MATHESON

The Gas Professionals

Our People

Jaime Navarrette – April Employee Spotlight

Meet Jaime Navarrette, a dedicated Site Manager at MATHESON, with a dynamic background in various industry services. Jaime’s journey with MATHESON began about five years ago when he met a regional general manager who spoke highly of the company. Inspired by the encouragement, Jaime joined MATHESON and has since thrived in his role.

Jaime’s typical day is a whirlwind of productivity, starting with a daily Tool Box Talk meeting and reviewing sales from the previous day. He then dives into facility walk-throughs, customer interactions, deliveries, inventory management, and supporting his team wherever needed. His primary focus is ensuring the safety of his team and the facility, which is a responsibility he takes to heart.

One of Jaime’s most memorable experiences at MATHESON was helping to restructure the Gonzales, TX store, which led to winning Site of the Year while managing that location. Currently, the San Marcos, TX site, under Jaime’s leadership, is leading the region in both Site Improvement and 5S Projects, a testament to his commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, Jaime enjoys many different activities and hobbies. He loves getting in touch with nature in his RV, passionately cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, and indulging in woodworking projects.

Jaime attributes much of his growth at MATHESON to collaboration with current and previous site teammates. His advice to new employees is to embrace change, stay open to learning, and explore various roles within the company. Jaime values MATHESON’s emphasis on work-life balance and prioritization of employee safety.

Jaime finds motivation in a quote from Kobe Bryant: “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Jaime embodies this spirit of inspiration and continues to make a positive impact at MATHESON.

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

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Jim Bates – March Employee Spotlight Video

Meet Jim Bates, a regional operations manager on the HyCO team at MATHESON. Jim joined us in 2019 as part of the HyCO team acquisition from Linde, bringing a background in managing Air Separation Unit facilities and commissioning plants. He has been in his current role for six months, previously serving as the plant manager for the Lemont, IL facility.

In his role, Jim oversees operations for six plants, with another one on the way. His key responsibilities include prioritizing safety, reducing hazards, improving compliance, and training new personnel. Jim emphasizes the importance of training new or inexperienced teammates about the hydrogen plants, as he believes they are the “future of the organization.”

Jim has been managing the Lemont, IL site since 2014 when it was still part of Linde. During those ten years, under Jim’s leadership, the plant has maintained an accident-free record while meeting reliability targets for both the company and customers.

Jim values the freedom to succeed in delivering on the safety, dependability, and profitability goals at MATHESON. He appreciates the company’s safety culture, which he also practices at home by wearing earplugs and safety glasses while cutting the lawn.

Outside of work, Jim enjoys traveling with his wife to watch his son wrestle, recently visiting Maryland for the Big Ten Championships.

During his time at MATHESON, Jim has had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people and collaborate with numerous colleagues. He finds inspiration in working with new and energetic personnel, viewing growth as a key aspect of professional development. Jim’s dedication to excellence and continuous improvement embodies the core values of MATHESON, making him an invaluable leader.

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

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Mindy Durecki – March Employee Spotlight

Meet Mindy Durecki, one of MATHESON’s Corporate Recruiters, with over 35 years of experience in the industry. Mindy’s journey began in Chicago, IL, leading her to successful roles in sales and management. Despite a brief career pause to support her family during COVID-19, Mindy embraced a new challenge when she joined MATHESON as a Corporate Recruiter in August of 2021.

In her dynamic role, Mindy’s days unfold with a mix of scheduled screening calls, resume reviews, and continuous candidate sourcing. With a wealth of expertise acquired throughout her years, spanning various roles in sales and operations, she has successfully recruited many new sales professionals during her tenure with MATHESON.

Mindy’s achievements reflect a commitment to excellence, where the heart of her position lies in serving hiring managers, MATHESON, and the candidates she guides through the recruitment process. She sees collaboration as a fundamental aspect, fostering successful hires and a positive work environment. Mindy cherishes the rewarding satisfaction of successfully assessing and placing the right candidates in crucial positions through her collaborative role at MATHESON.

Beyond the workplace, Mindy finds solace and joy in her personal interests. Gardening, immersing herself in mystery novels, golfing, and skiing are some of her favorite pastimes.

Mindy’s advice for colleagues and aspiring professionals is to be positive, memorable, and transparent. She emphasizes the importance of instilling candidates with excitement about MATHESON and enabling them to enjoy what they do in both work and life.

Mindy Durecki embodies the spirit of dedication and enthusiasm, contributing significantly to MATHESON’s success in talent acquisition. Her story serves as an inspiration to professionals, showcasing the impact of positivity, expertise, and a passion for what you do. MATHESON extends gratitude to Mindy for her service and commitment.

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

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Don Hood – February Employee Spotlight

Meet Don Hood, a dedicated member of our team whose professional journey spans 24 years at our affiliate company, Continental Carbonic Products. His tenure at Continental Carbonic has been a testament to his adaptability and leadership, progressing from Shift Supervisor to Plant Manager and eventually overseeing production plants as a Regional Manager. His successful turnaround of the Loudon, TN facility and subsequent role as Quality Programs Manager reflect his commitment to organizational growth and operational excellence.

In his current capacity, Don navigates the dynamic landscape of quality compliance. Despite initially facing the challenge of transitioning into Corporate Level Quality with limited experience, Don’s determination and resilience enabled him to not only understand but also excel in aligning Continental Carbonic with Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) guidelines. 

Among his proudest achievements at Continental Carbonic, Don highlights the successful launch of the Clearfield, PA facility in 2017 and the expedited attainment of FSSC, surpassing projected timelines by six months, an undeniable reflection of his strategic planning and leadership. 

Don finds immense fulfillment in Continental Carbonic’s culture of recognition, career advancement, and open communication—an environment that resonates with his values of safety, integrity, and fostering a close-knit community. 

As a guiding principle for new employees, Don advocates for hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, emphasizing that dedication leads to success. A quote from President Harry Truman encapsulates Don’s work ethic and dedication: “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” 

Beyond the workplace, Don’s passion for the outdoors shines through his pursuits, including hunting, fishing, and embracing traditional archery. He values moments spent with his wife exploring National Parks and savoring winery visits. Don also actively contributes to his community through a men’s group, “Beards & Backpacks,” fostering both physical and spiritual renewal. 

Collaboration and teamwork have been pivotal in Don’s time with Continental Carbonic. His ability to lead and empower teams, evident in the successful collaboration between Continental Carbonic and MATHESON Corporate Quality, underscores the importance of collective effort and expertise in achieving organizational milestones. 

His journey at Continental Carbonic shows dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring colleagues and aspiring professionals alike. MATHESON extends its heartfelt gratitude to Don for his exemplary service and commitment.

Tony Raimondo – January Employee Spotlight

Meet Tony Raimondo, the Production Supervisor in MATHESON’s Montgomeryville, PA office. Tony boasts an impressive 35-year tenure with us and is a steadfast cornerstone within the MATHESON family. Joining the team in October 1988, Tony’s journey exemplifies unwavering commitment and a passion for evolution within the manufacturing realm. 

His initial six years in Quality Control paved the way for an extraordinary transition to where he is today. Tony’s pivotal role in steering the night shift during a new laser program’s inception marked a career-defining achievement. He spearheaded the program’s growth, witnessing over 400 laser boxes shipped, and leaving an indelible mark with his designs which are still integral to the laser systems today. 

Tony’s devotion to MATHESON has weathered numerous challenges, including navigating the unprecedented trials of the COVID era. Throughout these adversities, Tony’s unwavering dedication remained resolute, guiding the operations group through uncertain times. His leadership not only ensured MATHESON’s operational continuity but also fostered a culture of resilience and innovation.

Beyond his core responsibilities, Tony’s scope has expanded significantly, encompassing multifaceted roles from facility maintenance and repair to being the linchpin of the quality control process. He effortlessly juggles inquiries from the sales team and customers, and the intricate nuances of managing his department while ensuring punctual deliveries of superior-quality products.

His passion for craftsmanship extends beyond the workplace, evident through his diverse hobbies. Whether indulging in model railroading, capturing moments through cinematography at horse races, or meticulously restoring old film projectors, Tony’s enthusiasm is boundless. His involvement in the PARA 520 local Model Rocketry Association and affinity for collecting vintage Radio Flyer Wagons and restoring pedal cars speaks volumes about his varied interests. Tony even had a featured story on 6ABC News in August of 2022 for his amazing front-yard display of a model railroad!

Tony’s story embodies resilience, versatility, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. His journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the invaluable traits of adaptability, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of quality in the manufacturing landscape. MATHESON applauds Tony for his remarkable service and steadfast dedication over the past 35 years.

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

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