The Team
Engineer / Design Build Team
Mechanical Design Engineer
Chris Grogan
Job Description
Engineering calculations and detailed design of a wide variety of projects. These include piping, platforms, and custom designed solutions for different industrial clients.
Relevant Certifications & Training
- E.I.T. (Engineer in Training)
- MSHA
Industry Experience & Years
- Nearly 3 years as a Process Design Engineer at Dennis Group with a focus on food processing facilities. Projects included equipment layouts, platform and equipment support design, and pipe routing at several food processing and pet food facilities.
- 1+ year as Mechanical Design Engineer at Solution Services with a broad range of industries served including chemical plants, lumber and paper mills, packaging, and mines.
Fun Facts
I have lived in a house that is older than America, having been built in 1695.
Mechanical Design Engineer
Jacob W. Hodges
Job Description
Assist with the design and drafting of mechanical systems including piping, platforms, machined parts, and other customed designed solutions for different industrial clients
Relevant Certifications & Training
E.I.T. (Engineer in Training)
Industry Experience & Years
1+ year as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Solutions Services with a broad range of industries served including chemical plants, paper mills, automotive manufacturing plants
Fun Facts
I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have a 130 lb dog named Davy.
Design-Build Project Manager
Doug Koeppen
Job Description
Maintain schedule for Engineering and other projects, cost estimating and quotes, keep customers updated on project status, project engineer, provide safety oversight for construction, process engineering drawings
Relevant Certifications & Training
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Microsoft Projects Training
Industry Experience & Years
- Milliken | Operations Team Leader – 2 years
- PCS Phosphate | Production Engineer – 11 years
- INVISTA | Operation Specialist / Project Specialist / Project Manager / Asset Availability Leader – 14 years
- Shakespeare | Project/Process Engineer – 2.5 years
Fun Facts
I enjoy hiking and backpacking in the mountains, kayaking, and watching college football.
Engineering Manager
Clint Lowe
Job Description
Provide engineering support to construction projects, project management, mechanical design services, and management of turnkey multi-discipline projects through sub-contractors
Relevant Certifications & Training
Professional Engineer
Industry Experience & Years
13 years
Fun Facts
Owner and driver of a 24 Hours of Lemons endurance car
Manager of Design-Build Group
Javier Rosales
Job Description
Coordinate and direct design-build projects from conception to completion.
Relevant Certifications & Training
- Civil Engineer Bachelor's Degree
- MBA
- MA Management & Leadership
- OSHA 30
- APM Project Fundamentals
Industry Experience & Years
- Civil Construction – 10 years
- Industrial Construction (Mechanical/Electrical/Automation) – 4 years
- Industrial Maintenance – 3 years
- Facilities Maintenance – 5 years
- Project Management – 8 years
- EPC Firm Management – 5 years
Fun Facts
- I'm right-handed but left-footed (discovered that when I played soccer)!
- I have lived about half of my life in the US, but just became a US Citizen 2 years ago.
- I make the best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail!
Corporate Support Team
Office Manager / Inside Sales
Artie Brickle
Relevant Certifications & Training
Instructor of Industrial Maintenance – Technical College, Sandler Sales Training
Industry Experience & Years
- 20+ years of Industrial Sales
- 10+ years of Industrial Maintenance
Fun Facts
- College football fan, especially Clemson.
- Visited 5 continents and 5 island countries.
Controller
Susan Crider
Job Description
Maintain, manage, and analyze financial data
Relevant Certifications & Training
B.E. from SUNY Maritime
Industry Experience & Years
25 years of "on-the-job training" at Solution Services Inc.
Fun Facts
Started out as a Naval Architect at Newport News Shipbuilding in VA before Stone and I started Solution Services in 1998.
Accounts Payable Coordinator
Charlotte Rodriguez
Industry Experience & Years
18 years
Fun Facts
2006 was a very lucky year for me! The year started with winning a brand-new Lexus in a local raffle, then a vacation, and ended the year winning a 50/50 cash drawing.
Chief, People Department (HR Director)
Jeff Shearin
Job Description
Responsible and accountable for all human resource-related functions, including (but not limited to): employee lifecycle process (recruiting, onboarding, termination, etc.), employee relations, training & development, employee engagement, and benefits management.
Relevant Certifications & Training
College degrees in Education and Leadership & Management; US Army Inspector General School; leadership training and experience through the Army
Industry Experience & Years
I’ve been doing HR work in the construction field since February 2022.
Fun Facts
Homeschooling family, like to cook, and seemingly own a small petting zoo.
HR Coordinator
Becca Weatherstone
Job Description
As an HR Coordinator, I help with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, benefit tracking, employee development, and offboarding. Bottom line, I love helping people.
Relevant Certifications & Training
I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management through Charleston Southern University.
Industry Experience & Years
1 year with Solution Services
Fun Facts
- I speak three languages: English, French, Spanish.
- I lived for sixteen years in Central and West Africa.
- I enjoy hiking, camping, and good coffee.
West Columbia Team
Account Manager / Sales
David Byrd
Job Description
- Meet with new and existing customers to ensure an enjoyable experience has been delivered during and after projects.
- Help with viewing projects with customers and quoting projects.
- Help and assist with the customer interaction process.
- Assist Project Managers with projects/customer experiences.
- Establish customer satisfaction and long-term relationships.
Relevant Certifications & Training
MSHA, TAPPISafe
Industry Experience & Years
Construction and finance background with over 26 years of experience
Fun Facts
- Love weightlifting and exercising.
- Played competitive men’s softball and traveled around the US playing in high-level tournaments. Love anything outdoor and sports-related.
- VERY fun fact: I have a 19-year-old daughter – and two sons; one is 2 years old and the other is 1 year old.
- I think donkeys and fainting goats are hilarious and I hope to have some on my own mini farm one day.
Mechanical Supervisor
Murray J. Jackson
Job Description
To see that all are safe, got what’s needed to do the job (material and resources), relay information from leaders higher than me to the workers, take parts and equipment to different places as needed, and fill out paperwork for time, safety, and HR departments.
Relevant Certifications & Training
- Welding diploma from Central Carolina Tech
- NCCER certified plus pipe fitter #1149803
- OSHA training in Construction Health, Safety & Environmental
Industry Experience & Years
- 24 years working in industrial plant
- Field supervision & management coordination
- QA/QC background including NDE and bend testing of piping & test coupons
- Start up and commissioning consultation between clients & general contractors
Project Manager
Chris Johnston
Job Description
As a project manager, I am responsible for helping to keep projects on a realistic timeline and budget. This involves selecting and leading a project team and ensuring I am aware of all details so you can keep a client up to date. I am also responsible for estimation, scope development, billing, and all day-to-day activities with the field crews.
Relevant Certifications & Training
OSHA 30, MSHA 48B, Equipment Operator, Rigger, Signal Person
Industry Experience & Years
27 years in Industrial Construction
Fun Facts
I love College Football and I am an avid Clemson Fan. I also enjoy boating and spending time with my family.
Construction Manager
Ryan Ray
Job Description
Assist the project manager with doing material take-offs, ordering
equipment & materials needed for the projects, making sure the job is staying on track, and working with the foremen on every job to make sure they have everything they need to successfully complete the job in a safe & timely manner.
Relevant Certifications & Training
OSHA 10, OSHA 30, MSHA, also a certified welder for 14 years
Industry Experience & Years
14 years
Fun Facts
I hunt and fish more than your average outdoorsman. My favorite sports teams are South Carolina Gamecocks, Dallas Cowboys, and the Boston Redsox.
Project Manager
David Slice
Job Description
- Directly oversee field installation of construction projects
- Manage customer expectations, budgets, and timelines
- Manage Solution Services personnel to ensure punctuality, performance, quality of work, and safety
- Update Solution Services internal documentation to keep track of budget, change orders, manpower changes, quality reports, etc
Relevant Certifications & Training
- OSHA 10
- Degree in welding
Industry Experience & Years
- Heavy industrial pipe fitting and welding – 15 years
- Construction supervision – 5 years
Fun Facts
Have a collection of vintage mopeds.
Mechanical Supervisor
Gary Sturgell
Job Description
Help provide information, materials, and equipment for tradesmen to perform their jobs and make sure they get paid the right hours they worked with me.
Industry Experience & Years
13 years on the job.
Fun Facts
I have a wife of 21 years, 2 daughters, and a granddaughter.
WECO Branch Manager
Matt Terwilliger
Job Description
Responsible for Sales and Operational Excellence of the West Columbia Area
Relevant Certifications & Training
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Industry Experience & Years
Solution Services - June 2018 to Present
Fun Facts
Retired Submarine Officer – US Navy
Gaffney Team
Site Supervisor - NEG Lexington
Steven Alt
Job Description
Oversee our 6-person crew for the maintenance contract at NEG Lexington. I also work with the crew when needed, quote small projects, order materials, etc.
Relevant Certifications & Training
- OSHA 10
- Forklift certification
- Manlift certification
- 4-year Ironworker Apprenticeship
- High Angle Rescue Training
- SMAW & FCAW Welding Certificaties
Industry Experience & Years
23 years of industrial maintenance & construction experience as an ironworker
Fun Facts
I traveled the country most of my adult life for work. Before joining Solution Services, I erected wind turbines for 6 years. I have a wife and 2 kids who I spend most of my time off with.
Mechanical Supervisor
Maxwell Bragg
Job Description
Oversee jobs, managing people and materials so that they are completed safely and on time.
Relevant Certifications & Training
- Welding, pipefitting, millwright, and basic maintenance
- Supervision training and various safety training
Industry Experience & Years
29 years total, 16 years of that in supervision
Fun Facts
Gunsmithing and precision shooting
Electrical Project Manager
Brian Cribbet
Job Description
- Manage electrical service projects
- Provide estimates and budgets
- Work directly with customers on projects
Relevant Certifications & Training
Started as an apprentice at a family-owned company and worked my way up.
Industry Experience & Years
Industry experience includes over 35 years in commercial and industrial electrical applications including marinas, schools, hospitals, processing and manufacturing plants.
Fun Facts
- I have a 12 year old daughter who my whole world revolves around.
- I enjoy being outdoors, biking & hiking, fishing & hunting, and experiencing new adventures.
- I have served as a Fireman and First Responder.
Founder/Owner — Gaffney Branch Manager
B. Stone Crider
Job Description
Lead the sales and customer fulfillment effort of the local team
Industry Experience & Years
38 years
Fun Facts
Grew up sailboat racing and enjoyed it so much I decided to attend the Maritime College in NY and later worked on oil tankers that traveled between Valdez, Alaska, and California.
Mechanical Supervisor
Michael Ellis
Job Description
Maintenance foreman @ NEG Shelby, NC Plant
Relevant Certifications & Training
- Diploma in Industrial Systems Technology, Cum Laude, Cleveland Community College
- OSHA Construction Safety & Health
- United Academy Rough Terrain Forklift Variable Reach Class 7
- United Academy Aerial Boom Lift 3b Mobile
- United Academy Scissor Lift 3a Mobile
- Fork Lift Safe Operation Train The Trainer Compliance
Industry Experience & Years
For the past 22+ years, I have served in various capacities including Industrial Maintenance Electrician, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, and Industrial Maintenance Supervisor / Site Foreman.
Fun Facts
As of November 8, 2023, I am the 6-time livermush eating contest winner in the Shelby, NC area.
Account Manager / Sales
James "Jim" Fortner
Job Description
To bridge the gap between Sales and Operations to enhance our relationship with our current and future customers to ultimately increase the bottom line
Relevant Certifications & Training
OSHA Certified, Notary, BS Business Management, Associate Degree in Industrial Electronics
Industry Experience & Years
35 years in Sales for companies specializing in Construction, Engineering, Automation, and Electrical Distribution
Fun Facts
- Father of 3 girls, 5 grandchildren
- I enjoy mountain biking, running, and spending time with family
- Grandfather had 3 girls, my father had 3 boys, I had 3 girls, my daughter had 3 boys…
Site Supervisor - NEG Shelby
Patrick Lausier
Job Description
Manage on-site contract maintenance operations supporting NEG maintenance and production activities
Relevant Certifications & Training
- LEAN Six Sigma green belt certification from Villanova University
- MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) certification from the University of Tenn
- Universal refrigerant certification, AutoCAD, and OSHA-30
Industry Experience & Years
- Aerospace Maintenance – 28 years
- Director of Facilities and Campus Security – 8 years
- Air Force instructor – 7 years
Fun Facts
- I served nearly 28 years in the US Air Force and reached the rank that only 2% of enlisted personnel reach.
- I have played in several world series of poker events.
- One of nine children, I have 8 children and 8 grandchildren.
Millwright Supervisor
Justin Riddle
Job Description
Oversee mechanical jobs and ensure they are done safely and in a timely manner
Industry Experience & Years
10 years of field experience installing machines, welding, fabricating, etc.
Fun Facts
I enjoy riding my adventure bikes dual sports, and camping with my family.
Project Manager
David Rosen
Job Description
- Ensure projects are executed in accordance with contract documents, design specs, standard engineering practices, and high quality.
- Meet project schedule and budget by coordinating with designers and engineers.
- Maintain project budget, cost/change order management, and work plan procedures.
- Coordinate and monitor schedule updates, staffing needs, invoices, and submittals.
- Develop a sequence of activities for contractors and direct subcontractors, and engage in the execution of planning and work procedures.
- Effectively collaborate with others to deliver a quality product on schedule and within budget.
Relevant Certifications & Training
- OSHA
- OSHA Train the Trainer
- TAPPISafe
- Procore Certification
- DBIDS/NAVSEA/TWIC Government Contractor
Industry Experience & Years
- 28 years of industrial and facility experience
- 14 years of management experience
- 10 years of Project Management and Cap/Ex experience
Fun Facts
I enjoy horticulture as a hobby. I’ve been a vintage car enthusiast for more than 33 years, owned many in the past. I’m married and love traveling. I’ve been able through work and my own, to travel to Europe such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Austria. I’ve visited Mexico many times and all over the United States. Mid-Western states are my favorite. I enjoy cooking from scratch. I enjoy food from all over the world and cooking with my wife. Bike riding and hiking the mountain trails of South Carolina and Western North Carolina.
Project Manager
Michael Shane Shires
Job Description
- Upstate Mechanical Project Manager over multiple discipline projects in chemical, paper, automotive, and fiberglass plants
- Manage maintenance service agreements and contracts
- Estimate, provide budgets, and deal directly with customers to provide solutions to their needs
Relevant Certifications & Training
Started as a certified pipe welder, I have experience in pipefitting, rigging, millwright, steel erection, and maintenance.
Industry Experience & Years
33+ years in heavy industrial construction
Fun Facts
- Married 23 years, I have 2 kids; one in college and one a senior in high school.
- I'm an avid trophy deer hunter and outdoorsman.
- I enjoy skydiving when time allows.
- I collect custom handmade turkey calls and antique Browning shotguns.