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Brian Spraker has been a valued member of the MATHESON team for over 13 years, currently working as an IT Support Specialist. His technology-focused career began in middle school while working at a small-town electronics store, where he built his first computer. Brian enhanced his customer service skills in various call centers before transitioning into IT. He later joined Continental Carbonic Products, which subsequently became part of MATHESON. 

Those early experiences taught him how to listen, adapt, and provide support, skills that remain central to his work. Brian has grown into a “jack-of-all-trades” in IT. His responsibilities range from helpdesk support and troubleshooting to phone system upgrades and mobile device management.

Everything seems difficult until you learn how—and then it feels like second nature.

Brian

One of Brian’s most challenging and rewarding projects came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when he was tasked with migrating Continental Carbonic employees to the MATHESON mail server. The effort required long hours, careful coordination, and seamless execution. At the core of Brian’s work is a passion for problem-solving and helping others. He enjoys collaborating with teammates across the organization and values the friendships and connections he’s built along the way.  

Recently, he led a major cost-saving initiative that cut the company’s phone service expenses by $2.4 million, an ongoing effort that continues to make a lasting impact. “As someone who is frugal and finds ways to make a dollar go further in my personal life, I also see that as a focus within the company,” he says. It’s a mindset that aligns closely with MATHESON’s emphasis on financial responsibility and efficiency.

Being a jack-of-all-trades doesn’t stop at closing time; it carries over into his hobbies and interests outside of MATHESON. Brian is actively involved in his local church and enjoys gardening fresh vegetables at home. He also manages rental properties in Florida, including a vacation condo near the beach in Navarre. Brian jokes that he finds it hard to truly “relax” on vacation—if there’s nothing on the schedule, he’ll end up responding to emails and helping teammates instead of enjoying the beach!

For those new to MATHESON or just starting in IT, Brian offers simple, solid advice: don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Everything seems difficult until you learn how—and then it feels like second nature,” he says. His curiosity, persistence, and commitment to supporting others continue to make a meaningful impact at MATHESON—one solved problem at a time.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions:

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Bob Gould is celebrating 33 years with MATHESON this month, marking a long and accomplished career in the industrial gas business. Bob has taken on many roles since joining in 1993, including driver trainer, credit representative, and technical support before landing in his current position as an Inside Sales Representative (ISR). His strong work ethic and willingness to embrace new challenges have made him a valuable resource for customers and colleagues.

In his role as an ISR, Bob prioritizes exceptional customer service, ensuring each customer finds the right solution for their needs. Whether answering technical questions, placing orders, or resolving vendor issues, he approaches problem-solving thoughtfully and carefully. He believes in guiding customers toward better solutions without making them feel wrong – a principle he learned early in his career. Bob jokes, “If the customer is asking for 1109 welding rod, turn the number over, it is most likely 6011!” Beyond sales, he assists with various tasks like stocking inventory or receiving freight. 

Live each day for what it is. Tomorrow is another new day.

Bob

Bob’s dedication to keeping operations running smoothly has been evident in both times of crisis and times of growth. When a fire destroyed MATHESON’s South Portland filling facility 25 years ago, he was critical in maintaining gas supply by transporting cylinders between locations, often working long overnight shifts to ensure customers were unaffected. Years later, during the 2018 relocation of the Lewiston branch, his technical expertise proved just as essential. He worked closely with the IT department to set up computers, phones, and internal communications, ensuring a seamless transition. 

Outside of work, Bob is a self-proclaimed “geek”. He is passionate about computers and amateur radio, using his skills to support emergency communications. He volunteers with organizations like the Oxford County Emergency Management Agency and the Maine Lung Association’s Trek Across Maine, ensuring reliable radio communications for large-scale events. These passions unexpectedly gave him the tools to excel professionally. “What I really was not aware of at the time was that a geek really fits into this business well. There is a lot of technology in the welding process, and it is always changing.”

Bob’s advice for new employees is simple: always strive to give 100% and take advantage of every learning opportunity. He believes that training and continuous learning make the job easier and more enjoyable. His mantra, “Live each day for what it is. Tomorrow is another new day,” speaks to his positive outlook and adaptability—qualities that define his long and successful career at MATHESON.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions:

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With a background in theatre, English, and law, Heather Reese has mastered the art of communication – an essential skill in her role as a Corporate Recruiter at MATHESON. Since joining the company in March 2022, she has been dedicated to finding the best talent and helping candidates discover roles where they can thrive. Her passion for connecting with people and guiding them through the hiring process makes her an invaluable asset to the team. 

Heather’s day-to-day responsibilities vary, keeping her job engaging and dynamic. Some days are spent sourcing candidates and reviewing applications, while others are filled with phone calls and collaboration with hiring managers. She thrives on the challenge of matching the right person to the right role and ensuring they see the value in joining MATHESON. More than just filling positions, she sees recruiting as an opportunity to impact people’s lives by helping them take the next step in their careers.

A key part of Heather’s success is the teamwork and support she receives from her colleagues. She values the shared expertise of her recruiting team, drawing on their knowledge to refine her own approach. Working closely with hiring managers allows her to understand the company’s needs and confidently advocate for the roles she fills. Seeing new employees find success and fulfillment in their positions is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job.

Outside of work, Heather remains active in community theatre, a passion she shares with her husband, Ian, who also works at MATHESON. She says that performing has been a part of her life since childhood, but “just don’t ask me to dance!” Heather and her husband also enjoy cooking and exploring local restaurants together.

Heather believes MATHESON’s culture of care and commitment to excellence makes it a great place to grow both personally and professionally. Her advice to candidates and colleagues is to stay confident, embrace their unique strengths, and be open to new challenges. Through collaboration and continuous learning, she is proud to contribute to a company that values its people and strives to make a difference.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions:

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Chrisdan McCready began her journey with MATHESON in the Legal department in March 2016 before transitioning to Human Resources in 2018. This move allowed her to take on new responsibilities and sharpen her project management, communication, and problem-solving skills. By taking advantage of this growth opportunity, Chrisdan was able to move to her current role as the Cornerstone and e-days Manager.

Put in your best effort and take pride in what you accomplish.

CHrisdan

In her position, Chrisdan oversees key systems that support daily HR functions, including recruiting, onboarding, and performance management. Her typical day involves monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and developing strategies for improvement. She enjoys the variety and challenges each day brings and finds satisfaction in optimizing processes and supporting her colleagues.

One of Chrisdan’s proudest accomplishments is the successful implementation of the Cornerstone system, which launched in phases from 2021 to 2023. Each phase introduced new functionalities, important to the efficient operation of the HR team. She also played a pivotal role in launching e-days, MATHESON’s vacation management system. Chrisdan consistently refines these systems, ensuring they adapt to the company’s evolving needs and enhance the overall user experience for her teammates.

Chrisdan’s passion for her work parallels her appreciation for her teammates. She values the friendships she has built and enjoys collaborating with her colleagues. She encourages new teammates to strive for excellence, saying, “Put in your best effort and take pride in what you accomplish.” 

Chrisdan loves the outdoors and finds joy in nature. One of her favorite pastimes is hiking with her family, exploring new places, and visiting parks together. She also has three cats and volunteers at a local pet rescue with her daughter.

In her nine years with MATHESON, Chrisdan McCready has become a vital contributor to the HR department, using her skills to implement and manage key systems that streamline operations. Her dedication to continuous improvement, collaboration, and problem-solving, along with her passion for the people and culture at MATHESON, underscores her commitment to the company’s success. 

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions:

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Nick Schulte has dedicated nearly three decades to MATHESON, spending 19 of those years as an Outside Sales Representative. His journey began in the warehouse, where he managed cylinder deliveries across locations, and over the years he moved through various roles, from route sales to inside sales, before finding his stride in his current position.

For Nick, MATHESON’s diverse product offerings and industry experts help him to consistently bring value to his clients. He finds pride in working with colleagues across locations and appreciates the company’s commitment to safety and teamwork. Collaborating with a team of talented people with collective expertise not only supports him in his sales role but also allows him to provide top-quality solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer.

Living near Sioux Falls, Nick shares a fulfilling life with his wife Lori, who he’s been married to for 37 years. Together they enjoy a vibrant, outdoor lifestyle that includes camping, yard work, and ATV riding, often shared with their two sons and two young grandchildren. This balance of family, work, and personal enjoyment reflects Nick’s well-rounded approach to life, which he brings into his role at MATHESON.

Nick’s enthusiasm for his work is evident in the relationships he builds and the pride he takes in delivering MATHESON’s solutions. He advises new employees to embrace continuous learning, something Nick attributes much of his success to after years of participating in countless training seminars and webinars.

With a dedication to both personal growth and client satisfaction, Nick is an inspiring example of the values that drive MATHESON’s success. Known for his customer-first approach, Nick has become a cornerstone of the MATHESON team, valued for his adaptability and commitment to providing effective solutions for every client.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions: