Four 40 Under 40 Alumni: Where Are They Now?

Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 was created to bring recognition to young professionals in the industry, giving names, faces, and words to the rising generation of industry professionals. In this article, released in the final nomination period for Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2021, we caught up with exemplary classmates from 2020 to see what they have been up to since being recognized in September 2020.

Alberto Cantú

"I’ve been working from home for the past year, which in my case means that I am saving 2 hours of commute time every day! That’s not only good for the environment but also for my pocket ?.

"With this 'extra time,' I decided I wanted to read more, so I subscribed to the Harvard Business Review magazine, which has been very helpful for work. But perhaps the most interesting thing I’ve read over the past year is a book by Dale Carnegie How to win friends and influence people. I know it’s a classic but I was very reluctant to read it because it felt like a cheesy self-help book (which I am not a fan of), but I have to say it has timeless advice."

Ellen Conway Merrill

"The pandemic certainly presented its share of challenges, but it’s also been incredible to witness the strides being made across the industry in such a short matter of time.

"They say necessity is the mother of invention and many businesses across the globe, including DELTA H, have embraced the opportunity to think differently and creatively to give both our employees and clients some semblance of normality and connectiveness.

"DELTA H is grateful to have come out of 2020 with a record year in revenue which could not have been done if it weren’t for the dedication of our team to push forward through uncharted waters and embrace change."

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Jeff Opitz

"Since my induction into the Heat Treat Today’s 2020 “40 under 40” class, CeraMaterials has been fortunate to enjoy a surge in new business and product development, which has been especially rewarding considering the challenging business environment we’ve been navigating since the onset of Covid.

"A few noteworthy achievements include:

• Developing a new resin treatment for our line of carbon-carbon modular fixturing which reduces open porosity and enhances performance in oil quench and fuel vane applications.
• Collaborating with several large aerospace entities to switch out graphite and alloy fixtures for carbon-carbon fixtures, resulting in increased throughput and tooling longevity.
• Conducting a national rollout of carbon composite and graphite insulation products with McMaster-Carr, achieving a 100% fulfillment rating.

"Additionally, we have a new production line up and running for our signature “tight weave” carbon cordage, available in 24K and 36K weave patters, outgassed to 2200C. We’re working with key players in the “hypersonic” space, and are in the process of obtaining full ITAR certification to help our business reach new heights! We’ve also invested in our team by hiring a new digital marketing manager and have added a new member to our shipping and receiving department to ensure our customers are receiving undamaged material in a timely manner.

"I’m beyond grateful to our loyal customers and suppliers, as well as our new business partners who allow us to continue growing and serving the global heat treat market."

Esau Zamorano

1. Just a few weeks ago, the certification for EATON Hydraulics was obtained as a plant under the ISO 9001: 2015 system.

2. Preparing for a conversion from EATON Hydraulics to the Danfoss culture and business system.

3. Developing new projects to minimize the risk of operation in batch-type furnaces with the add of safety devices in the furnaces.