Nippon Sanso Matheson

The Gas Professionals

Our People

Mindy Durecki – March Employee Spotlight

Meet Mindy Durecki, one of Nippon Sanso Matheson’s Corporate Recruiters, with over 35 years of experience in the industry. Mindy’s journey began in Chicago, IL, leading her to successful roles in sales and management. Despite a brief career pause to support her family during COVID-19, Mindy embraced a new challenge when she joined Nippon Sanso Matheson as a Corporate Recruiter in August of 2021.

In her dynamic role, Mindy’s days unfold with a mix of scheduled screening calls, resume reviews, and continuous candidate sourcing. With a wealth of expertise acquired throughout her years, spanning various roles in sales and operations, she has successfully recruited many new sales professionals during her tenure with Nippon Sanso Matheson.

Mindy’s achievements reflect a commitment to excellence, where the heart of her position lies in serving hiring managers, Nippon Sanso Matheson, and the candidates she guides through the recruitment process. She sees collaboration as a fundamental aspect, fostering successful hires and a positive work environment. Mindy cherishes the rewarding satisfaction of successfully assessing and placing the right candidates in crucial positions through her collaborative role at Nippon Sanso Matheson.

Beyond the workplace, Mindy finds solace and joy in her personal interests. Gardening, immersing herself in mystery novels, golfing, and skiing are some of her favorite pastimes.

Mindy’s advice for colleagues and aspiring professionals is to be positive, memorable, and transparent. She emphasizes the importance of instilling candidates with excitement about Nippon Sanso Matheson and enabling them to enjoy what they do in both work and life.

Mindy Durecki embodies the spirit of dedication and enthusiasm, contributing significantly to Nippon Sanso Matheson’s success in talent acquisition. Her story serves as an inspiration to professionals, showcasing the impact of positivity, expertise, and a passion for what you do. Nippon Sanso Matheson extends gratitude to Mindy for her service and commitment.

Do you want to join the Nippon Sanso Matheson team? Learn about all our open positions:

view career opportunities

Don Hood – February Employee Spotlight

Meet Don Hood, a dedicated member of our team whose professional journey spans 24 years at our affiliate company, Continental Carbonic Products. His tenure at Continental Carbonic has been a testament to his adaptability and leadership, progressing from Shift Supervisor to Plant Manager and eventually overseeing production plants as a Regional Manager. His successful turnaround of the Loudon, TN facility and subsequent role as Quality Programs Manager reflect his commitment to organizational growth and operational excellence.

In his current capacity, Don navigates the dynamic landscape of quality compliance. Despite initially facing the challenge of transitioning into Corporate Level Quality with limited experience, Don’s determination and resilience enabled him to not only understand but also excel in aligning Continental Carbonic with Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) guidelines. 

Among his proudest achievements at Continental Carbonic, Don highlights the successful launch of the Clearfield, PA facility in 2017 and the expedited attainment of FSSC, surpassing projected timelines by six months, an undeniable reflection of his strategic planning and leadership. 

Don finds immense fulfillment in Continental Carbonic’s culture of recognition, career advancement, and open communication—an environment that resonates with his values of safety, integrity, and fostering a close-knit community. 

As a guiding principle for new employees, Don advocates for hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, emphasizing that dedication leads to success. A quote from President Harry Truman encapsulates Don’s work ethic and dedication: “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” 

Beyond the workplace, Don’s passion for the outdoors shines through his pursuits, including hunting, fishing, and embracing traditional archery. He values moments spent with his wife exploring National Parks and savoring winery visits. Don also actively contributes to his community through a men’s group, “Beards & Backpacks,” fostering both physical and spiritual renewal. 

Collaboration and teamwork have been pivotal in Don’s time with Continental Carbonic. His ability to lead and empower teams, evident in the successful collaboration between Continental Carbonic and Nippon Sanso Matheson Corporate Quality, underscores the importance of collective effort and expertise in achieving organizational milestones. 

His journey at Continental Carbonic shows dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring colleagues and aspiring professionals alike. Nippon Sanso Matheson extends its heartfelt gratitude to Don for his exemplary service and commitment.

Tony Raimondo – January Employee Spotlight

Meet Tony Raimondo, the Production Supervisor in Nippon Sanso Matheson’s Montgomeryville, PA office. Tony boasts an impressive 35-year tenure with us and is a steadfast cornerstone within the Nippon Sanso Matheson family. Joining the team in October 1988, Tony’s journey exemplifies unwavering commitment and a passion for evolution within the manufacturing realm. 

His initial six years in Quality Control paved the way for an extraordinary transition to where he is today. Tony’s pivotal role in steering the night shift during a new laser program’s inception marked a career-defining achievement. He spearheaded the program’s growth, witnessing over 400 laser boxes shipped, and leaving an indelible mark with his designs which are still integral to the laser systems today. 

Tony’s devotion to Nippon Sanso Matheson has weathered numerous challenges, including navigating the unprecedented trials of the COVID era. Throughout these adversities, Tony’s unwavering dedication remained resolute, guiding the operations group through uncertain times. His leadership not only ensured Nippon Sanso Matheson’s operational continuity but also fostered a culture of resilience and innovation.

Beyond his core responsibilities, Tony’s scope has expanded significantly, encompassing multifaceted roles from facility maintenance and repair to being the linchpin of the quality control process. He effortlessly juggles inquiries from the sales team and customers, and the intricate nuances of managing his department while ensuring punctual deliveries of superior-quality products.

His passion for craftsmanship extends beyond the workplace, evident through his diverse hobbies. Whether indulging in model railroading, capturing moments through cinematography at horse races, or meticulously restoring old film projectors, Tony’s enthusiasm is boundless. His involvement in the PARA 520 local Model Rocketry Association and affinity for collecting vintage Radio Flyer Wagons and restoring pedal cars speaks volumes about his varied interests. Tony even had a featured story on 6ABC News in August of 2022 for his amazing front-yard display of a model railroad!

Tony’s story embodies resilience, versatility, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. His journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating the invaluable traits of adaptability, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of quality in the manufacturing landscape. Nippon Sanso Matheson applauds Tony for his remarkable service and steadfast dedication over the past 35 years.

Do you want to join the Nippon Sanso Matheson team? Learn about all our open positions:

view career opportunities

Citlalli Gomez – December Employee Spotlight

Meet Citlalli Gomez, a Process Safety Manager at Nippon Sanso Matheson, bringing nearly a decade of expertise from her various positions in chemical plant operations and consulting roles. Citlalli’s journey into safety began with hands-on involvement in heavy machinery operations like ammonia compressors and condensers, always keeping safety at the forefront of her endeavors. 

Joining Nippon Sanso Matheson in September 2022, Citlalli assumed the role of Process Safety Manager (PSM), where her passion for maintaining a safe workplace remains a top priority. Her responsibilities involve managing and coordinating compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Product Safety Management, implementing programs, and ensuring full compliance with regulations. 

A typical week for Citlalli involves extensive travel where she conducts process safety compliance audits at various flammable fuels sites. She frequently engages with site leadership where she gains insights into specific challenges and opportunities, valuing the unique aspects of each team. Citlalli’s role revolves around instilling process safety values within management to cascade knowledge to their teams. She aims for ongoing conversations about PSM and offers continuous offsite support to teams. 

Citlalli appreciates Nippon Sanso Matheson’s people-centric culture that aligns with her values of prioritizing employee well-being, both at work and at home. She values the company’s commitment to continuous improvement, especially in safety, by fostering cross-functional collaboration. 

Her proudest achievement at Nippon Sanso Matheson is forging genuine connections with colleagues at flammable fuels sites, emphasizing the human aspect behind PSM beyond paperwork, fostering a culture of care and concern.                                                                                              

Outside of work, Citlalli revels in outdoor adventures.  She is often found exploring mountain trails along the Appalachian Trail. Citlalli has also conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro and aims to trek to Everest Base Camp. 

For aspiring professionals in the field, Citlalli emphasizes that PSM transcends paperwork—it’s about fostering collaboration and connections within the process. She lives by the mantra “Complacency kills” and believes in embedding safety into every step of the job. 

Citlalli Gomez embodies Nippon Sanso Matheson’s commitment to safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She continues to make a remarkable impact and ensures that safety remains a top priority. 

Do you want to join the Nippon Sanso Matheson team? Learn about all our open positions:

view career opportunities

Joe Wallace – November Employee Spotlight

Meet Joe Wallace, a dedicated member of the Nippon Sanso Matheson team with a wealth of experience and a passion for problem-solving. Joe, a 23-year welding engineer, has been an integral part of Nippon Sanso Matheson for six years, providing support to the sales team and creating solutions to welding and manufacturing issues. Joe also served our country for 25 years in the United States Air Force. After serving 5 years of active duty, Joe continued on for 20 years as a jet mechanic at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard base in Ohio before retiring as Master Sergeant.

Joe’s typical day is dynamic and diverse, traveling across his territory and collaborating with Outside Sales Representatives to drive new business growth. Joe believes that collaboration is key, and he works closely with his team to strategize and plan site visits to best achieve their goals. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, experienced metalworker, and welding process specialist, Joe brings a deep well of expertise to the table, helping solve manufacturing issues and ensuring existing accounts thrive. 

Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.

George S. Patton

What Joe enjoys most about Nippon Sanso Matheson is the opportunity to work in a wide range of welding and engineering technologies. He appreciates that the company is solution-focused and values the drive for business growth. 

One of his proudest accomplishments involved successfully closing a sale on a high-value automation system to a previous customer by leveraging his strong rapport with a retired engineer to connect with new manufacturing leadership, delivering a tailored solution. This success story and more are a testament to Joe’s ability to build trust, provide sound solutions, and foster long-lasting relationships with clients. 

Outside of work, Joe’s passion for welding and engineering extends to him being an avid model hobbier. He is a huge fan of his alma mater, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and football. He also enjoys outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, and running.

Joe’s words of wisdom for colleagues and aspiring professionals in his field are to be open-minded, solution-focused, and to leverage their network. His anecdote about persistence is a valuable lesson in sales – “Never give up.” He stresses the importance of staying connected and waiting for the right moment to win over potential clients. Joe always finds motivation when facing a problem or challenge from a quote by General George Patton: “Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.”

Joe Wallace embodies the spirit of Nippon Sanso Matheson as a dynamic, solution-driven, and collaborative individual. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals, reminding them that dedication, an open mind, and a relentless pursuit of solutions are the keys to thriving in the world of welding, sales, and engineering. Nippon Sanso Matheson thanks Joe for his service and dedication.

Do you want to join the Nippon Sanso Matheson team? Learn about all our open positions:

view career opportunities