Lives: Becker
Job: Mechanic, Commuter Rail
Years of Service: 2
How did you come to work at Metro Transit and what do you do?
After working as an auto mechanic for a few years, a friend who works at the Northstar Operations & Maintenance Facility in Big Lake referred me to an open commuter rail mechanic position. I started in late 2016 and work on third shift.
Where are you from originally? Tell us a little bit about your background.
I've lived in Becker most of my life, graduating from Becker High School in 2010 and continuing my education at St. Cloud Technical College where I earned my degree as an automotive technician. I worked at various repair shops and dealerships up until I started at Metro Transit.
What is your favorite part about working for Metro Transit?
It’s a job with great benefits and, better yet, I get to work with a great group of people.
What are your favorite activities when you’re working or “On the Clock”?
I was a car person, but now I think it’s safe to say I enjoy trains! I enjoy my duties, which include completing daily inspections of each train and preparing them for the next day. As a mechanic, I really enjoy getting my hands dirty and fixing and maintaining the vehicles. It’s always fun being able to operate locomotives around the yard!
What are your favorite activities when you’re not working or “Off the Clock”?
I’m still a gear head so in my spare time I fabricate and modify vehicles and build race cars. I especially enjoy racing in Formula Drift competitions. Drifting is sort of an unconventional type of motorsport. Two cars race on a winding course but rather than winning by being the first to the finish, it is judged on car control and your ability to navigate the course while sliding sideways at high speeds. We get to travel around the country and compete with some of the best drivers in the world. It’s a ton of fun and a huge challenge!