Dennis Dechant
STI/SPFA recently spoke with Dennis Dechant, Vice President of Engineering at Dechant Infrastructure Services, about his career in the steel fabrication industry.
STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.
Dennis Dechant: I worked in the steel pipe industry as an engineer and technical salesman for many years. I was on numerous American Water Works Association (AWWA) committees and was active in the industry.
I was living in Denver and my two youngest sons were in High School. The company I was working for, Northwest Pipe, preferred that I move to Oregon and my wife and I decided I would try to go out on my own as an independent consultant. I started the company in 2007 and have been in business since then.
STI/SPFA: How did you get your start in the industry?
Dechant: I stated out as an estimator/project manager for a steel pipe manufacturer in 1974 in Denver. I worked in that position until 1980 and was moved into technical sales. At that time, I got involved in many AWWA committees.
STI/SPFA: What do you like best about working in the industry?
Dechant: I am working in an industry that is critical for people. There will always be a need for water. The people are friendly and I am using my education.
STI/SPFA: Who has inspired you in your career?
Dechant: I have been very lucky to have worked at a company that assisted in the growth and education of their employees. The taught me to work hard and still enjoy life.
STI/SPFA: What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Dechant: Thompson Pipe & Steel got a new group of managers who had a totally different style and goals for the company and I decided to leave. I had lived in Colorado all but a few early years of my life but decided to take a position with Northwest Pipe and Casing in Portland, Oregon. It turn out to be a great situation but it was hard to decide to move a wife and 3 boys, who had lived all their lives in Colorado.
STI/SPFA: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the industry?
Dechant: Surround yourself with ethical and intelligent people and then pay attention to what they say.
STI/SPFA: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the industry in the next three to five years?
Dechant: There are not enough trained engineers and the bigger companies are not growing employees.
STI/SPFA: How has STI/SPFA Membership helped you and your company succeed and grow in today’s marketplace?
Dechant: It has always been a place that competitors can get together to discuss and solve the problems of the industry.
