Machinery Company. I worked there for 15 years and left to start my own business. They have been a great employer and a great customer. In 2004, I saw a need for an automated lubrication company, so I started Groeneveld Mountain Regional and later changed the name to Mountain Regional Equipment Solutions, Inc. (MRES). The company started installing automated lubrication systems (greasing) on mobile heavy equipment and later added other types of equipment and products. We started in Utah, but soon had locations in Phoenix, Denver, and Reno. We worked consistently throughout many states in the Intermountain West, installing lube systems on all types of mobile, on-road, industrial, and fixed plant equipment. For paving, we install our systems for all equipment used in production, distribution, placement, and preservation. We also installed safety products for those industries, such as vision, radar, ultrasonic, and RFID. In 2014 we started MRES Imports and became the U.S. importer of high-tech safety products used in forklift and personnel detection and communication systems. These are used in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution facilities throughout the U.S. In 2020, I sold the companies to Todd Miceli, who owned Pirtek franchises in SLC, Clearfield, and stayed on consulting and serving on boards such as UAPA. Since then, we have also started MRES Custom Hydraulics and Fabrication up-fitting vocational trucks and trailers and MRES Field Support Services performing maintenance and service for mobile equipment. We are continuing to grow and provide the products and services our customers are looking for. What are the three most important lessons you’ve learned from starting a business? 1. Stay true to yourself and others because it matters. 2. Be grateful, open-minded, and work hard. 3. Stay positive even in change because the glass is always half full, never half empty. Did you have any mentors along the way? My parents, Paul and Anna, were my ultimate mentors. They taught me how to work hard and how to keep a smile on my face through some really hard times. I had many other mentors, too many to name. I listen intently to people who seek and achieve what they want without losing sight of their families, friends, and identity along the way. A good mentor teaches as much with their actions and personalities as they do with their words. I have been so blessed to have people mentor me in all aspects of my life. I think that is key — we shouldn’t live a personal life differently than we live our work life. What three pieces of advice would you give to someone in the industry? 1. Enjoy what you do. Nothing, including vacation, is fun 24/7, so make it fun. If you’re going to do something for long periods and get paid for it, then try to have fun. 2. Be grateful you have the opportunity to work; some don’t. Be grateful you have inner motivation to better your life; some don’t. Make friends along the way; some don’t. 3. Know that your work matters. We need quality roads, safe roads, scenic roads, lasting parking lots, and community bike paths. It all matters. Why did you join UAPA, and how long have you been a member? About nine years ago, Aaron Venz and Larry Brown came and told me I needed to join UAPA. I was already a member of multiple other associations, and I replied, “What is it? Do they have a purpose? I don’t want to be a member of something just because. But if there is a purpose behind UAPA, I’ll jump on board.” And the purpose of the UAPA was really good: to make roads better and safer. I joined the association and have been 11
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