Ray Steffens, Service Area Operations Leader, celebrated his 35th anniversary with Damuth Trane this month! He started with the company in 1989 as a service technician, then was promoted to Peninsula Service Team Leader in 2001 and subsequently his current role in 2019.
Ray received his associate degree in Heating and Air Conditioning from Danville Community College. He holds a Refrigeration certification and OSHA certifications in both General Industry and Construction Safety & Health. In his role as Service Area Operations Leader, Ray is responsible for the leadership of Service Operations associates and all service fulfillment processes, including the establishment and achievement of department objectives and goals consistent with the organization’s overall strategy.
Bob Gunderson, Service Operations Team Leader said of Ray: “Ray Steffens fits the definition of ‘Right Hand Man.’ Over the years, Ray has been one of the first people I always reach out to for help or thoughts on an issue or opportunity. Every team has members that people consistently rely on, and Ray is one of those team members. His dedication to getting the job done, and done right, is legendary in the Damuth organization! Ray’s many years of field experience and leadership skills have allowed him to truly make an impact on the organization.”
Ray has been married to his wife Amy for 34 years and they have a son and a daughter together. In his free time, he enjoys travelling with his wife. On his time with the company, Ray remarks, “When I started 35 years ago, there were only 14 technicians at the time. Over the years, there have been many Damuth associates who have given me knowledge and training to help me become the Leader I am today. While there have been changes and growth over the years, the main constant is the Damuth family. That family atmosphere is what makes Damuth a fantastic place to work!”
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Kevin Butt, Service Technician on Damuth Trane’s Southside South Service Team, is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the company this month. Before joining Damuth Trane, Kevin worked various jobs in the contracting and defense sector before transitioning to HVAC when he desired a career change. Kevin accepted a role at Damuth Trane in 2004, a few years after he worked alongside Damuth Technicians Jim Bowman and Barry Quesenberry (now retired) on a local commercial jobsite. Impressed with their professional demeanor and expertise, the technicians had encouraged Kevin to consider a role at Damuth in the future, and when the time was right, the doors opened for him.
As a Service Technician, Kevin is responsible for operating, repairing, and maintaining a variety of equipment, from chilled water systems to computerized building management systems and everything in between. With safety being the top priority for all Damuth Trane’s field technicians, they are required to undergo many safety trainings and ensure proper procedures are being followed while both in and out of the field. Over the past 20 years, Kevin has undergone countless training courses and received several certifications to maintain his knowledge and skillset as a Service Technician.
John Tucker, Area Service Team Leader said of Kevin: “Kevin’s contributions over his 20 years have had a major positive impact on Damuth’s success and position in the HVAC industry. He possesses an uncompromising devotion to ensuring each client is provided with the highest level of service and expertise. I have worked with him both as a technician and as a leader; I am fortunate to have him as part of my team.”
Kevin lives in Aydlett, NC with his wife of 31 years, Jill. They have one adult daughter. Outside of work, Kevin’s main hobby is music – including building guitars and playing in his church worship band. He also enjoys working outside, gardening, woodworking, doing various home projects, and restoring his 1969 Chevrolet Truck. When asked about his time with the company, Kevin expressed: “Damuth Trane has been a very rewarding and fulfilling place to work. The skill level my fellow associates across the company possess inspires me to be better. I learned even before coming to Damuth, that Don Damuth had built a good reputation in the business community, and this did not stop with his passing, but has grown on the shoulders of his sons. As a Service Technician, we play an integral part in this, as we are ambassadors of what Don Damuth started and reflect Damuth Trane’s Business and People Values before the eyes of our clients daily. We develop technical skills to maintain and repair equipment, but the people skills we cultivate help us create a personal relationship with our clients as their ‘Trusted Advisors’ and enable us to retain them as valued business partners. I am grateful to be a small part of this extraordinary team!”
Damuth Trane congratulates Ray and Kevin on their noteworthy accomplishments and looks forward to seeing their contributions in the years to come. Thank you, Ray and Kevin!