NEW HIRES ADD UNIQUE SKILLS

Ester Aube, Data & Library Specialist, has a B.A. in Art Conservation with a minor in Art History. Ester’s unique expertise working in museums and with library collections fills a very specialized need for the handling, preservation, cataloging, and digitization of rare aviation resources. Eric Trueblood, V.P. of Sales & Marketing noted “Ester enhances our team with her background, unique skillset, and the type of enthusiasm we look for in our people. She has been interested and engaged in what we have been developing in serving a worldwide customer base through AirCorps Library from almost day one.”

Todd Wiedmann, CAD Designer, most recently worked for a wind tower manufacturer and a steel fabrication company, both in Fargo, ND. Todd’s education includes study at North Dakota State University and Northwest Technical College in engineering, construction, and design drafting. Todd has a passion for working on WWII aircraft, having grown up with two WWII veteran grandfathers, and expressed a “deep respect for the men, women, ships, and aircraft that participated in the war.” As an addition to the Fabrication team, V.P. of Fabrication Dan Matejcek said, “Todd has been great and brings new and exciting ideas to the CAD group. He also comes from a background of creating jigs and fixtures for welding and assembly – we do a lot of that here – and it’s nice to have another set of experienced eyes to check over what’s been done.” 

Clyde Bolyard, Aircraft Component Repairman, relocated to Bemidji from a small town in Kansas, and has a degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Kansas State University. Clyde’s activities growing up included hunting, farming, and helping with his father’s gun shop, as well as working at a local farm store. Clyde cited the company’s core values and the overall atmosphere as the things that drew him to AirCorps. Aircraft Maintenance Manager, Tye Halvas welcomes Clyde to the Maintenance department noting, “Clyde has shown a lot of initiative and drive to be part of the team, first by taking vacation time to visit us last summer, and now by arranging to complete his final school project through on-the-job training. Everyone is looking forward to working with him as we continue to grow.”

Neil Pietruszewski, Machine Programmer/Operator, attended Alexandria Technical College and has 15 years machining experience in the medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, construction, and printing industries. Neil mentioned looking forward to “working with a skilled and driven team to complete projects.” As the Fabrication department continues to grow, V.P. of Fabrication Dan Matejcek recognized the need for another experienced machinist and said of Neil “It’s great to find someone with experience using most of the equipment we have, even Bobcad! Neil wasted no time coming into the shop and producing parts. On day two he was already cutting out parts for the P-47 fixture.”

Jeff Anderson, Parts Sales, is the newest addition to the Parts Department and brings a lifetime of aviation experience, including aircraft appraisals, insurance, and parts sales. Born in Dunbar, NE, he studied Industrial Management and Manufacturing/Aviation Management and grew up in a family deeply immersed in both operating within and manufacturing certified parts for the aerial application industry. “It is exciting to add members to our team who bring new perspectives, experience and insights from aviation markets outside our work on WWII aircraft. Jeff’s background also involves teaching and instruction which is vital in a growing organization,” says Eric Trueblood, V.P. of Sales & Marketing.