Meet Joe Patava

posted On Monday, February 13, 2023 in Blog

Q&As with Joe Patava

You started at Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) in 2003 - over 20 years ago! Can you tell us about your career path at AHT?

I started as a 2nd shift general laborer back when we only did Ion Nitriding here at Midport…so I have been gas nitriding parts as long as AHT Midport has. Next, I moved to shipping & receiving (S&R). When I started in S&R, we wrote the orders by hand and printed processes off the intranet! After S&R, I moved back to the shop floor and worked various derivations of 1st shift (Mon-Fri, Sun-Wed, Wed-Sat). Then I started to work on the weekend shift as a lead, then eventually as a supervisor - that is my current role, Production Supervisor of the weekend shift.

You’ve seen a lot of changes at AHT over the years. What are some big changes or memories that stand out to you?

• Bringing gas nitriding online at our Midport facility
• Introduction of different ERP systems
• Opening of Cullman, Alabama plant in 2007

What keeps you at AHT?

Many things but mainly my coworkers.

Working during the weekend, you have several employees who are part-time and/or students. What can they expect as part-time employees working at AHT?

First of all… flexibility.

AHT understands that, especially for students, education is very important and encouraged. Part-time employees work at least one full weekend day and then are very flexible on your work schedule and fitting it around a school schedule. There are a lot of young employees on the weekends and they work and learn together.

*** Interested in working at AHT? View our open positions at www.ahtjobs.com. ***

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

Right now with a 5 month old I don’t have a lot of “free time”… but I do enjoy the time I get to spend with my family. I also enjoy movies, road trips, good food and frustrating myself on the golf course.

What is something people may not know about AHT?

The many and varied processes we offer and the amount of industries/customers we service. Also, the wide range in the size of parts we process - from parts smaller than a breath mint all the way up to a die that can stamp out an SUV rear hatch!

What is something people may not know about Joe Patava?

I am a co-driver and compete in stage rallies with my friend.

Name an accomplishment you are proud of – personal or professional.

Going back to college and finishing my bachelor’s degree.

If someone was to describe you, what 3 adjectives do you think they would likely use?

Extroverted, funny, compassionate

Now, a list of random questions for you:

• Married? Yes, since October 2016
• Kids? Walter (4 years old) and Thatcher (6 months)
• First Job: Summer camp counselor at YWCA
• Favorite Food: Thin & crispy woodfired pizza
• Least Favorite Food: Brussel sprouts
• Concerts: My most recent concert was Colter Wall & Devil Makes Three at Red Rocks in Colorado. My favorite concert was Beastie Boys in Chicago on Lake Michigan.
• Favorite Book: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
• Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski
• Favorite Sport: Hockey or Baseball
• Sports Team: Pittsburgh Penguins / Chicago Cubs
• Where did you go to college? Hawkeye Community College & University of Northern Iowa
• Favorite Quote: "Live your life how you want... but don't confuse drama with happiness." - Ron Swanson

Are You Wondering Why Joe Patava Looks Familiar? Maybe it's Because You've Seen Him in One of These AHT Videos... 

1. meet midport
2. meet the team