MEET TYLER VANWINKLE
Beginning his career at Schad in June of 2017, Tyler VanWinkle has worked hard to establish a more permanent presence on Schad’s behalf in the Louisville industrial market. Tyler’s determination and positive attitude have been a requirement. 
As the first full-time member of the Louisville office, he has been involved in every aspect of the business unit’s development including client development, warehouse acquisition, staff build-up, and project management. His position has required him to be multitalented, as the team and the customer base have grown and evolved, so have the challenges. Tyler is confident with all tasks from delivering a box of material to selling and managing large projects.
Outside of the office, he has no problem staying busy at home with his wife, Hadie, their three children, and two dogs!
1. How long have you worked with Schad?
Two years in June.
2. How did you get started in the refractory industry?
As an 18 year-old bricklayer apprentice, the field rep asked my employer if he had anybody that wanted to make overtime for the weekend, I volunteered. They gave me an address and told me to be there at 7 AM. I showed up at a steel mill without knowing what refractory was, after that weekend I was hooked.
3. What is the biggest or most challenging project you have managed?
Last year we had three rebuilds back to back. We went from relining a channel induction furnace, to a 100-ton aluminum melter, to a 75-ton aluminum melter.
4. What is your favorite part about your job?
Being able to help our customers and working with a really great group of guys.
5. What is your fondest memory of working at Schad?
Getting through that first year, we were able to establish a solid group of customers and have a great building block for the future.
6. What are you currently working on?
Currently I am teaming up with two other project managers and we are working on bidding a very large project in the Kentucky area.
7. What are your biggest professional challenges?
Trying to balance family and work.
8. What is your motto or personal mantra?
Stay positive! A negative attitude spreads like wild fire through an entire crew.
9. When you’re not at Schad what are you most likely doing?
I am probably at my oldest daughters’ gymnastics competitions.
10. What in the next year are you most looking forward to?
Developing a consistent number of tradesmen to keep busy at the Louisville location.