Gabriel Duenes offers close to twenty years of thermal technology and metallurgical experience with the ability to train, manage, troubleshoot, and motivate staff to achieve production goals in a timely manner. Before beginning his career at Lark Heat Treating in 2012, Gabriel worked at Bodycote Thermal Processing as a vacuum/braze/nitride operator. Gabriel manages daily operations, oversees staff, upholds company policy, and provides quality client service. Keeping staff up to speed with training, maintaining open communication, and providing a positive workspace are some of his strengths, as well as scheduling preventative maintenance and performing maintenance duties.

Gabriel exemplifies what the heat treating industry needs today: a worker who is willing to learn any and all aspects of the heat treating facility and help his fellow employees learn what it takes to accomplish the task at hand. He does not shy away from a challenge.

During his 17 years in the industry, Gabriel has grown from an atmosphere furnace operator to the leader of a vacuum furnace department, having learned how to operate, maintain, install, and improve furnace equipment, operations, and processes. Most recently, he has taken the initiative to learn Lark’s induction processes and help to improve turnaround times for clients.

Nominated by: Lark Heat Treating