APM Spotlight | Meet APM Steam Fossil Superintendent Robert Gardner
Behind every successful team are dedicated team members and today, we’re spotlighting one in Robert Gardner.
With 13 years at APM, Robert has built a strong foundation as a millwright and has recently stepped into his new role as Superintendent. Robert brings a rare combination of hands-on experience, steady leadership, and consistency to every job site. As a fourth-generation millwright, he continues a family legacy while helping shape the future generation of leaders.
Words From Leadership
“No matter the size or complexity of the task, Robert brings the same level of focus, precision, and pride to every job. He consistently demonstrates a rare combination of technical excellence, reliability, and professionalism. From day one, Robert has proven that he is someone you can depend on — not just to show up, but to deliver outstanding results every single time.”
– APM Steam Fossil Superintendent, Andrew Johnson
Consistency is what makes Robert a trusted leader across teams.
Roberts Journey with APM
Robert has been with APM since November of 2012, following in the footsteps of his father, Patrick Gardner, and continuing the family legacy. Over the years, he worked his way up from millwright to Superintendent, completing extensive training and certifications along the way.
He measures success not by title, but by impact—especially the people he’s trained and mentored throughout his career.
Safety and Leadership
“The safety aspect of APM… everybody always talks about it, and until you step outside of APM, you don’t really get to see how much focus that they do put towards safety.” – Robert shared.
Robert noted that as a foreman he is not only responsible for his own safety but also overseeing the safety and correct PPE usage of everyone on his team. He leads by example, taking on any task and modeling the behaviors he expects from others.
His motivation to be safe comes from family and a simple goal: everyone goes home safe.
Work-Life Balance
Outside of work, Robert enjoys spending time fishing, playing video games, spending time with his children, and working on projects around the house. While frequent travel can make balance challenging, he prioritizes time with family whenever possible, especially during the holidays.
Robert encourages future APM employees to understand the realities of the job, including travel and time away from home. He emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health alongside technical skill.
Andrew Johnson, APM Steam Fossil Superintendent, sums it up best:
“Beyond his technical skills, Robert brings something else that’s harder to teach — a positive attitude and a deep sense of pride in his work. He collaborates well with everyone, treats others with respect, and creates a work environment that is productive, focused, and enjoyable.”