Nicholas Tremblay was recognized as Universal Aerospace’s Employee of the year for 2018.  This is a great honor as he was selected from a field of several high caliber employees who contribute to the organization.  We are grateful to have such a strong and dedicated workforce who truly puts out an amazing effort each and every day.  I had the privilege to interview Nicholas and to get to know if a little better.  I hope you enjoy reading this short Q&A.

  1. Why did you get into aerospace and what excites you about the industry?

I really like working with my hands and love working with metal alloys.  I went to Skagit College and studied welding technology and metallurgy.  I’m not a desk guy and I like to see a raw piece of material be formed into a manufactured component.  I have always enjoyed learning about how things are made.  Have a chance to components, formed parts and assemblies which ultimately become part of an overall aircraft or mechanical system is really amazing.

  1. Tell us about your experience here at Universal Aerospace.

I have worked at Universal Aerospace for over two years.  I started in sheet metal and moved all over the facility.  I had a chance to really learn.  I was able to take initiative and challenge myself.  I was encouraged to not be afraid to take risks and even when I failed I learned something which has made me a better machinist.  In the beginning I needed to figure out how to run the machines.  There is a lot of equipment here and a lot to learn.  I have always been curious about how every piece of equipment works and how it runs and even how to program them.

  1. Where do you want to see in Universal Aerospace?

What I want to see is Universal to be successful.  It is not just about the paycheck but really seeing the company and our people be successful.  I love that UAC allows us to learn new skills.

  1. Tell us about your family?

I’m married and have two boys ages 9 and 13.  My wife is truly the rock in our family.  She works in the medical field as a Respiratory Therapist.  We have been married for 12 glorious years and love spending time with our boys.  We enjoy being together and when the weather cooperates we like to get outside and take in all of the wonderful opportunities of living in the Northwest.

  1. Where did you grow up?

Born in Alabama but moved to California when I was young.  I was a budding movie star (not really)!  We moved to Washington State when I was 13 and I’ve been a NW guy ever since.

  1. In high school were you involved in sports, theater, clubs… or where you a hell raiser!?!

I graduated from Mount Vernon High School.  Like most young guys in high school I got into my fair share of trouble.  Let’s just say I had a good time!  I loved to lift weights and now I lift large pieces of metal all day!

  1. Do you have any hobbies or things you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy fishing in lakes and rivers especially for steelhead trout.  I do it because I enjoy being in the outdoors and connecting with nature.  For me it is not about catching the biggest fish although I once caught a 9 lb steelhead which was pretty awesome.

  1. Who inspire you?  Did you have a mentor or someone who just stood as inspirational or someone who really influence you?

My wife inspires me because she is resilient and bullet proof.  She just makes it happen and moves forward.

  1. Are you a coffee guy or a tea drinker or neither?

Always coffee, no question, with a dash of cream.

  1. What do you feel is your most important responsibility here at Universal Aerospace?

100% Ownership– I own it when it comes to delivering my work orders.  It doesn’t matter what it is, I take full responsibility to ensure we have what we need to get the job done and ensure we can deliver.