Brian Patrick
CNC Machinist, Minneapolis, MN
Found his calling. Learned from others. Built a strong career on a simple notion: work hard.
Sometimes you find a job and sometimes you find your calling. Over forty years ago, Brian Patrick became a machinist, and he says it’s exactly what he was meant to do.
In 2010, Brian brought his expertise as a Machinist to Olympic Steel’s Minneapolis, MN Plate division. Today, he’s the longest tenured Machinist at the division.
Brian credits the success he’s had in building a strong career with Olympic Steel to the support he receives each day. “I can’t do my job unless I have the equipment, tooling and support from my coworkers to operate properly,” Brian says. “Curt Olsen runs the department and makes sure we have the information and tools we need to successfully do our job every day.”
“Brian is the true definition of an old school machinist. He’s adaptable and highly skilled in his craft. He developed his expertise as he learned to work through unexpected challenges over the years,” says Curt Olsen, Plant Manager, Minneapolis Plate Division. “One of the many things I appreciate about Brian is that he offers solutions to problems whenever they arise. He tackles challenges head on and trusts that his skills, combined with the team’s effort, will get the job done.”
Brian may have always known he was meant to be a Machinist, but through his four solid decades of experience, he’s learned a lot. And, that knowledge has come in handy for him and the division. Brian recalls a time when the Red Bud Line went down, and the necessary part wasn’t available. After many hours of collaborating with a coworker, the team rebuilt the part and tooling to keep the machine running.
Clearly, Brian is mastering his calling. How did he do it? Brian’s approach has been simple: “Work hard, do your job and show up on time. Learn as much as you can, from everyone who is willing to share, help and teach.”
There are a lot of opportunities to find your calling, but you need to be open to them and willing to put in the effort.
