The Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) has honored Matt Presser of S.J. Louis Construction of Texas Ltd. and Bruce Brierley of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with its 2013 Technician of the Year Awards. AEMP recognized the honorees at a luncheon during this year’s Management Conference and Annual Meeting held March 17 to 19 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Each year during the event, an AEMP panel of judges selects technicians from the private and public sectors who have demonstrated outstanding technical skills, troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities and professionalism, and who have made significant contributions to the equipment technician profession.

Matt Presser, S.J. Louis Construction of Texas Ltd.

Matt Presser, this year’s private fleet technician of the year, brought with him 13 years of industry experience when he joined S.J. Louis Construction, Mansfield, Texas, in 2010. He is responsible for maintaining the company’s mixed fleet and specialized equipment, for working with technicians to promote safety and open communication, and for managing parts and labor costs, which helps minimize the resource impact on repairs. He also monitors, troubleshoots and adjusts control parameters for on-board diagnostics. In addition, Presser services a variety of manufacturer platforms and designs, including John Deere, Hitachi, Caterpillar, Komatsu and Ford.

According to the selection committee, Presser’s knowledge and passion for safety and technology demonstrate his ability to skillfully overcome challenges. He was instrumental in solving the company’s Tier IV emissions challenges in its highway fleet. The committee also noted Presser’s ability to maintain positive business relationships, both internally and externally, and to preserve open communication with peers, management and outside vendors.

Bruce Brierley, Virginia DOT

Bruce Brierley, the public fleet technician of the year, has 37 years of experience in the profession, 20 of which have been with VDOT. He is responsible for monthly inspections of jacks, jack stands and lifts, and he works closely with technicians to ensure tasks are completed on time and safely.

In addition to Brierley’s passion for safety, the selection committee noted how he embraces the power of technology. He diagnoses difficult issues and finds innovative diagnostic and repair procedures by utilizing OEM Web sites and, as a result, is able to consistently and accurately diagnose issues the first time using test measurements and diagnostic equipment. Brierley has developed timely, safe and cost-effective repair procedures, as well as tools critical to repairing company equipment that would otherwise need to be purchased. This has allowed VDOT to perform needed repairs quickly and efficiently.

The committee also mentioned Brierley’s excellent safety record, which has helped build a positive attitude and environment within the company. Finally, the committee noted Brierley’s professionalism and dedication, which are constantly evident to co-workers, supervisors and vendors.

Brierley holds certifications for shielded metal arc welding, refrigerant, recovery and recycling, and Virginia State Police equipment and safety inspection.

For more information, visit AEMP.org.

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