In 2014, Kale Brian made a choice to leave behind the familiarity of his warehouse job and set out on a remarkable journey into the world of aerospace manufacturing at Riverside Machine and Engineering as a braze technician working in aluminum vacuum brazing and heat treat.

From the very beginning, Kale’s hunger for knowledge and his unwavering commitment made him stand out. There was no challenge too daunting for him to tackle, and he swiftly proved himself to be an invaluable asset to the company. Through tireless dedication and a thirst for growth, Kale rose above his peers to become the braze technical lead.

Kale’s leadership style is a testament to his exceptional character. He embraces a hands-on approach to teaching and exhibits boundless patience, readily sharing his expertise with others. His attention to detail has led to thorough pyrometry and product processing procedures that don’t just check the boxes; they do so with efficiency and end-user ease of use in mind. Kale’s natural talent regarding thermal processing has led to the creation of innovative fixturing plans and optimized thermal profiles. Kale’s willingness to provide the highest degree of support has led him to be an invaluable resource.

Nominated by: Metal Craft and Riverside Machine & Engineering