Employee Spotlight | Meet APM Blade Tech, Travis Homister!

This month’s #EmployeeSpotlight features APM Blade Technician, Travis Homister! Travis has been working at APM Jobs since 2002 and has since developed a distinguished career in the Specialty Services division. His profound industry knowledge was inspired by two of his relatives, who have amassed 50-year careers as Millwrights! Check out the blog below to learn more about Travis and his experience at APM.

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

-        I have been a union millwright for 32 years

-        I am on my local volunteer fire dept.

-        I volunteer for the local Rotary club

-        Husband, Father and Grandpa.

What is your official job title with APM?

I am a Level 4 Blade Technician.

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

I got into the Millwrights right out of high school and would work with APM when they came in the area. I also had a coworker that had gotten into the Blade Tech program and he got me to apply.

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

I did my first job with APM in 2002 and got hired on as a Blade Technician in 2011.

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

The network of people you have - whether it be for a business discussion, work related questions or a safety issue, there is someone that you can talk to.

What is a typical workday for you?

Workdays change every day for us because of the logistics and nature of work. Some days you could be on a site with just the customer doing a single blend or it could be me and a couple guys on a major outage.

What energizes you at work?

What drives me the most are the challenges and the problem-solving that goes into our role.

What do you find the most challenging in your role?

The most challenging has got to be the good and the bad of this career, the travel. Being away, missing stuff, not being to help out when needed is tough. It’s a great thing to have people you can count on at home to help out when needed.

What do you like most about working with APM?

I enjoy going places I would never have thought of travelling to as well as the people you meet along the way.

How has APM helped you in your career development?

APM has given me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and interact with field engineers, customers, and to teach in a classroom setting.

What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete?  

-        Journeyman Millwright

-        Level 4 Blade Technician

What is your proudest moment with APM?

Getting the chance to be a classroom instructor for the Blade Tech program.

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

My Dad and my Uncle (who are both over 50-year millwrights) have had the biggest influence on my career.

How do you prefer to spend your days off?

When I get home from a job, I prioritize getting caught up with chores that have come along with outage season, going to see my parents, and then hanging out with my wife and grandkids.

How do you balance your career at APM and family?

This is a hard one because you can’t put yourself first. You have to remember your family is also making sacrifices to make this type of work happen. When I’m home, I try and help out when and where I can to try and give back.

What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?

Learn everything you can and talk with everyone that comes along, be involved, and take all the training that’s offered to you.

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

I am most proud watching my children succeed in life, knowing that my wife and I have raised them the best of our abilities.

Favorite quote?

Never give up!

Top three life highlights?

-        My wife

-        My kids

-        My grandkids