Thomas Bipes

Current Occupation (Jan 2021)
NDE Project Manager with Zetec, Inc.

Your Ridgewater Experience
I chose Ridgewater (then called the Hutchinson Area Vocational Technical Institute) specifically for the Nondestructive Testing Technology program. I always enjoyed Math, Science and Technology, and this program seemed to fit my profile for a career choice.

I am currently working for a company that sells NDE Equipment and Software based out of the Seattle area. I have worked for various companies in St. Paul, Houston TX, Chattanooga TN, Raleigh NC and now Snoqualmie WA. Each company has provided a stepping stone to advance my NDE career.

Relationships with Faculty & Staff
I got along well with all of the staff, it was more like a family during that time (1970’s). I especially was fond of Jerry Notch, the welding instructor at that time. During those days welding was a big part of the NDE curriculum. Jerry made it very easy to learn and was very supportive when you had issues or difficulty with a welding process or principal.

Memorable Experiences
I was an officer in the Student Section of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. I felt this organization was a boost to my involvement in NDE and getting to know people in the NDE industry.

Learning
The one thing I learned is that you are responsible for your own destiny, and you cannot rely on other people in the industry that have gone before you, you must build your own reputation and code of ethics and stick to what you believe in.

Advice
Don’t expect things to be given to you, one must earn the trust and respect from your employer and industry peers. Accept criticism, even when your pride can get in the way.

Additional Comments
Always protect your honesty and integrity. Those values will stay with you your entire career no matter where it takes you.