Joseph Derzapf has risen through the ranks at SPIR STAR from production manager to president and CEO. In this new post, he knows exactly what is important to him in leading his “work family” — reassuring his team and empowering management. BIC Magazine recently visited with Derzapf to learn more about him and his role.
Q: What led to your position at SPIR STAR?
A: My first full-time position was at Halliburton in the mechanic shop. The oilfield had a slowdown, and I was let go. I spent two years as a line mechanic for a couple of car dealerships, but I really didn’t like it, so I headed to Houston in search of something more. Weatherford hired me to work on high-pressure waterblasters. They sold that division and moved me to their offshore crane department. I spent the next eight years traveling the world installing, repairing and teaching operator classes for offshore cranes. It was all very interesting, but once you meet that special someone things must change. I had a friend who was the vice president of SPIR STAR, and he wanted me to come and work as production manager. Now, it is 17 years later with both my work and home families. I am very blessed!
Q: What is the most important part of your position?
A: We are a small company with only 40 people. I think most of them want to be assured the company is doing well and they don’t have to worry about their jobs. I am committed to having a work environment they can appreciate and be proud of and telling them what’s going on in our industry and how we are investing for our and their future.
Empowering management is also very important. They must take up the task to lead and teach each of their departments and to hold their people responsible. All of our departments must work together as one team. I believe a customer will certainly have a good experience if that is achieved.
Q: What are your goals for your position?
A: To grow the company at a sustainable rate is important. Our employees understand our customers are directly linked to their paychecks. The exceptional customer service they provide will ensure our growth. Also, we want to be the leader in the industry for high-pressure hoses, adapters and valves. We are the most product-knowledgeable company in our industry. This is why customers depend on us every day to get them the correct products. Training is a key component and must be maintained.
Q: What is your biggest lesson learned?
A: The more you invest into your people and work environment, the more you will get out of it. We continue to train and upgrade our equipment to ensure our people can do their jobs as efficiently and safely as possible. We are always open to suggestions to improve the workflow.
Don’t allow one person in your company to have complete control and knowledge of any important role. They should be mentoring another so the position will never be vacated, in case of an emergency. The loss of a critical employee can be devastating to the company if there is no one there to take up the reigns, even if it is only to fill in for a temporary term.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A: I love to cook and being from Texas, we love our barbeque. I have a trailer pit, a smaller pipe pit with smoker, a gas grill and a Kamado Joe. I grew up in North Texas, and the traditional pit on the ground was the preferred way of cooking. As kids, we would always ask my dad or my Great Uncle Mike if the food was ready. Uncle Mike was always standing over the pit, smiling and mopping whatever we were going to have. He’d tell us in a loud voice, “When it’s smoking, it’s cooking; when it’s black, it’s done.” I have to admit I am carrying on this family tradition.
For more information, visit www.spirstar.com or call (800) 890-7827.
