Bret Walden
Bennington,KS
Summary
With a proven track record at Kubota for enhancing team productivity and morale through strategic leadership and efficient workflow processes, excel in team management and welding inspection. expertise in gas tungsten arc welding, coupled with a knack for fostering skill development, has consistently driven project success and safety compliance.
Experienced with advanced welding techniques essential for pipe welding. Utilizes precision and safety protocols to ensure high-quality outcomes. Knowledge of blueprint interpretation, problem-solving, and effective team collaboration.
Professional welder committed to high standards and efficiency in pipe welding tasks. Proven ability to produce reliable welds in demanding environments, with focus on team collaboration and adaptability to changing project needs. Known for precision in welding and strong problem-solving skills valued by employers.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Weld Supervisor
Kubota
Salina, KS
05.2024 - Current
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflow processes.
- Improved team morale by organizing regular team-building activities.
- Reduced operational costs with strategic resource allocation.
- Streamlined communication channels for better interdepartmental collaboration.
- Provided training and support to foster skill development among staff.
- Led team meetings to encourage open dialogue and innovation.
- Implemented safety protocols to enhance workplace safety.
- Managed inventory levels to prevent shortages and overstock.
Weld Trainer
Kubota
Salina, KS
10.2022 - 05.2024
- Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and increased productivity.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
- Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training initiatives by tracking participant progress and gathering feedback for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to create accurate training content.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning by advocating for professional development opportunities.
- Streamlined processes for creating, updating, and distributing training materials, resulting in significant time savings for staff members involved in these tasks.
- Developed customized training materials for various industries, ensuring relevance to the target audience.
Contract Welder
McCormick and McCormick
Bennington KS
09.2021 - 10.2022
- Consistently met or exceeded client expectations by delivering high-quality work with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to optimize workflow and achieve project goals within designated timelines.
- Improved overall project quality through meticulous attention to detail during all stages of the welding process.
- Ensured optimal safety conditions by strictly adhering to company protocols and OSHA regulations during all welding procedures.
- Increased productivity with proficiency in various welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, stick, and flux core on pipe and plate stainless carbon and aluminum.
- Provided training and guidance for junior welders, fostering a supportive environment that encouraged growth and skill development.
- Achieved consistent results across diverse materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, carbon steel plates.
- Supported other trades on site as needed, maintaining positive relationships with colleagues from various disciplines for seamless cooperation throughout projects.
Weld Foreman
Miller Pipeline
Kansas City, MO
05.2019 - 03.2021
- Managed daily operations at construction sites, ensuring projects met safety and quality standards for welding operations.
- Improved team productivity by coordinating tasks and resources efficiently.
- Oversaw project timelines and budgets, maintaining adherence to plans for weld projects.
- Enhanced safety compliance through regular inspections and team briefings with the welders that reported to me.
- Implemented training programs for staff to enhance skill sets and boost performance.
- Supervised equipment usage and maintenance to ensure operational efficiency.
- Would have to take the welding test for the gas company the work was being performed for and hire and manage welders for the specific job.
Pipeline Welder
Miller Pipeline
Kansas City, MO
05.2015 - 05.2019
- Participated actively in pre-weld preparations including surface cleaning, grinding edges, beveling joints-optimizing conditions for successful welds.
- Improved pipeline welding quality by applying advanced welding techniques and adhering to industry standards.
- Showcased expertise in multiple welding processes such as SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW for diverse pipeline applications.
- Expedited project completion timelines with efficient planning and execution of pipeline welding tasks.
- Reduced material wastage by accurately measuring, cutting, and fitting pipes before welding.
- Collaborated with team members, ensuring seamless communication and shared knowledge for improved work results.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by consistently following established codes, specifications, and procedures during all welding projects.
Education
Professional Welder -
Tulsa Welding School
Tulsa, OK04.2015
High School Diploma -
Bennington High School
Bennington, KS05.2014
Skills
- Pipe cutting techniques
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Pipe beveling
- Carbon arc gouging
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Pipe alignment
- Oxy-fuel cutting
- Welding symbols interpretation
- Welding positions
- Purge welding
- Grinding techniques
- Layout and marking
- Blueprint reading
- Welding codes compliance
- Piping fabrication
- Welding inspection
Timeline
Weld Supervisor
Kubota
05.2024 - Current
Weld Trainer
Kubota
10.2022 - 05.2024
Contract Welder
McCormick and McCormick
09.2021 - 10.2022
Weld Foreman
Miller Pipeline
05.2019 - 03.2021
Pipeline Welder
Miller Pipeline
05.2015 - 05.2019
Professional Welder -
Tulsa Welding School
High School Diploma -
Bennington High School