Faculty and Administration

“Ranken helps most students obtain a sense of a scheduled, orderly life with rules you must follow no matter how ridiculous students may think they are,” says Colton Knowles. “The classes were very balanced in ratio of students-to-instructors, which alleviated the challenge of receiving instructive, one-on-one clarity when you simply asked for it.”

Students in the St. Louis campus Construction Division programs use their skills to build houses in the neighborhood through our nonprofit Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC). They receive construction training in a “learn by doing” style, supervised by our faculty in every facet of construction. Colton enjoyed plumbing those houses with his class during the winter of 2019. Most of his classmates had never been a part of a “build” before and he enjoyed seeing everybody’s reaction to the physical demands and know-how required when piping a house together. He says, “You learn a lot about the people you thought you knew when you get to work out in the field.”

Dave Munie, Plumbing Department Chair and instructor, explains “Colton is a go-getter and was one of the best in his class. He is very focused on the quality of his work.” Colton graduated Cum Laude with a Certificate in Plumbing Technology in May 2020. “My work at Riesenmy Construction allows me to use all my talents as a technician, craftsman, plumber, and assisting in all aspects of custom home building, particularly historical homes,” says Colton.

Nathen Riesenmy, Owner of Riesenmy Construction Services, describes Colton as well-suited for the many facets hit profession entails. “Colton is a long-time acquaintance; our families have known one another since Colton was young. He worked with me years ago before venturing on to other jobs and enrolling at Ranken. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and a great work ethic. We are an all-trades company that performs custom work primary in renovation. Colton often refers to his Ranken instructors when explaining techniques he picked up while earning his college certification.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Now a Master Plumber and Plumbing Superintendent for Comfort Systems USA, Mtech-ICON in Houston, Texas, Cody Frank tells us Ranken had a huge impact on his career. “The plumbing program at Ranken jump started an awesome career . . . Ranken classes and instructors put me ahead of my coworkers with equal and sometimes even more experience. Coming from a small town in Southern Illinois, I never would have imagined I’d be managing plumbing crews and helping run a large-scale company in Austin, Texas doing all sorts of commercial jobs,” he says. Cody received his Certificate of Plumbing Technology in 2007. He is a State of Texas Responsible Master Plumber who carries a Medical Gas Endorsement and owns a small side business named Redbird Plumbing Service, LLC.

Victor Mangold, Vice President of Construction, Comfort Systems USA, Mtech-ICON,  shared “Cody is a great success story here. Within six months of joining Mtech, Cody was chosen as the new field superintendent of our plumbing workforce. He has really excelled and developed a culture of loyalty in his team. Cody gets our name out to the customer base. The sky’s the limit for Cody and we’re proud of him.”

Cody adds, “[The Ranken Plumbing Program] taught me many formulas and methods I did not use right away but always had in my ‘tool bag,’ so to speak. I’m proud to be a Commercial Superintendent managing around 50 men. Ranken teaches you skills and knowledge and gives you the motivation and confidence you need to get in, thrive, and advance in the Plumbing and Pipefitting trade.”

One of Cody’s fondest memories of the Plumbing program was the class final. He says, “Topping out a 3-story building frame before I knew much at all was pretty cool.” Two of Cody’s closest friends, Brian Meado (2007 CST) and David Murphy (2008 HVAC) also graduated from Ranken Technical College.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://comfortsystemsusa.com/

Dave “The Plumber” Munie graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in 1990. He took the post of Plumbing Department Chair and Instructor at Ranken in 2015. Since that time, Dave has been writing curriculum and teaching day students the craft of plumbing. He also maintains a departmental budget and does an incredible job of recruiting future plumbers for our industry. Dave has increased enrollment in Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program four-fold in the past five years. With Dave’s ingenuity and imagination, Ranken now has a state-of-the-art three-story plumbing laboratory. “[The structure has] 43 bathrooms, so every student’s going to put full bathrooms in. They’re going to do laundries, kitchens, water heaters . . . and we’re going to turn it on,” he says. “We’re growing great plumbers from the ground up.”

Dave, Master Plumber, has been a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101 in Belleville, Illinois for 27 years. He’s been a leader in charge of many different facets of the plumbing industry including commercial, residential, and industrial. Dave is the former owner and operator of a plumbing company himself; he possesses entrepreneurial experience and a love of the trade. He also taught plumbing and pipefitting apprentices in foreman certification and Illinois plumbing code through Local 101 for 15 years.

Dan Kania, Ranken Vice President for Education boasts, “It’s no secret that Dave has a passion for plumbing and that is why the program has grown under his leadership! Whenever there is a tour through plumbing, Dave always gets the group excited about the program with his enthusiasm. His real impact has been in preparing and connecting students to industry. Dave is well respected by his students, his team, and the Ranken community. “

Dave tells us, “[My Ranken education prepared me for] a great career!” His favorite memory of his time as a Ranken student is . . . “impossible to choose, there are too many to list,” he says. Dave’s father, Roger Munie, graduated from Ranken’s plumbing program June 1965 (pictured with Dave above).

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Christopher Mills graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in May 2021. Ranken offers a nine-month certificate in Plumbing. The program is highly regarded in the Greater St. Louis area. Students get hands on training through Ranken’s Community Development Corporation (RCDC), working on real residential job sites, installing all the plumbing components in accordance with the Universal Plumbing Code.

Following graduation, Chris joined Grasse & Associates, a plumbing and fire protection contractor, as a Plumber Pre Apprentice. Lou Grasse, President, Grasse & Associates, says “[Chris] has only been with us for a few months, but he is great.”

“In lieu of the decline of skill trades workers, Ranken’s education has significantly helped me secure my career trajectory,” says Chris. “The field needs plumbers and Ranken helped me get my foot in the door. Definitely one of the best decisions I ever made.” Chris values becoming a member of Local 562 with his friends and fellow peers.

Stephen Felling, Plumbing instructor, tells us “Chris is intelligent and gets along with everyone. He is focused and completes tasks in a timely manner with a high degree of proficiency. Chris willingly accepts challenges, analyzing tasks and breaking them down. His calm, confident demeanor puts people around him at ease. I have no doubt Chris will have an outstanding career and positively influence everyone privileged to work with him.”

David Prost, Plumbing instructor, recalls “Every time I needed a special project done on campus, I asked Chris if he would lead the crew. He is one of those quiet, strong leaders that others naturally follow. One of his strengths is taking instruction extremely well. I liked to give him tasks above his skill set; it was fun and rewarding to watch him rise to the occasion. Chris came up in a tough environment as a young man. He put himself through trade school in a program that appealed to him; now he is reaping the rewards. I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m proud to say I had the honor and pleasure of being part of his Ranken experience.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
http://www.grasse.com

May 2020 graduate Andrew Poetz was on the fast track to the 2020 SkillsUSA National Championship when the COVID-19 pandemic began. This year, he placed first in the plumbing contest during the District Championship, and garnered the praise of Ranken’s Plumbing Department Head, David Munie.

Now, Poetz is working at Beis Plumbing, specializing in residential repairs, residential remodels and new construction. He says in five years, he sees himself as a journeyman plumber and working to become a master.

“Ranken has given me an intro to plumbing, and gave me a step above even some experienced plumbing apprentices,” Poetz says. “It has helped me find a fantastic job and set me on a path only leading up. It has put me in a place where I can look to the future and be confident in my capabilities.”

https://www.facebook.com/beisplumbing

https://beisplumbing.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

It’s sort of a rare occurrence to have both an instructor and an employer come from the same family. But when you’re talented with a strong work ethic, sometimes it just happens. For Ranken grad Andrew Stephens, going from student to employee and maintaining a relationship with brothers Dave and Mark Munie has been beneficial.

Stephens is employed by Beloman Plumbing, where coincidentally Mark Munie is his manager. Before Beloman, Dave Munie was Stephens’ instructor and Plumbing department head.

“Andrew is a great addition to our company,” said Mark Munie. “Since coming on-board he has worked both residential and commercial projects. He has a great work ethic, is timely, and complies with our company policies. Andrew is well-spoken and knowledgeable, serving our clients well. ”

Dave Munie agrees. “Andrew is a great guy who is willing to do anything for you. A true team player. I’d hire him in a minute if i was an employer!”

In addition to his work ethic, Stephens graduated May 2020 from the Plumbing Technology program, Summa Cum Laude.

https://www.facebook.com/beloservice

https://beloman.com

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Andre Hickman, graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology program in May 2020.  Since graduation, Hickman has taken on a role at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, here in St. Louis. Hickman is one of 13 men and women in the new Champions program, “ a joint initiative to expand membership diversity in the city of St. Louis, while strengthening the Local 562 workforce. “

“Graduating from Ranken was a huge accomplishment for me, “ Hickman said. “Ranken prepared me for my career, whether it’s hands-on training, or in a classroom setting.”

Hickman will complete the one year Champions program, then continue with a 5-year apprenticeship. With an education from Ranken, Hickman will be prepared for what lies ahead.

“My instructors gave me the perfect advice, and pushed me to be the best I can be,” he said.

https://www.facebook.com/Local562

https://www.local562.org

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Mark’s success story is quite impressive. He conquered obstacles that would have otherwise thwarted a young adult pursuing a degree in the trades. Mark came to the United States from Nigeria. Not only did he overcome the language barrier, but he adapted to our country’s Imperial system of measurement. Educated using the Metric system, which uses measuring units to count orders of magnitude (i.e. meter, liter, and gram), he graduated from Ranken’s Plumbing Technology Certificate Program Cum Laude in 2019.  He now works as a 2nd-year apprentice for Murphy Contractors, the largest mechanical, industrial construction, and engineering company in the United States. Mark’s supervisor, Alex Ivanov, service operations manager for the Murphy Company, shared “Mark absolutely goes above and beyond. He’s always prepared, often researching project solutions after hours.”

Dave Munie, Plumbing Department Chair, tells us, “Mark Ezepue was a stellar student.  He is very professional and possesses a great attitude and excellent work ethic. While attending Ranken full time, he was employed at a job where he put in thirty-six hours each weekend and still managed to excel in his studies and meet Ranken’s attendance requirements.”

Mark reflects on his decision to attend Ranken, “Going to Ranken was probably the best choice I made especially as an immigrant who was trying to find his feet in a different environment. I am grateful for making that decision.” He has many memories of Ranken, “. . . especially with my classmates and the instructors who were always ready to help each student irrespective of their race, gender, or academic issues.” In 5 years Mark sees himself as a licensed Journeyman skilled in the plumbing craft.

Photograph was taken pre-pandemic.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

https://www.facebook.com/MurphyCompanyMechanicalContractorandEngineers/

https://www.murphynet.com/

According to David Munie, Ranken Plumbing Department Chair, “Ryley excelled at everything including all his projects. He competed in the 2019 SkillsUSA District Championship, taking 1st place in the plumbing contest. He then advanced to the SkillsUSA Missouri State Championship where he placed 1st again.  Next stop, the 2019 SkillsUSA National Conference where he took 4th place. Ryley possesses a great work ethic; he had a superb attendance record. He is making preparations to acquire and outfit his own work van as a 2nd-year apprentice.”

“I am truly loving my job at Beloman Heating & Cooling,” says Ryley.  “It’s all because I was so prepared and had great teachers. Ranken taught me to take responsibility, and to be a great plumber. I made the right decision to attend Ranken.  My fondest memories were coming back from winter break and seeing all the guys again. Everyone got along so well and always had a great time. I know I made lifelong friends that I can always count on.”  In 5 years, Ryley sees himself running a lot of remodels, both commercial and residential, along with the occasional new home.  He adds, “Someday, I’d love to come back and teach at Ranken.”

Ryley gets all high marks when it comes to his work with Beloman. “Ryley has a great attitude and impressive work ethic,” reports John Davinroy, Beloman Project Manager and Estimator. “He always wants to learn more and steps up for more responsibilities. While with Beloman for two years, Ryley does the work of 4^th and 5^th year apprentices, much like journeymen. He is a real team player and takes pride in his work.  We wish we had more like him.”

http://www.facebook.com/beloservice/

http://www.beloman.com

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Chris Richardson graduated from Ranken Technical College’s Plumbing program in May 2019.  “From the minute I took a tour of the plumbing department and met my future teachers I knew this was what I wanted to do in life,” Chris says.

Dave Munie, Plumbing Department Chair at Ranken, instructed Chris and remembers him well: “Chris was a great student, very smart and business savvy. . . I believe he’ll go on to bigger and better things, [a] top lead position in the field.”  Chris is thinking very much along these same lines, predicting that he “will be a journeyman in the trade and with any luck, be able to try running work as a foreman.”

Both his classmates and instructors bestowed a unique nickname on Chris reflecting his intelligence and recall – ‘the professor’.

Work ethic is graded as part of the experience at Ranken Technical College, including a vital component – teamwork.  This is one of the things that impressed Chris the most, as he recalls: “Even though my class was on the large side, we all became like one family. If anyone had a problem with something, either in the classwork or home life, we helped each other through it.”

Since he graduated, Chris Richardson has been employed with Grasse & Associates and is currently a 2nd year apprentice.  Grasse & Associates incorporated in 1992 but represents only the latest endeavor of the Grasse family, which has been synonymous with the local construction industry for nearly a century.  The company works with general contractors across the St. Louis metro area and Chris is currently working on sleeving a deck – preparing a permanent concrete installation for piping, a task which requires advanced surveying skills. “I have great benefits and pay” Chris proudly declares, “and can now support a future family of my own.”

Photos below taken Spring 2019

https://grasse.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Working for Allied Services in Dayton, Ohio, Victor met some people who had attended Ranken and he decided to come here to learn the trade. After graduating he returned to work for Allied Services and worked for a couple of other businesses before being hired to work as a pipefitter at International Harvester Truck Plant where he worked for 35 years before retiring. Victor says, “Ranken helped me a lot. The drafting class we took was very helpful and having learned pipefitting in our plumbing program helped me get my job at International Harvester.” While in St. Louis he rented a room for $10 a week on Forest Park Parkway which he shared with a few classmates.