Maintenance Technician at Advanced Technology Services
Former sailor goes from turbine engines to cabinet-making with Advanced Technology Services.
by Warren Duffie

Pressure doesn’t scare Kerry McGinnis. During his four-year Navy career, the Alabama native repaired and maintained the gas turbine systems that propelled a billion-dollar guided missile destroyer. Nowadays, he helps command an army of machinery that produces thousands of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and furnishings each day. A major breakdown could result in millions of dollars in lost revenues.

“In the Navy, you learn a lot about leadership and working under high-stress conditions,” says McGinnis, a former petty officer 2nd class. “If something breaks down at sea, you can’t just call in a contractor. You have to learn to budget your time and manage your resources, even if that means working long hours. That same discipline applies to civilian life.”

On the Job
McGinnis, 25, works as a maintenance technician with Advanced Technology Services Inc. (ATS) and is currently contracted to the Auburn, Ala., factory of MasterBrand Cabinets Inc. – one of the nation’s premier kitchen and bath furnishings manufacturers. The machines he oversees are powerful beasts: saws that slice through huge wood piles like twigs, sanders that can smooth a desktop in mere seconds, and heavy-duty routers that can carve beautiful and intricate designs on doors and cabinets.

The former sailor works the “second shift,” from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. After arriving at work, he meets with members of the exiting shift to discuss issues that arose earlier in the day. McGinnis then reviews his assignments and organizes them according to priority. Most of his workload involves routine preventive maintenance — inspections, making sure pistons and gears are properly lubed, etc.

But sometimes the machines break, and he must swing into action quickly: “During a shift, I could be called to 20 different machines or 20 times to one machine. That’s what I love about this job. No two days are the same, and I’m not stuck doing the same thing for eight hours.”

Seeking Vets with a “Can-Do” Attitude
Headquartered in Peoria, Ill., ATS employs 1,700 throughout the United States. The company provides three core services: the repair and maintenance of factory equipment, computers, and industrial parts.

One reason for ATS’ success has been its commitment to recruiting quality employees, especially veterans. Not only does the company participate in the President’s National Hire Veterans Committee (www.hirevetsfirst.gov/committee.asp), it’s a strong presence at military job fairs and has a sponsorship program that enables new hires to make seamless transitions to civilian employment.

“Veterans make up nearly 25 percent of our workforce,” says Holly Mosack, a recruiting manager for ATS and former Army captain with a combat tour in Iraq. “They have a ‘can-do’ attitude that is hard to find in the civilian sector, and they’ve often have had to learn a job very quickly where failure wasn’t an option.”

From College to Destroyers
Like many high school graduates, McGinnis tried his hand at college, but after 12 years of school, he was burned out and needed a break.

“I wasn’t serious or disciplined enough. So I figured I would join the Navy and see the world, instead of spending a lot of money on classes that didn’t interest me.”

McGinnis attended basic training – as well as his education as a gas turbine systems technician – at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. He was then sent to Jacksonville, Fla., to serve on USS Roosevelt, a brand-new guided missile destroyer.

In addition to turbine engines, McGinnis fixed hydraulic systems, oil and fuel purifiers, operating pumps, and air compressors. Within a year, he was placed in charge of one of the engine rooms — responsible for inspections, equipment safety, and training of sailors.

McGinnis’ four years underway were fantastic, he says. After spending his life in Alabama, he visited Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. However, by 2003 he wanted to try something new.

“I figured I had the best first four years anyone could have in the military, and it would probably be downhill after that,” he says with a laugh.

The Transition
After taking transition classes, McGinnis moved to Houston, Texas, to work as a mechanic. Although the job was fun, McGinnis ached to return to Alabama. He placed his résumé online, and employers rushed to woo him. McGinnis chose ATS since it had operations in Auburn, only minutes from where he grew up.

“One thing that shocked me about civilian life is the cost of living,” he says. “I make more money, but I have to pay for everything.”

Despite the sticker shock, McGinnis says veterans can adjust well to civilian life and employment, particularly at ATS. There are yearly evaluations, clear-cut goals and promotions to the next level. Also, there is a strong community of veterans within the company — which can serve as a source of camaraderie and mentorship.

McGinnis’ Advice
Make sure you’re ready to leave the military. “It’s a nice lifestyle. Think long and hard about getting out.”

Showcase all of your skills. “Be ready to promote yourself. You have the skills, discipline, and maturity that employers are seeking.”