First and foremost, I have to thank customer Jerry Palman of SET Environmental in Wheeling for referring me over to the MABAS team. If it weren't for his friendship with some of the MABAS guys, I would not have had the opportunity to learn about this awesome organization! Most of us who have some sort … Continue reading Oil Meets Disaster Relief

What a truly exciting time to be alive. Every time I cross the state line into Wisconsin, which is just a few short miles from my home, the booming economy of the state and country are instantly noticeable. Yes, despite its crazy taxes and regulations, there is a fair amount of building happening in Illinois (Woodman's, … Continue reading America First

All shops have been guilty of it at one point or another... trash piling up, clutter in the parts room, no time to restock the first aid kit or the safety glasses bin, that oil spill by the bulk tank not cleaned up. Its been super busy and you're shorthanded on top of it all. … Continue reading The Hard Truth of Poor Shop Etiquette

I have a handful of customers who take advantage of Oil Analysis for varying purposes. It is key to have a clear goal in mind when beginning an oil analysis program - Do I want to extend my drain interval? Am I trying to find my oil drain "Cushion Zone" so I know I'm safe … Continue reading The Oil Analysis Puzzle Series (1 of 3) Engine Oils

Man has it been a crazy year full of ups and downs! The up's - Kasey and I made a vacation out of my training in Houston back in April. He put a ton of effort into a surprise proposal at the Johnson Space Center which involved the flight director of the Space Station! I … Continue reading A Year of Ups & Downs

Hello All! Apologies for the delay in updates - I've been busy with day to day activities, not exciting enough to share. Of course, everyday life in oil is exciting, but I've simply set the bar too high with my past posts! This week I want to feature a shop transformation I did for one … Continue reading Shop Transformations

Its no secret that I love visiting the local quarries and mines. ..especially in the winter. There's something about the way the cascading ground water freezes down the rock walls... The conveyors that are usually clanging and moving tons of rock, sit quiet and snow covered. The cold sun rises and creates beautiful Sundogs on … Continue reading Peace in the Pit

Please note that I will be off tomorrow for Kasey's surgery. I will be back to work on Friday the 8th.   Last Friday was the annual Great Lakes Construction Association holiday Gala. Each year, about a month prior to the Gala, a survey is sent out to all of the members asking them to … Continue reading Humbled

Hello & Happy Fall! (Important stuff towards the end if you must read ahead) For many of you this is crunch time! The last few temperate days to finish projects and jobs. For others, this may be the time to stop and think about switching up your lubricants - whether to a lighter viscosity for … Continue reading A Little Insight & Some Updates

Lets talk about Harvey and Irma and some things I think should be noted. First and foremost, to everyone with friends and family in the affected areas, I truly hope that they are safe and well. The devastation in Houston is unimaginable. Here is the amount of water fallen on the areas affected over Milwaukee … Continue reading Strength in Hardship