MEET MATT KUDERIK
Joining the Schad team as a Project Manager in mid-2015, Matt Kuderik has worked tirelessly during the past three and a half years to build a client base, establish himself as a leader within the organization, and ensure that he builds a reputation for himself and the company that is second to none.
With a background heavily weighted in the steel industry, Matt has helped build on Schad’s presence in the steel mills throughout the Great Lakes Region. Highlights have included re-builds of walking beam and pusher reheat furnaces, B.O.F/B.O.P. projects, galvanizing line refractory work, and other auxiliary services including bottle car relines, covers, pre-cast shapes, and doors.
In addition to working in the steel industry, Matt has not shied away from opportunities in other industries including energy, aluminum, and most significantly, wood. In 2018, Matt managed the largest brick installation project in Michigan at a new particle board facility located in the Northern part of the State.
Matt’s charismatic character, work ethic, and “never say no” attitude have made him an invaluable member of the Schad team. It is with pleasure that we introduce him as this month’s “Next Generation Manager.”
1. How long have you worked with Schad?
I have worked for Schad for just over 3 years.
2. How did you get started in the refractory industry?
My father has been in the industry all his adult life. I believe when I was approximately 18 and a week, I was still living at home and he asked me if I had signed up for college or got a job… I had done neither. He stated I would need to start paying rent or sign up for school. I think it was two days later he woke me up and said, “get dressed, you’re going to work.” I started that day. I believe I only paid rent for a couple months!
3. What is the biggest or most challenging project you have managed?
I recently finished my most challenging project. It was a new build of a wood burning energy plant. Some of my main challenges were the German design, foreign materials, labor hours and location. It was definitely a learning experience.
4. What is your favorite part about your job?
The pressure! I live for it… I enjoy the fact that that the projects are ever changing and seem to never be the same as the last.
5. What is your fondest memory of working at Schad?
My fondest memory was making an unplanned trip to Germany with my brother and Ross to shoot an aluminum furnace.
6. What are you currently working on?
I currently have quite a bit of work going on at the steel mills, mostly gunite, shotcrete, bricking, and general labor tasks.
7. What are your biggest professional challenges?
This is a hard question, it seems to vary depending on the project. It can be staffing jobs, safety concerns, or separating professional/personal life.
8. What is your motto or personal mantra?
How you do anything, is how you do everything.
9. When you’re not at Schad what are you most likely doing?
Spending time with my family and friends. I like to spend time taking the camper out with the family or fishing and golfing with friends.
10. What in the next year are you most looking forward to?
Personally, I am looking forward to my son growing older, professionally I’m looking forward to that next big project!