Meet Shane Manning

posted On Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in Blog

Shane Manning

Q&As with Shane Manning

Shane, tell us about your professional background prior to working at Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT).

Prior to AHT, I spent 15 years in Retail Loss Prevention as a Loss Prevention Manager. I also was at John Deere in the foundry as an iron pourer which was really my first real experience in the manufacturing world.

What does a typical day look like as Senior Heat Treat Technician at AHT?

Typically, it involves ion nitriding many different parts from various NADCAP aerospace customers as well as parts used in the automotive and defense industries. Mix in training newer employees on the basics of loading and operating ion vessels, as well as 6S and continuous improvement projects, every day is different.

Over the years, you’ve seen some pretty awesome projects that have been nitrided or nitrocarburized. What are a few that stand out to you?

One job that really stands out to me was processing titanium parts for an aerospace customer that went to Mars. Knowing something that you work on went to another planet is pretty cool.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employee tenure is 4.2 years for men and 3.6 years for women. Yet, at AHT, over 40% of the employees have been here for over 10 years. In your opinion, why do you think people at AHT are so loyal?

For me, it’s the family-type atmosphere - tailgating, baseball games, get-togethers outside of work. All of these things keep people close. We may not all agree with each other 100% of the time, but we have great employees that know how to work together.

I think the flexible schedule along with the accelerated vacation time is something that stands out the longer people are here.

So, you have had some other family members who’ve worked at AHT, who are those?

A few folks may know my wife, Jill Manning (corporate controller), who has been with AHT since 2007.

My daughter, Ella, also works at AHT as an office assistant. She started this past summer and has continued to work part-time while going to school.

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

I love taking my son, Max, duck hunting as well as to the range. I also love being outside on the trails and attending various sporting events with the family. I am in the early phases of becoming an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, which is where my daughter will go to college next year.

What is one thing people may not know about Shane Manning?

When I first moved to the Cedar Falls, Iowa area, I moonlighted as a baker at Hy-Vee. It was very early mornings, but probably the most stress-free job I have ever had. I was the donut guy.

What is one thing people may not know about AHT?

AHT has a wide range of heat treating processes to meet the many needs of their customers. I feel like we are always trying to improve what we already do well, and we continue to look forward to offering new processes.

With Thanksgiving approaching, what are a few things you’re thankful for?

I'm very thankful for my health, and that of my family and friends. And that the election is FINALLY over!!! TV is more fun to watch now.

Now a series of quick questions….

Education (College or Certificates): AAS Automotive Electronics Technology, Hawkeye
Favorite Food: Pizza from just about anywhere
A Food You Avoid: Any salad that has fruit in it
First Job: Wells Blue Bunny (milk plant) in high school
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Team: GO PACK GO!
Favorite Vacation: Toss up between any Florida trip and Estes Park, CO
Favorite Movie or Book: Band of Brothers Series
Any Pets? Cooper and Jet (Jethrow for more street cred) Cavachons
Favorite Season of the Year: For sure Fall
What Thanksgiving Food Do You Look Forward to The Most? All about the turkey!!!