Employee Spotlight - Luke Bender

Published on May 04

1. What is your role at KYJO? And how long have you worked for KYJO?

I am the Operations Manager at KYJO. I have worked here since 2010, so about eleven years so far. I started as a welding apprentice and worked my way up to my current position.

2. Describe your daily activities on the job at KYJO?

I spend my time scheduling jobs in the shop, ordering materials needed to complete projects, helping the team if issues pop up, and working with the staff to ensure that work is completed to the highest quality.

3. How did you first learn about KYJO?

I was on the hunt for a welding apprenticeship. This was when Kent (our current owner) had just purchased KYJO Steel. He hired me and I have been working for him ever since.

4. What have you gained from working at KYJO?

I am constantly acquiring new knowledge and training on all the equipment we have in the shop. KYJO Steel is a place where I genuinely enjoy going to work…most days!

 

5. What is on your wish list for the next 5 years with KYJO?

  1. New set of large rollers
  2. New TIG machine
  3. Another 6000 sq ft

What is your favourite part about working for KYJO?

Every day is different. That keeps things fresh and interesting. Working one-on-one with our customers is rewarding. We are very lucky to also have such a great team. I work with people I really like spending my days with.

7. What is your proudest moment at KYJO?

There is not one thing, in particular, I can point out. I am proud of the good job we do every single day and that everything we make lives up to the highest standard.

8. If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

I would be Prime Minister and use my day to make some changes.

9. What are 3 words to describe KYJO culture?

  1. Thrilling
  2. Rewarding
  3. Funny

10. What do you enjoy outside of KYJO? What are your hobbies?

Outside of work I love to be outdoors fishing and hunting. I also love spending time with my wife and son. A little hobby I have is buying things (that my wife doesn’t always approve of) and re-selling them to make a few extra dollars. It’s a fun way to put a little extra cash in our pockets.







 



Next Article

Feb 24

Another Successful Project - Amphitheatre

At KYJO Steel, we love being a part of interesting projects that require outside-of-the-box thinking. This outdoor amphitheatre came together to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind seating experience. To complete the task, we were subcontracted in partnership with another company, putting our metal fabrication skills and ability to collaborate to the test. Here’s a sneak peek into the project—we are so proud of how it turned out:

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