Joe Patava started working at Advanced Heat Treat Corp. in Waterloo, Iowa in February 2003 at the age of 22. He began his career as a heat treat general laborer and later worked in the quality department and in shipping and receiving. Today, Joe is a production supervisor, and points to a supportive management team that “is also very encouraging in regard to self-betterment; they worked with my schedule when I went back to school and earned a college degree.” He also lauds his supportive wife with his being able to extend himself in work.

During his years at AHT, Joe has worked with a variety of heat treatments ranging from nitriding to ferritic nitrocarburizing. His well-rounded knowledge of heat treat and the company’s overall operations has made him a valuable asset to the company as well as to its customers.

Aside from his 18+ years in heat treat, he has an infectious personality that brings enthusiasm to the workday and entices people to want to learn more about heat treat. In fact, he was recently the “face of UltraOx” in an educational video created about UltraOx. Joe is thankful to his wife for the support she gives that allows him to put in the extra work at AHT, and he is also grateful to the AHT management for encouraging self-betterment. Because of his vast heat treat experience, leadership traits, and passion, Joe is a perfect nominee for Heat Treat Today’s 40 under 40 Class of 2021.