Employee Spotlight: Harold Phipps
Meet Harold Phipps with our team in Des Moines, Iowa! Harold has been with Vander Haag’s for just over 5 ½ years, and has worked as a Fabricator in the Service department during his entire tenure with us. Harold originally was introduced to Vander Haag’s as a customer. While working with the Iowa DOT, Harold sent a truck in to get an axle skein replaced. During that replacement, he also got a tour of the shop. He was so impressed, he joined the team shortly thereafter!
Harold says the thing he enjoys most about his job is that a “typical day isn’t so typical.” Harold’s work varies between doing accessory installs, tarp replacements, installing power tarp kids, welding jobs, and even helping with estimating some jobs. He especially enjoys projects that are a challenge. For example, he assisted with the engine dyno install in Des Moines. “There was a lot to figure out and a lot of different systems to get to work together… and the way we did it had not been done before.”
Harold says that if he can give one piece of advice to someone beginning their career with Vander Haag’s, it would be this: “Stay out of the tool trucks! The tool guys will come to you… guaranteed! Tell them what you want and they will bring it in to you. Whenever I get in a tool truck, my palms start sweating, my respiration increases, and I buy way more than I should… And there’s not support group for tool collectors anonymous… so stay off the tool trucks!”
Well, Harold, we’re glad to have you (and all your tools) as part of our team here at Vander Haag’s!