Message from the CEO (August 2020)

in August 2020
and Messages From Management

GARY HAMER
CEO

We used to camp.

When I was a kid, I remember going on weeklong camping trips with my parents and my brother, mostly to Percy Quinn State Park in McComb, MS. It wasn’t a long drive from New Orleans, but it felt like a whole other world. My dad took a flat A frame trailer and built the coolest camping rig that I’ve ever seen. It had a water tank, propane tank, oversized ice chest that was our ‘refrigerator’ for the week, and a giant bike rack in the front; a huge compartment for storage in the middle; and two doors that opened to a ‘kitchen’ in the back complete with drawers, cabinets, a working sink and a 3 burner stove if I’m remembering correctly. He’d secure the kitchen doors open all week by attaching a covered roof that he’d crafted from old tent poles and tarps. Even to this day, it seems like my dad can build anything from anything, a regular MacGyver. So we’d spend those weeks tent camping by a fire, fishing, biking, playing frisbee, board games and cards. I loved it. It was also the place where I learned to water ski and the first place that I saw the universe light up with a million stars so bright that it opened a whole new world perspective for me.

This summer I tried to build some of those same memories with my kids. While I’m pretty handy, I don’t come anywhere close to my dad’s construction or survival skills, so we tent camped in the backyard early in the summer and decided to rent an RV for the trip instead. Armed with my parents’ camping list we were pretty well prepared. And while I wasn’t quite ready to take the kids water skiing yet, we did just about everything else. The reason that I’m bringing all of this up is because it was something new that I tried, it expanded my comfort zone, required me to prepare for any possibility, and above all forced me to learn new skills. In general, I think the trip was a success, and while we were all glad to make it back to Casa de Hamer, the kids and other family members that live with us got the experience I was hoping for and I learned a whole lot along the way. I won’t go into details on the many different lessons, but let’s just say if you ever decide to go RVing, bring gloves.

So how does this relate? I think it is important to expand comfort zones, both as individuals and as a company. With regard to each person’s role at Champion, that means focusing on adding new skills and capabilities, so if you haven’t already, put your name in the hat for that portion of project that you can probably handle but just haven’t familiarized yourself with yet, or volunteer to actively participate in one of the many committees that exist or are starting to develop here at Champion. Step up to the plate, swing the bat. As a company, we are conscientiously working on clearly defining and communicating the career growth opportunities for all roles and expanding Champion’s capabilities into new service offerings, while continuing to refine what differentiates us from our competitors. All of this will have a positive impact.

While these are only a few examples of ways to expand our horizons, in the end, I’m certain that we will each discover that the hardest part in any future success will have been making the choice to step out of our comfort zone. It certainly has been for me.

Thank You,

Getting to Know Our New Hires

Kade Castille – April 2020
Automation Engineer I
New Orleans, LA

Making his way to the Big Easy, the New Orleans office is one Engineer stronger with Kade Castille. A recent graduate from McNeese State University and long-time Lake Charles native, Kade maintained an industrious attitude, working as a server and bartender while earning his degree.

This hard working mentality he cultivated would serve him well, as his fraternity brothers elected him president. This would serve as a lightning rod of pride and accomplishment during his tenure at McNeese, pushing Kade forward towards new opportunities.

As the chapter of higher education came to a close, the newly minted Electrical Engineer sought to expand his world view outside of Lake Charles. Kade’s grapevine of friends, family and professional contacts all point in a singular direction -> Champion Technology Services, Inc.

Automation was already on the mind, as his Electrical Engineering courses introduced him to the world of DCSs, PLCs, HMIs and many other three-letter acronyms. A project, where Kade and his peers designed an HMI for Gravity Drainage, immediately captivated his interest and was brought to the attention of Gravity’s board of directors, solidifying him as an Automation Engineer in the making.

When Kade does manage to carve some free time for himself, he enjoys playing video games, watching stand-up comedy and live music events. When the yearning for the great outdoors calls out to him, this McNeese Alumnus seeks the green of the golf course or blue/brown/green Louisiana waters for kayaking.

Champion is happy to welcome Kade Castille to the Team.

Mitchell Quebedeaux – June 2020
Automation Engineer I
New Orleans, LA

Born and raised in Belle Chasse, the New Orleans office is happy to integrate another incoming Automation Engineer to its team: Mitchell Quebedeaux.

Growing up close to New Orleans, Mitchell attended high school at Brother Martin. With college on the horizon, he made the pilgrimage to Baton Rouge to attend LSU and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. During his tenure as an undergraduate, Mitchell would find his ambitions pulled towards a particular application of his abilities: Automation.

A senior design project, structured around running and cooling water, would jumpstart his interests in the field. Days spent unraveling the basics of ladder logic and struggling to tame a Modbus compressor fed into his determination for the field.

After some grueling 14-hour days spent designing and building the unit, Mitchell’s team constructed fully functioning controls, utilizing a PLC and HMI. The payoff would propel him further into the Automation field and with diploma in hand he set off to find a career to devote his interests.

Mitchell didn’t have to look far to find a place to ply his new trade. Before deciding on Automation, the recent grad understood the values Champion upholds and the work environment it creates for its employees.

We are excited for Mitchell to be a part of that evolving work ethos.

Camron Doty – June 2020
Automation Engineer I
Lake Charles, LA

Growing up in Sulphur, LA, it makes sense that one of its homegrown residents would find an acclimation for the automation world as a majority of LALC projects originate from the industries associated with the city.

Fresh off an internship with the capital projects group at Firestone Polymers, Cameron Doty searched for a company where he could grow his talents as an Automation Engineer. As it turned out, Champion was the perfect fit.

Cameron’s interest towards working with the industry’s most cutting-edge technology made him an obvious choice for Champion’s growing Automation Team. He showcased a native inclination towards constructing solutions through precise diagnosis and technical insight based on a desire to help others. When he’s not composing logic, Cameron enjoys composing/recording music, playing his guitar, and playing golf.

At Champion we are proud to welcome Cameron Doty as a new member of the Lake Charles Team!

Tyler Baack – June 2020
Automation Engineer I
Salt Lake City, LA

Where Denver’s urban sprawl touches the edges of Colorado’s woodlands lies the City of Evergreen, the humble origins of Champion UTSL01’s newest team member, Tyler Baack.

Tyler boasts an assorted background of work experience. With internships in HVAC, plumbing, chilled ethanol extraction systems and automation, his diverse skillset makes him ideal for a profession juggling multiple industries.

Like so many other intrepid Automation Engineers, Tyler can trace the beginnings of this career choice to his senior design project. Sponsored by NASA (what a flex), he engaged in a project focused on an Ice Prospecting Challenge for the Moon to Mars. Tyler personally served as the technical and control system lead for creating a system designed to extract water from a Martian environment.

With his eye set on Automation, Tyler sought his own environment where he could continue to cultivate this career. He sought a place where he could bring productivity, safety and efficiency to a wide range of customers through an industry rooted in the future.

Knocking on Champion’s door, Tyler found a positive work culture that emphasized innovative thought and Champion found a great new engineering prospect to augment the Automation Team. We are happy to welcome Mr. Baack to the Team!

Austin Steepleton – June 2020
Automation Engineer I
Baton Rouge, LA

Even with the pandemic in full swing, the Baton Rouge office welcomes the opportunity to add another member to the team. Hailing from Alexandria, LA, Austin makes the Baton Rouge office one engineer stronger.

A veteran tennis player, this LSU graduate spent his college years completing in USTA Tennis tournaments across the Southeast region, with fond memories of traveling to Auburn for sectionals. Even though he is no longer jockeying across Louisiana and afar, Austin maintained an active regiment of practice, though due to COVID health concerns his opportunity to play is currently restricted.

When he wasn’t swatting at a tennis ball, Austin pursued an Engineering degree from LSU. Born of a fascination of computers and tinkering with this Raspberry Pis, the aspiring Engineer chose a specialization in Computer Engineering.

While earning his credits, the studious undergraduate found an affinity for the versatility of Automation. The blend of software and hardware design into a single engineering cocktail drew his interest and Austin soon found himself interviewing with Champion.

Champion immediately saw the potential in Austin and his drive to master multiple engineering disciplines. We are happy to announce his addition to the Team. Welcome Aboard!

Organization Updates

in August 2020
and Uncategorized

The Central Gulf Coast offices, as well as the Project Management and Estimation teams, are undergoing slight restructuring to better serve our customers, continue to break down silos, and encourage technical excellence throughout our organization.

Specifically, several new roles and positions are being created to facilitate these goals. The new roles described below will function within existing positions as we work to develop each role further.

Technical Manager (New Role) – Asa Ange (Engineering Supervisor in Lake Charles), William Sulzer (AE III in Baton Rouge) and Avram Neal (Regional Application Engineer in Salt Lake City ) will spearhead the Technical Manager Role to provide technical oversight to projects in their respective regions. They will be responsible for the overall technical solution and quality of projects with the ultimate goal of driving technical excellence and standardization throughout our projects. This role will work in conjunction with the existing Technical Lead role.

Service Manager (New Role) – Patrick Tharp (Engineering Supervisor in Baton Rouge) will fulfill this role to continue to drive a more standard service offering for our customers. He will be responsible for helping to grow the local 24UP service agreements as well as streamlining internal processes for this Champion offering.

Account Management (New Role) – Nitin Gupta (Project Manager in Baton Rouge) will lead a more focused customer management and delivery effort towards a select group of local customers to help drive more business as well continued project management for the respective clients.

Operations Manager (New Position) – As our offices continue to grow, we are able to invest in new positions that set us up for future success. Matthew Brunet (Baton Rouge Operations Manager) will be responsible for supporting all operations activities in the Baton Rouge office under the direction of John Hargroder (Baton Rouge Automation Manager). Specifically, he will support John to implement and improve best practices, processes, and policies within the office. 

Estimation Supervisor (New Position) – Marcus Stroder, who has been an Estimator since 2014, has now moved into the Estimation Supervisor position as we expand the estimation team company wide. All estimators will report to Marcus as he will be responsible for planning and coordinating the estimation efforts of the team across the company.

Engineering Supervisor – Daniel Kopcso (New Orleans) is now active in this position with the local personnel at the office directly reporting to him. Daniel will fulfill the Engineering Supervisor job duties and continue to partner with sales to drive the local business.

All position changes are currently in effect with the goal of 100% transition to job roles and responsibilities by the end of 2020.

Career Advancements

in August 2020
and Uncategorized

May – July 2020

Service Awards – Employee Spotlights

in August 2020
and Employee Spotlights

10 Year Service Award

Kent Forrester

Designer II | Lake Charles, LA

10 Years in August

Q: What is your favorite lunch routine?
A: I normally eat in my office due to the work load, but I really enjoy when the office has lunch together. It lets us visit and enjoy the day, especially when Laurie Firmin comes and we have BBQ.

Q: What projects were particularly interesting, exciting, or challenging that you would like to reflect on?
A:I enjoy all the projects that come in. We have so many different customers that want things done their way, so its challenging and fun. Gray Oak was wild and there were so many people involved that it was very memorable. Awesome job Dan Ward!

Q: What has been your favorite customer (company / individual) and why?
A: I enjoy all my projects. Westlake Petro and Chemicals has been a good challenge, because every project they change what they want and how they want it.

Q: What company / office sponsored event did you enjoy most and why?
A:We enjoy the Christmas parties, it is a time where we all get together and enjoy ourselves. We get to meet the people we email, talk to on the phone and work with.

Q: When were you proudest to be a part of the Champion team?
A: Well I hired on with Champion 10 years ago. I’ve worked for a lot of big companies and decided that I did not want to travel anymore. When I got to Champion I realized that there is such a thing as being a team, then I learned that it is not only a team it is a family.

Q: What is something that you’d like to see Champion do in the next 15 years?
A: Be a worldwide company. We have the knowledge we just need to push ourselves.

Q: Describe a memory from your first years at Champion.
A: I had only been here a few months when we had the first Christmas Party, and my wife and I were nervous about going since we didn’t know anyone. Once we got there, we knew we had made the right decision about becoming a part of the Champion family. Everyone was so much fun and it felt like we had known them forever.

Q: In your opinion, what is the #1 improvement you’ve seen take place since you’ve started?
A: Organization, and the open door policy.

Q: How are the dynamics at Champion different than when you first started? How are they the same?
A: Everyone is respected and able to learn, there are no barriers and the only thing you have to do is ask. We have so many talented people that the new enigneers have all the best leads they could possibly find.

5 Year Service Award

Jason Sylvester

Automation Engineer II | Lafayette, LA

5 Years in June

Q: What is your favorite lunch routine?
A: Ever since the lockdown started and we have been working remote, I’ve enjoyed making a quick meal and taking my dog out on a walk around a pond next door to me. I find it to be a good way to clear my head and re-focus for the rest of the day.

Q: What projects were particularly interesting, exciting, or challenging that you would like to reflect on?
A: One of the more challenging projects involved upgrading Westlake Plaquemines VCM area from TDC2000/3000 to C300 controllers and Experion PKS. With around 5000 points to convert on a tight timeline, we had to come up with some automated ways of converting and quality checking much of it.

Q: What company / office sponsored event did you enjoy most and why?
A: I would say the New Orleans Christmas party at the Aquarium. I’ve always liked going to aquariums and having that private with the Champion family was a cool experience.

Q: What would you like to be working on here at Champion in the future?
A: I’ve always had an interest in robotics and high speed assembly line type applications. I’ve gotten to do some work on a bottling line and would find it exciting to get more work in these types of areas. I think the challenge to getting this kind of work is competing with the equipment manufacturers who seem to do most of the programming in-house.

Q: Describe a memory from your first years at Champion.
A: Before I started at Champion I always found offshore work interesting. After about a year with Champion, I got the opportunity to start going out to the Holstein platform with FMI. I never particularly enjoyed flying, so getting on a helicopter and flying out 100 miles into the ocean was a bit daunting. Fast forward to now and I’ve probably been out a few dozen times and it’s been a great learning opportunity.

5 Year Service Award

Michael Longoria

Automation Engineer II | Lafayette, LA

5 Years in June

Q: What is your favorite lunch routine?
A: My favorite lunch routine is when I’m able to work from the office or home and be able to go to lunch with my wife. I’m out of town a good bit so it’s nice when we can have lunch together anywhere.

Q: What projects were particularly interesting, exciting, or challenging that you would like to reflect on?
A:I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in several challenging and interesting projects in my career but one of the great things about this field is that it is never boring!! There seems to be some new challenge on just about every project that we take on. I guess one that was particularly challenging recently would have to be the EnVen Pipeline PLC Upgrade EW-1006. We were upgrading a GE 9030 to a newer GE RX3I. The original PLC had a co-processor that was doing gas flow calculation and the new RX3I PLC would be using a couple of new function blocks to do the AGA calculations. GE/Emerson Tech support was going through a transitional period and could not really be of assistance so with the help of Joe Driver we were able to reverse engineer and figure out the Function Blocks, validate the results to the customer, and complete the project. It was a nice feeling having GE/Emerson Tech Support reaching out to us for help in the end!!

Q: Who has been your favorite customer (company / individual) and why?
A:I have to recognize two. EnVen, Kody Kidder is extremely easy to work with. He is very easy going and has a background in automation that further increases his ability to relate to any situation. OXY/Horn Mountain, Jay Sylvester makes It bearable going to Horn Mountain for an extended period of time. If you have to go to Horn Mountain I hope its on Jay’s hitch. He is very helpful and will keep you entertained.

Q: What company / office sponsored event did you enjoy most and why?
A:The Christmas Parties of course!! My Wife and I love getting away to the different locations especially New Orleans.

Q: When were you proudest to be a part of the Champion team?
A: ALL THE TIME!!! I really love the team concept and that its not just talked about. I truly feel I could call anyone in the company and get help or be led in a positive direction. I would like to mention a few people that I’ve always been able to reach out to and I appreciate. John Pellerin, Joe Driver, Chris Kuhlmann, Kevin Castille, Jay Epperson, and Jared Mayeaux. I know there are more names I could mention and I appreciate you all.

Q: Any project or event pictures that you have would be great as well.
A:I thought I would attach a picture of my bunch. Its not a project or company event but this is the reason I work.

2020 Q2 Technology Update

in August 2020
and Technical Community Toolbox

Joe Driver and Chris Kuhlmann, Champion’s Corporate Application Engineers, held their 2020 Q2 Technical Update presentation this summer. Topics included:

Trends in Automation (1:22)
- Migrating compute power to edge and to cloud
- Acceptance of cloud services
- Standardization and enforced consistency of data structures
- AI and Machine Learning
- Security

Rockwell Automation (5:10)
- PlantPAx 5.0 and Process Controllers – July 2020
- PlantPAx Tools
- Libraries
- FactoryTalk Innovation Suite
- 5094 Flex 5000 I/O

8×8 vs. Teams vs. ShareFile (16:50)
- 8×8 Teams integration coming soon
- Use Teams as collaboration tool
- Use ShareFile to send files with sensitive information to customers

Training Initiative (24:42)
- Training content being developed
- Submit training requests to Joe and Chris

Experience Profile (28:30)
- Update your profile at least once a quarter!
- You need to be connected to the network / VPN

Partner Information (34:40)
- Rockwell
  - Rockwell licensing changes – use the same serial number / key each year
  - At least 2 engineers must hold PlantPAx certification
- Siemens
  - Must be certified in PCS-7 every 2 years (by completing PCS-7 project)
  - Licenses being expanded
  - SI partners can access Siemens training material

Demo System Update (39:05)
- Schneider Modicon Demo Panel complete
- Next: Rockwell CompactLogix

Engineering Intranet Site (42:09)
KnowBe4 Reminder (49:46)

If you weren’t able to attend or if you want a refresher on the content, check out the full presentation!

Announcements

in August 2020
and Uncategorized

2020 Champion’s Christmas Party Details

Contribute Information, Suggestions, & Photos to The Champion Newsletter

Do you have any Upcoming Dates, including Conferences, Trade Shows or Office Events that you would like to tell us about? How about suggestions for Articles? Do you have Company Photos that you would like to see in the next newsletter? If so please email them to Mandi Legendre at mandi.legendre@champtechnology.com.

Fall Season Safety

in August 2020
and Safety News

Get Your Flu Shot

Autumn is the start of flu season, and doctors recommended everyone 6 months and older gets vaccinated against the flu. Learn more about flu prevention and the flu vaccine.

Take steps to prevent the flu.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often. Stay home if you get sick.

Test and Replace Batteries

Check or replace carbon monoxide batteries twice a year: when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Replace smoke alarm alkaline batteries at least once a year. Test alarms every month to ensure they work properly.

Driving Safely at Night

Daylight Saving Time ends every year on the first Sunday in November. This means it starts to get darker earlier. As we set our clocks backward by one hour in most areas of the country, here are some tips for driving at night.

More Autumn Safety Tips

Upcoming Community Events

in August 2020
and Uncategorized

*Due to COVID-19 some of the events listed below may be cancelled or postponed.

Baton Rouge

Beaumont

Denver

Medals & Mimosas
10k
Saturday 09/19/2020

Houston

Lafayette

Lake Charles

New Orleans

Salt Lake City

The Haunted Half
Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Run
Saturday 10/24/2020

See Below for Additional Events in your area

Baton Rouge https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/events/

Lake Charles https://www.visitlakecharles.org/events/

New Orleans https://www.neworleans.com/events/

Lafayette https://www.lafayettetravel.com/events/

Beaumont http://www.beaumontcvb.com/event-calendar/

Houston https://www.visithoustontexas.com/events/

Denver https://www.denver.org/events/

Salt Lake City https://www.visitsaltlake.com/events/

CURRENT EVENTS (August 2020)

in August 2020
and Current Events

Sept 7

Monday

Labor Day

Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. It is also considered the unofficial end of summer in the United States.

Sept 10

Thursday

University of Houston’s College of Engineering Virtual Career Fair

The UH College of Engineering will host their 2020 Fall Career Fair Virtually.

Sept 11

Friday

Lamar University Engineering Career Fair

Lamar University’s College of Engineering will hold its 2020 Fall Career Fair on September 11th starting at 12pm. It will be held on the 8th floor in the Mary and John Gray Library.

Sept 15

Tuesday

LSU’S Fall Virtual 2020 STEM Career Expo

September 15th LSU’s Fall 2020 Career Expo will be offered in a virtual format, hosted by the LSU Olinde Career Center through the Easy Virtual Fair online platform.

Sept 15

Tuesday

Colorado School of Mines 2020 Fall Career Day

This years Career Fair will be held on September 15th on a Virtual Platform.

Sept 22

Tuesday

University of Utah’s STEM Career & Internship Fair

The University of Utah will hold its annual Fall 2020 STEM Career & Internship Fair on September 22nd. This years career fair will be virtual.

Sept 24

Thursday

University of New Orleans & Loyola University 2020 Career & Internship Fair

University of New Orleans and Loyola University will hold a joint Fall 2020 Virtual Career & Internship Fair on Handshake’s Virtual Career Fair Platform. It will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 12pm to 4pm.

Sept 29

Tuesday

University of Wyoming Engineering & Technology Job Fair

The Engineering and Technology Career Fair will be held Virtually on Handshake’s Virtual Career Fair Platform. They will also hold a second Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday October 28th.

Oct 7

Wednesday

Utah Valley’s Fall STEM Career & Internship Fair

Utah Valley’s Career Fair will be a Virtual Career Fair on October 7, 2020 from 10am-3pm.

Oct 31

Saturday

Halloween

Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain. At the festival people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghost. Over time, Halloween has evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, gatherings, and dressing up in costumes.