Edgar Vidana, Electrical Fabricator at AquaPhoenix, discusses what it's like out on the shop floor and his incredible journey to becoming a U.S. Citizen.
Q: What is your role at APS?
My name is Edgar Vidana. I've been here with AquaPhoenix, since September now, four years. As far as what I do, fabricating, from panels to any custom jobs that come through here. Pretty much, a little bit of everything.
Q: What has been your favorite project?
I think the most memorable job, and job that I liked to work on, was a big Vortisand skid. I think it had about six vessels and that went down to Orange, Texas. We got to go out there and install it too. That was like in my first year. It was nice, it was cool, and I think we have some more of that stuff coming up too.
Q: What has been your most memorable/embarrassing moment at APS?
The funniest - every day! You have guys out in the shop who are always being funny. The atmosphere that is created out on the shop - it's pretty funny.
Q: What advice would you give to a new hire?
As far as somebody that came in and got hired on, personally myself, just to be open to change and work hard. Focus on what you're doing and just take it as it comes and be open about it and work hard.
Q: If you could learn something new, what would it be?
Personally, how to fly a jet. It's something not everybody can do. So, how to fly or pilot an airplane. Put it that way.
Q: What is something most people don't know about you?
I crossed the Rio Grande with my mom at age five on an inner tube, man. True story. And I've been here since then. So I was actually born in Mexico. But that is the one thing that most people don't know. I crossed the Rio Grande in an inner tube with my mom when I was five.
Q: Which AquaPhoenix Core Value Stands out to you?
I really think they're all good core values. The one - building a team and a family environment and also the open communication and honesty amongst us as employees; whether it's high management or your shop guys. I think that is very important because, for one, if you don't have a team - everybody working together - I mean, it works, but not 100%. Obviously, the family environment and the honesty. You know, like I said earlier, be honest and be able to embrace the change.
Q: What is your favorite food?
Tacos, man, tacos. Tacos for sure. Being from Mexico, there's just so many varieties of tacos that are out there. It's just, I like it all, you know.Q: Do you have any pets?
I don't have pets, but I like horses. I had a horse but right now, at the moment, I don't have it. But, I like horses. Riding horses, that's our time on the weekends every now and then to go ride horses.
