Engineering

ASBSH Member Profile: Tom Stahura

In each issue, ABHR profiles a member of the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH). We speak to Tom Stahura, Accounts Development Manager at ESS Engineering Services & Supplies.

In each issue, ABHR profiles a member of the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH). We speak to Tom Stahura, Accounts Development Manager at ESS Engineering Services & Supplies.

I am a member of ASBSH …

Because of the need to receive information on trends and new developments in the bulk material handling sector and to identify possible contacts to partner with.

My current position is …

Accounts Development Manager for the West, which covers a range of responsibilities for areas including for sales, manufacturing, site services, product applications, and overseas sales. I also support our internal and external training (for ESS product-specific training and broader site issues training), industrial trade shows and presentations.

I got into bulk handling …

Working for my father and uncle in Western Pennsylvania. The Stahura Company distributed a wide range of products to the mines, steel mills and paper industry.

I am currently researching …

How to apply the Internet of Things to our products, to achieve optimal performance through remote monitoring and control.

I love my current work …

Because it gives me the opportunity to problem-solve creatively, to achieve a win-win outcome for our clients and our company.

In my role, it’s essential to …

Listen, ask questions, listen, and check information in the development of a successful outcome on internal and external issues.

The project I am most proud of …

Is my kids.

My career highlight …

Is ongoing – assisting in solving issues to improve our customers’ plants with cost-effective solutions.

The toughest challenge I’ve solved was when …

One of our clients had a conveyor that would start-up in the morning and run perfectly until 8 am, at which point it would start tracking off to one side, loaded or unloaded, until noon and then run the rest of the day in the correct alignment. This happened every sunny day – Yes, the sun warmed up one side of the belt and caused the belt to mistrack. A cover over the belt solved the problem.

More broadly, the biggest challenge is determining which hardware to apply in each specific application. Variables to be considered include the space available, performance variables of the systems and most importantly, the maintenance mentality of the client.

I am inspired by …

People who have the ‘can do attitude’ and work through issues to success.

The most valuable lesson I have learned …

Is to problem solve – never throw anyone under the bus.

My plans for the future are to …

Continue to be an asset to my company and customers, contribute to safer, cleaner and efficient bulk material handling solutions.

When I am not working, you will probably find me …

Sliding down the white stuff on the big hills, turns are optional.

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