In This Issue
ON THE MOVE
FROM THE FIELD
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
On The Move
On The Move
Business Update
Ecopac Utilities, MDW7 (Photo: Matt Anger)
Epic Times at SilMan: A Glimpse of the Current Moment
There is tectonic-level activity across the entire company as our team continues to shake things up, winning new and returning business.
Here are a few highlights:
David said: “Kudos to John, Nick, Farley, and the engineering team who continue to expand our business with Amazon and other integrator partners.”
Tom also offered a summary of activity that everyone may not be aware of.
From The Field
Team Member Report
Fuel Vault Modifications at Oakland International. Click image for full-screen viewing. (Photos: Amos Martinez, Paul Newell)
Project Manager’s Chime In
This month, we hear directly from our project managers.
Will Masinas
The Port of Oakland continues to offer exciting opportunities, and we’re proud to have a dependable, high-performing team rising to meet them each day. This week, the L606 Roof Repairs and Painting project is wrapping up, with painting nearly complete, and closeout documentation underway. At the Waterfront Plaza Hotel, our team swiftly completed the demolition of carpet and baseboards following an emergency water leak. The ARFF Diesel Tank Replacement is also nearing final completion, pending a few final components. Meanwhile, we’re moving forward with the Temporary Scaffolding project, with early coordination steps already in motion. Special thanks to the SilMan team for their continued support. Across all projects, the consistent dedication and teamwork from Austin Hill, Silas Graves, and Gladys Huerta continue to drive progress and success.
Farley Young
RWC/#4360 is a combo of 8 sites. 7 of 8 are strung along from the start of August up until the end of October, at which point Amazon shuts down all construction activities till after the the new year begins. In Jan we will perform the final site. (LGA9)
Each site will take between 6 and 8 weeks. There is a combination of disciplines being utilized on each site. Mechanical conveyance, platform installations, electrical and pneumatic drops, controls, and concrete.
Shellia Jefferson
I am pleased to report that the Argus Fuel Vault project at Oakland Airport is scheduled for completion on Friday, August 1st!
The project was 90% complete when we pulled the team on May 20 to wait for a delayed delivery of actuators needed to finalize the work. Our teams returned to OAK on Monday, July 28. The mechanical and electrical teams completed the installation of actuators, while the civil group finished the final pavement markings.
Community Spotlight
Meet Tyde Biggerstaff
Tyde was raised in California’s Central Valley and Oregon, and has fond memories of playing in the abundant rivers and lakes of these regions. He was also adept on dry land, as a sprinter and cross-country runner. And in his first year of high school, he made the varsity track team on discus.
As high school progressed, he realized he could easily make money in construction. One thing he learned during those years was that we loved to work! And, of course, he enjoyed the thrill of money in his pocket. Amid these distractions, he dropped out of high school to work and start a family with his beloved wife, Harmony.
At age 28, his career had topped out. Around that time, Tyde discovered the world of skilled trades and recognized the long-term value of further training and Union membership. His first step was to return to school to earn his GED, a prerequisite for applying to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Fast forward to age 33, Tyde completed his apprenticeship and “Journeyed Out” as a Millwright. As an apprentice and without an existing network, Mr. Biggerstaff diligently sought out assignments with every possible company to grow his network. Lucky for us, he took an early interest in SilMan and became a regular team member beginning in 2009.
You read that right. Tyde is a first-gen SilManite.
Over the years, Tyde has continuously demonstrated his skill, knowledge, tenacity, and big-heartedness. It has paid off.
➢ Apprentice, Journeyman, Millwright Lead, Site Foremen, General Foreman, and today, he is the SAPS program leader.
Outside of SilMan, Tyde revels in his family of seven (3 boys, 2 girls), especially picnics and BBQ outings to lakes, rivers, and the ocean. His Friday night video game nights with his sons (and their friends) are legendary in their home. As his kids have grown, he always loves their visits, laughing and saying, “It’s amazing that they want to come home and see us. We must’ve done something right.”
What I love about SilMan:
“I love the people and the commitment to training. There is also a rare spirit of forgiveness here – people make mistakes, and we all need learning moments to be better.”
Jace and Gavin on Day One with Garrett.
Kevin Lienhard on Day One with Tom.
Fleet Feature: Hello, Portland.
Summer Weather
Let’s discuss the importance of reporting and tracking extreme weather conditions this summer to ensure everyone’s safety.
Extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, or heatwaves can significantly impact our worksites. Accurate reporting helps us stay informed, make timely decisions, and implement safety measures.
By staying vigilant, reporting promptly, and tracking weather changes, we can prevent accidents and protect ourselves and our colleagues. Let’s remain proactive and prepared in all weather conditions.
Team Member Jams,
curated by the Safety Team
Jace Basil
All My Love by Noah Kahan
Jace is one of our newest additions to the Engineering Team. When he is not solving complicated problems, he enjoys playing golf and basketball, and hanging out with friends and family.
But when hops in the car and heads for home, he is jonzng’ for the fresh acoustic vibes of Noah Kahan.
He said, “I like this song because of the folky feeling that tells a story that I can relate to. It also has a very catchy chorus. These types of songs are enjoyable, and I feel connected to the artist.
Foundations
Reflections On The Way We Work & Connect
Teamwork
We often talk about teamwork and the power of our collective efforts. And that’s not just a nice idea: it’s a truth we’ve seen time and time again. The connections we make with others and the relationships we build are what fuel us forward. They’re what carry us when the road gets uncertain.
Today, we find ourselves on a new horizon. This moment, this opportunity, is the outcome of everything we’ve worked for together. But as we step into it, we’re also navigating unfamiliar terrain. We may think we’re prepared. We’ve planned, we’ve trained, we’ve envisioned what’s ahead. Although the truth is, life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect.
And that’s alright.
Because this is where our connections matter most. This is where teamwork becomes more than collaboration; it becomes support, courage, and trust. It becomes the quiet strength that helps us face the unknown, not alone, but together.
The question isn’t just “Are we ready?” It’s “Are we willing to lean on each other when we’re not?” Are we open to the idea that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a bridge to deeper strength?
So, as we move forward, let’s remember we don’t have to have all the answers. We just have to keep showing up, for ourselves and for each other. Because the horizon ahead isn’t just about what we’ll achieve, it’s about who we will become, together as a team.
UNDER ONE ROOF
Please direct your questions, comments or ideas for future stories to newsletter@silmanindustries.com
SilMan Industries is committed to Creating a New Kind of Industrial Experience that delivers the power of multiple specialized service groups in a single touch. Our inviting, collaborative culture fuels this vision and is reflected in the team’s slogan, “Let’s Get to Work”
