Matt Mendrala has been selected as Brookville Equipment Corporation’s Employee of the Month for December.
Matt has been employed at Brookville Equipment Corporation for the past nine years. Matt has held the position of Technical Writer since the start of his career at BROOKVILLE.
As a Technical Writer, Matt’s main job duties at Brookville Equipment typically includes writing instructions for manuals, as well as illustration work. Matt’s duties also change with every project, depending on what the customer wants. Matt has created a manual for every piece of new equipment to head out the door since starting his tenure.
Matt’s favorite type of equipment to work on is anything newer and out of the ordinary. He says, “I love working on any new pieces of equipment that come through our door. Recently, we have worked on the Chattanooga Incline Car (CARTA), Rio Tinto Iron Ore Locomotives (IOCC), and other different types of equipment.” Matt also takes interest in any type of equipment which poses a challenge to him. He discussed it is nice to have variety throughout his technical writing. Matt has learned a lot since starting his career at Brookville Equipment, as well as expanding on some existing skills. In the last nine years, Matt has used programs such as Excel, Tech Pubs, SolidEdge, along with additional programs. Although he had used excel before, he is using it more intensely at BROOKVILLE. He often uses Excel to create a catalog of parts for each unit. Matt uses SolidEdge to stage files, for example, he may have to go into the design to manipulate the file to help with the illustrations in the manuals. He also has learned to use Tech Pubs, which is something he never used before. Matt expressed he is always learning and trying to find ways to incorporate new things.
Although Matt has always excelled at his career, it doesn’t mean it didn’t come with its own set of challenges. Matt says, “The challenges I face during my job is an ongoing thing. It is something we don’t have control over. Customers have certain criteria we have to meet and sometimes it can present itself as a challenge to figure out how to display the information properly.” Matt also disclosed sometimes there is a fine line you have to walk between the customer and vendor, both having criteria and stipulations which need to be met.
When Matt was asked, “How do you keep yourself motivated at work?,” he said “There is always something to do here. Once I complete a project, there is always a new one to start. I stay very busy at work.” Matt’s job is a unique position Brookville Equipment offers. Matt says, “One thing that makes me love my job is my love for writing. I have an engineering degree, but I have always had a passion for writing. It is hard to find a job where you get to utilize your writing skills while also using my engineering degree. I really have enjoyed my time at BROOKVILLE thus far, I like the people, the company, and most importantly, I like the work I am doing.” BROOKVILLE has let Matt use his skills to create manuals for the customers, which covers each piece of equipment to leave the facility.
One of the most important lessons Matt has learned through his career is if you are good to people, they will be good to you. Matt often works with our customers and engineers, and he has learned it is very important to work well with your coworkers and having a positive attitude helps convey the attitude you are trying to portray.
During his free time, he enjoys creative writing, reading books, arts & crafts, as well working with his 3D printer. He enjoys making things on his 3D printer you wouldn’t be able to find in stores. Matt likes to use his one of a kind designs to gift presents to his mom and brother.