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PUBLISHER
The Value of Fluid Power Training and Certification
INNOVATIVE DESIGNS & PUBLISHING, INC. 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118 Tel: 800-730-5904 or 610-923-0380 Fax: 610-923-0390 • Email: AskUs@ifps.org www.FluidPowerJournal.com Founders: Paul and Lisa Prass Associate Publisher: Bob McKinney Editor: Gerald Irving Technical Editor: Dan Helgerson, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS, CFPECS, CFPSD, CFPMT, CFPCC - CFPSOS LLC Art Director: Quynh Vo Eastern Region Account Executive: Norma Abrunzo Western Region Account Executive: Maggie Wu Director of Creative Services: Erica Montes Accounting: Donna Bachman, Debbie Clune Circulation Manager: Andrea Karges
BY D. DEAN HOUDESHELL, PE, CFPAI, CFPE, 2018-2019 PRESIDENT, IFPS
INTERNATIONAL FLUID POWER SOCIETY
If your experience is at all like mine, you entered your first fluid power job with little experience and understanding of hydraulics or pneumatics. Scarcer yet was an understanding of fluid power system design. Fortunately for me, I landed a job early in my career with a company that provided IFPS training and encouraged employees to get certified. Looking back now, I see clearly the value of those early training classes and fluid power certification. At my first job, I was eager to learn but most of my training was on the job. This training consisted of troubleshooting hydraulic issues on the manufacturing floor and hoping I could turn the right knob or move the right hoses to get the desired outcome. Frustration would often set in, but I did get a lot of handson experience with hydraulics. At my next job, certification training gave me an opportunity to gain an understanding of hydraulics and hydraulic systems. I learned how to read hydraulic schematics, troubleshoot systems, and perform preventative maintenance. This gave me the confidence to work with employees on the plant floor as well as customers needing help in the field. The other thing it gave me was a path to develop my skills. I got my first certification as a mobile hydraulic mechanic. Next, I successfully completed mobile hydraulic technician and specialist certifications. Now, years later as I take the reins as 2018 President of the IFPS, I believe we have a stronger message than ever to get out into the industry. I have long thought that fluid power training and certification offer a competitive advantage for individuals as well as companies. For individuals seeking a new job opportunity or promotion at their current company, fluid power certification shows a commitment to professional development, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the industry. Companies providing IFPS training and certification for employees can expect better quality, safer work environments and improved job satisfaction. As we enter this new year, please join me in promoting the IFPS by sharing your story about the value of fluid power training and certification. Engage in conversations with colleagues and share on social media. If you haven’t already, add your certification(s) to your LinkedIn account, your business card and your e-mail salutation. Finally, I invite you to get involved by joining a committee or joining us for one of our meetings this year. Together we can make a difference.
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President & Chairperson Dean Houdeshell, PE, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPE, CFPS, CFPIHT, CFPMHT, CFPMHM - Cemen Tech Inc. Immediate Past President Richard Bullers, CFPPS - SMC Corporation of America First Vice President Timothy White, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS, CFPECS, CFPMIH, CFPMMH, CFPMIP, CFPMT, CFPMM - The Boeing Company Treasurer Jeff Kenney, CFPIHM, CFPMHM, CFPMHT - Coastal Hydraulics, Inc. Vice President Certification Denis Poirier, Jr., CFPAI/AJPP, CFPCC, CFPHS,CFPIHM - Eaton Corporation - Hydraulics Group Vice President Marketing & Public Relations Scott Nagro, CFPS - HydraForce, Inc. Vice President Education Kenneth Dulinski, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPECS, CFPHS CFPMIH, CFPMMH Macomb Community College Vice President Membership & Chapter Support Rocky Phoenix, CFPMHT, CFPMHM - Open Loop Energy
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
1930 East Marlton Pike, Suite A-2, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003-2141 Tel: 856-489-8983 • Fax: 856-424-9248 Email: AskUs@ifps.org • Web: www.ifps.org
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Chauntelle Baughman, CFPHS - OneHydrauics, Inc John A. Bibaeff, Jr., PE, CFPS - Lamb Services, Inc. Randy Bobbitt, CFPHS - Danfoss Power Solutions Elisabeth DeBenedetto, CFPS - Argo-Hytos Brandon Gustafson, PE, CFPE, CFPS, CFPIHT, CFPMHM - Graco, Inc. Jeffrey Hodges, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPMHM - Altec Industries, Inc. Sam Kaye, CFPS, CFPMT, CFPMM, CFPMIH CFPMMH, CFPMIP - Ensign Energy Services Lynn Nordquist, CFPS - Skarda Equipment Company Robert Post, CFPHS - Bailey Hydraulics Edwin Rybarczyk, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPS - NTT Training Scott Sardina, PE CFPS - Waterclock Engineering Mohaned Shahin, CFPS - Parker Hannifin HONORARY DIRECTORS John Groot Robert Sheaf, CFPAI/AJPP, CFPE, CFPS, CFPECS, CFPMT, CFPMIP, CFPMMH, CFPMIH, CFPMM IFPS STAFF Executive Director: Donna Pollander, ACA Communications Manager: Adele Kayser Client Data Manager: Sue Dyson Business Development Manager: Pat Maluso, CFPAI Assistant Director: Jeana Hoffman Certification Logistics Manager: Susan Apostle Bookkeeper: Diane McMahon Administrative Assistant: Beth Borodziuk Fluid Power Journal (ISSN# 1073-7898) is the official publication of the International Fluid Power Society published bi-monthly with four supplemental issues, including a Systems Integrator Directory, OffHighway Suppliers Directory, Tech Directory, and Manufacturers Directory, by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc., 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication is acceptable with credit. Publishers assume no liability for any information published. We reserve the right to accept or reject all advertising material and will not guarantee the return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs or manuscripts.
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