something greater and I ended up here! I was working on the Boiler side in Wyoming when I met Fred Sabb and he introduced me to this side and James Ray, our Operations Manager at the time, took me in under his wing.

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

 I started in 2018 and been with APM for 7 years.

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

 The safety culture and the professionalism from the guys I work around have surprised me the most.

What is a typical workday for you?

 A typical day includes doing some major weld repairs on turbines, timekeeping, and doing daily reports.

What energizes you at work?

 I wake up inspired to give the customer quality work and to help the process of getting their unit back online.

What do you find the most challenging in your role?

 I find it challenging when the job is behind schedule, and they call you in to do a critical path job with no incidents or quality issues. You have to be on your A-game.

What do you like most about working with APM?

 I enjoy getting opportunities to better yourself and move up. The safety culture is really big here.

How has APM helped you in your career development?

It helped me realize that only you can stop yourself from growing to the next level. Everyone has the opportunity to be successful. APM has tools and resources - just have to use them.

What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete?

 - Multiple welding certifications

- Superintendent/customer relations training

- Diaphragm training

What is your proudest moment with APM?

 I would highlight traveling overseas to do critical jobs in Taiwan.

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

 My family - I was always taught let your work ethic speak for itself, and the success will come.

How do you prefer to spend your days off?

 - I golf a lot (though not very good), some call me “Tiger Wish he Could”

- I like to barbecue a lot also

How do you balance your career at APM and family?

 When I am off, I leave work at work and enjoy my family.

What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?

 APM stands by its core values, and everyone has an equal opportunity. It’s up to you to decide on how successful you are.

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

 I was part of USA Powerlifting team and competed for a world championship in Prague, Czech Republic. I was invited to try out for the Olympics team.

Favorite quote?

“I don’t have bad days. I may have a bad moment. Maybe even a bad hour. But never a bad day. I set my own thermostat” – Deion Sanders

How do you define success?

 Success is like a well-built engine, every part has a purpose, every move is intentional, and when everything works together, the result is power, precision and progress.

Motto or personal mantra?

 Success only grows if you are the one feeding it, It won’t grow on its own.

People would be surprised if they knew:

 I have nine siblings.

Top three life highlights?

-Traveling to different countries

-USA Powerlifting team

-Being Born

What does true leadership mean to you?

 True leadership isn’t about stepping on others to get ahead. It’s about lifting

people as you climb. A true leader doesn’t put others down to rise above them.

They earn respect by setting the standard, sharing knowledge, and helping the

team grow together.