Life At FE&C
As much success as we’ve had, we owe it all to our excellent staff. It is our people – whether in the office or out on the field – that maintain the extraordinary atmosphere of dedication and professionalism that make our success possible. They are our biggest strength.
So how does our staff add to the success of FE&C?
We could tell you about our excellent safety record, our extremely low turnover rate, the family atmosphere, the fun perks, and the mutual respect cornerstone to our philosophy, but we think it would mean more coming straight from our amazing and talented staff. Below is what it’s like to work for FE&C in a nutshell, in the words of a few of our employees, both craft and non-union, and in all different roles in the corporation. We hope you’ll be as impressed by our people as we are.
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Wayne Kruse
Operator Foreman (Local 280)
How many years have you been with FE&C? 4
What projects have you worked on? 100F, 100B&C, 100H, IU2&6, and C7
Outside of work, what keeps you busy? Bowling and golf
Wayne came to FE&C when he was called in from his union hall, but after that, he says, he knew it was a good company to work for. “I like the open door policy of management,” he says. “If you have a concern, it is addressed. And it feels like a family at FE&C. It is very enjoyable to work in an atmosphere like this.” Since coming to FE&C, Wayne has done his part on many projects. When asked what his favorite perk is about working here, he told us, “Wow, so many…safety luncheons, parties, and golf tourneys…” Wayne is known around FE&C for being the guy that on Valentine’s day, made all the ladies’ day by delivering a roses to the women in the office. “I enjoy being around people and love to laugh; it makes life fun. My role is not unique, but I believe my attitude and work ethic has made a difference.”
Tobi Schroeder
Human Resources Specialist
How many years have you been with FE&C? 2
What projects have you worked on? I support all projects.
Outside of work, what keeps you busy? Two teenage boys and a husband who acts like a teenager, fishing trips and trips to Seattle to visit relatives, movies, and throwing dinner parties for friends and family.
Tobi is responsible for all Human Resources functions such as hiring and benefits that pertain to craft personnel. “I heard that FE&C was a fantastic company to work for through various people. I was also given the chance to change my career direction and this opportunity was perfect for that.” When asked about her favorite FE&C perk, she answered, “The free hats! Just kidding. I think that it would be the flexibility to my schedule.” She also appreciates that FE&C is a small business, and unlike some of the larger companies she has worked for, everyone knows everyone, and people have fun every day. This became especially important when her oldest son was diagnosed for a condition and she had to take him to Seattle to have surgery. “The support was unlike anything that I’ve ever felt. FE&C is an amazing company to work for and the employees are like family.”
Shane Eng
Superintendent
How many years have you been with FE&C? 6
What projects have you worked on?
Outside of work, what keeps you busy? Fishing, hunting, and spending time with my wife Becky and our two kids Taylor and Rhett.
Shane came to FE&C originally from the union as an operator. “FE&C was a new business at the time I came in, it was a good chance to get in on a new company.” His excellent performance and outstanding knowledge of rad work, experience, and leadership capabilities soon earned him a promotion to Superintendent at FE&C. He now works directly for the project manager and manages all the labor and other workforce in the field on a given project. As he tells us, “At FE&C, the sky’s the limit. Everyone knows your name, and your career is really given a chance to grow.” He takes pride in starting and finishing a project ahead of schedule and under budget, and helping the company develop. When we asked him what he loves most about working for FE&C, he tells us, “I appreciate the safety culture, and the dedicated group of employees who look out for each other and take pride in their work. FE&C is a standout company – truly business smart. I appreciate the knowledge and experience level of employees here.”
Douglas Blair and Jim Blair
Teamsters (Local 690)
How many years have you been with FE&C? Doug 4, Jim 1
What projects have you worked on? Doug has been at 100F, 100BC, 100H, and IU2&6. Jim has been at 100D, 100H and IU2&6.
Outside of work, what keeps you busy? Brothers Doug and Jim live together with their two girlfriends. Doug is a single father with a 20 year old son now in the Navy who he has raised on his own since he was 4. He loves photography and the outdoors. Jim has two pitbulls, plays guitar, rides Harleys, and enjoys shooting, hunting and fishing, especially for sturgeon. He loves to acquire tattoos, and says he’s the most colorful guy he knows!
Doug joined FE&C when a fellow employee called and asked him to join the FE&C team. He was living in Port Orchard at the time, and has been with the company ever since. “It was the best move I ever made,” he says. When asked what he loves most about working for FE&C, he says, “I love FE&C’s attention to detail to maintain a very safe work environment and how they treat their employees like family. Keeping an eye on my fellow teammates to help keep them safe is a big thing for me. I’m proud of our great safety record!” He tells us that his favorite perk about working at FE&C is the attention to safety, the safety bonuses and gift cards, and “I can’t forget the Christmas party…it rocks!” He says FE&C is unique because it is a company who actually cares about their employees and the employees’ concerns. “There is great teamwork throughout the whole company.” A few years into his career here, Doug recruited his brother Jim from the struggling economy in Western Washington and suggested he seek employment with FE&C. His most amazing moment thus far was being on the response team following the discovery of a possible unexploded ordinance (C4 explosive) at 100H. Says Jim, “I love feeling part of a team here – employees are empowered and listened to, and are not just a number. FE&C maintains a great relationship with crafts.”
Duff Wonders
Health & Safety Officer
How many years have you been with FE&C? 2
What projects have you worked on? 200-UPR
Outside of work, what keeps you busy? Duff has been married 15 years and has two boys, ages 9 and 15. Hobbies including fishing, golfing, and camping.
Duff came to FE&C with a unique perspective. “I have conducted oversight of FE&C projects at the Hanford site, and saw firsthand that it was a professional organization. I have worked for organizations that safety was window dressing, but FE&C believes that safety is not a choice – it is expected from employees. That philosophy is why I work for FE&C.” As a health and safety officer, Duff’s role is to utilize various tools to sustain and promote a positive safety culture. Duff sites the people as the thing he loves most about working at FE&C. “The workers respect me and I respect them – as a health and safety officer, it is an amazing experience to be able to talk and people really listen,” he says. “People here are all professionally oriented.”
Jeff Filip
Manager, Project Planning and Controls
How many years have you been with FE&C? 4
What projects have you worked on? United Kingdom projects assisting with finding creative D&D strategies for old Magnox reactors. Additionally, work on various technical services contracts.
Outside of work, what keeps you busy? Golf
Jeff brings senior level project management expertise to the various projects on which he is assigned to ensure that they are being accomplished within the performance parameters. “Working with the FE&C staff that maintain a ‘can do’ attitude in a challenging environment is what I love most about working for FE&C,” he says. “This is balanced with an emphasis on family priorities and taking care of the ‘home front’”. As to what makes FE&C unique to other companies he has worked for in the past, he believes the excellent senior management has made all the difference. Jeff appreciates the generous employee bonus program that awards project staff for work done safely and well. He also appreciated the unique opportunity to work abroad in the UK, and cited it as the most amazing experience he has had at FE&C.
