Earlier this week we caught up with Albert Provenzano, the Director of Operations for Semicon Value Stream, to find out more about him, and see how he was settling in at PPE's Brenham facility since joining in August.
INTERVIEWER: Hi Albert, how are you settling into our Brenham facility?
AP: It’s been great so far. Since I started here in August, everyone’s been so welcoming. Their support has been fantastic while I’ve been getting to grips with the business.
What’s your role at PPE?
I’ve joined as the Director of Operations for PPE’s Semicon Value Stream. It’s an exciting challenge, as I’m here to help create both the capability and the capacity for growth within Semicon. It’s one of my responsibilities to enable the capture of new business while maintaining existing sales.
Sounds like you’ll be kept very busy! What do you enjoy doing when you’ve got some free time?
I’m pretty creative, and like to work with my hands.
Sounds arty – is that with music, or painting, or…?
I do actually play the alto saxophone! I’ve not played for a while due to work, but I’d like to pick it up again soon. But it’s also things like home improvement projects. Lately I’ve demolished my master shower to build and tile a new one. It’s not leaked, so that’s a pretty big recent achievement!
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
I hope I haven’t had it yet! But something I am proud to have accomplished. I was part of a team which won our football conference title in high school.
Wow that’s impressive!
Well, a few years prior I was actually being made fun of on the Jay Leno show for being the worst team in history! So it’s quite the redemption arc!
Your interests sound very high energy!
We once went off-roading in the mountains of Colorado with a rented jeep. We decided to take some advanced trails that ran along the mountain edge and slanted toward the bottom. White-knuckled, we vowed to stay away from off-roading for the rest of our lives!
It sounds like ‘danger’ is your middle name! Do you make a habit of tempting fate?!
Funnily enough yes! I’d set myself a goal to climb a mountain in Colorado, to view a pristine lake in a valley around 13,500ft up the mountain. To reach my goal I’d maintained climbing at a fast pace and left my friends behind. Maintaining my heart rate at around 190bpm for an extended period of time probably wasn’t my cleverest moment, and I ended up feeling unwell and not able to enjoy the views as I’d hoped. I learned to adjust my mindset when it came to goal orientation, and just be more mindful of the team around me, as well as my own limitations.
So after all these high-octane moments you’re learning to relax?
Don’t get me wrong, I do like to unwind as well! I love to bass fish. My family and I went up to a lake in Wisconsin to fish largemouth bass. Our record is 125 in one day – we’ve improved our skills over the years, so we had to invest in a clicker to keep us from losing count! I’ve also got a King Charles Cavalier who is a nice calming influence on all of us!
What’s your soundtrack for these more chilled out moments?
I listen to most kinds of music. When I’m out fishing it’s probably country, but I change it up depending on whatever I’m doing at the time. So for outdoor work it’s reggae, jazz or electronic when I’m in the office.
Has to be country for the wide-open spaces, doesn’t it?!
I loved going to Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Lots of country music acts packed into one week!
Do any of them make it into your karaoke set?
I actually have caught people off guard by breaking out Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks! It tends to go down quite well.
What’s your favourite food?
I enjoy any restaurant which has put some thought into their menus. Thoughtfully paired, well-balanced flavours. I appreciate the artistry of a good chef.
Do you enjoy travelling?
Absolutely! I love experiencing different cultures and ways of life. Jamaica is a firm favourite, and visiting Italy is probably next on my bucket list so hopefully I’ll get a chance to realise that soon!
Is there a TV show or film you find yourself watching over and over again?
Probably The Godfather. Parts 1 and 2 – I could do without Part 3!
Couldn’t we all! Just a few quickfire ones now… dogs or cats?
Dogs
Tea or coffee?
Coffee
Sweet or savoury?
Savoury
Morning person or night owl?
Morning – my day starts at 5am and I run out of steam around 8pm!
Thanks again for talking the time to talk to me, Albert.
No problem, good to see you!
