Meet Nick Lewis

posted On Friday, May 21, 2021 in Blog

Q&As with Nick Lewis

Nick, you’ve been at AHT since 2007. Tell us about your journey through the years.

Heat Treat Support & Equipment Operator (2007-2015)

I started back in 2007 as a general laborer on 1st shift at our Burton Ave location in Waterloo, Iowa. After a year and a half, I started learning how to run furnaces and eventually became a furnace operator. From there, with more experience/training, I transitioned into a furnace tech and also learned how to do shipping and receiving.

Lab & Operations Assistant (2016 - 2021)

A job in the Burton lab opened up on 3rd shift so I decided to transition into the lab where I worked for about 2 years. I eventually moved back to the production floor and became a lead behind the 3rd shift supervisor. In 2018, I moved back to 1st shift as a Technical Production Assistant which essentially means I helped the production supervisor with any needs and also was their back-up when they were gone.

Lab Management (2021 - present)

Now, I have a new title of Lab Supervisor/Process Specialist. I am excited for my new role within AHT and I look forward to what the future will bring.

After all these years, why do you continue to stay at AHT?

AHT for me has really became a family environment and I’ve grown close to some of my co-workers. One of my best friends works here and has been here a little longer than I have. Also the vacation is great and with my knowledge in different departments, I’ve always enjoyed be able to jump to different areas to help out.

(Interested in Applying? Visit www.ahtjobs.com for a list of open positions.)

You were recently promoted to Supervisor/Process Specialist. What does a typical day look like for you now?

On a typical day, I start my day by meeting with the 3rd shift lab tech to discuss jobs from the previous shift. After that, I will review any open items to ensure quality control. This can involve things like re-testing parts, calling or emailing customers for additional clarification, and figuring out how to re-run parts in some instances such as for R&D projects. After that, my day involves making or updating processes and managing day-to-day lab work.

How does your previous experience help you succeed in your new role?

Since I've worked in multiple departments at the Burton location (furnaces, lab, shipping & receiving, etc.), I have a more well-rounded understanding of our heat treat processes and entire operations, as a whole. This helps me better serve our customers and assist my co-workers.

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

Outside of work, I like spending time with my wife, Letha, and kids. One thing we like to do is take road trips and explore different areas in or around Iowa that we’ve never been before. I also like to play video games and have just recently built my own PC which is something I’m becoming more interested in (Nerd Alert. Ha ha).

What’s one professional accomplishment are you proud of?

Professionally, I’m proud that my hard work and knowledge I’ve gained has led me to obtaining a management position.

What is one thing people may not know about Nick Lewis?

I know how to play the drums and was even in a band in my early 20’s with some of my friends.

What is one thing our customers may not know about AHT?

All the different types of processes and services we can do here at Burton AHT. From carburizing, carbonitriding, and thru hardening to induction. We also offer hand blasting and tumble blasting services and cryo treatment.

RELATED: See all Burton's services here.

What exciting things are happening at Burton right now?

Some exciting things right now would be just overall upgrades to some of our equipment. We are getting 2 new inductions machines here soon. We recently got an automatic pallet wrapper and plastic bander, too. Both are making packaging parts more efficient. I am also in the process of looking into some brand-new lab equipment.

In your opinion, why should our customers send their parts to AHT versus a competitor?

We treat our customers parts like they are our own. All paperwork that is sent is thoroughly inspected by multiple people to make sure we get the right process that is needed. Plus, our turn around for parts is really good.

Now, a series of quick random questions:

Favorite Movie: Tie - The Lord of the Rings Trilogy or The Dark Knight
First Job: HyVee Kitchen
First CD: Blink 182 – Enema of the State
Favorite Food: Fried Chicken
Least Favorite Food: Peas
Sports Team: Minnesota Vikings *SKOL*
Favorite Sport: Football
Pets? 3 cats
Kids? 2 – Parker and Oliver
If Money Wasn’t an Issue, Where Would You Go on Vacation: New Zealand
If You Could Have a Super Power, What Would It Be? Time Travel