Matthew Mays graduated with a Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Technology in May 2018. He acknowledges, “I was able to change careers while attending Ranken’s welding program, which put me in a position for a more hands-on approach in my trade with more upward mobility. I believe going through the welding program gave me an advantage over others when I applied for a position at Airgas.” Airgas is an Air Liquide company, a leading single-source supplier of gases, welding equipment and supplies, and safety products.
Matt was hired as an Inside Sales Associate at Airgas (Pacific location) in October 2017. His prior welding experience and being enrolled at Ranken made him top pick. January 2021, he was asked to join a new Airgas team as an Outside Sales Support Specialist. Matt oversees sales operations at five locations, “from soup to nuts.”
Debra Alexander, Outside Sales Support Manager for Airgas, tells us “I refer to Matt as a rock star! He’s always on time, fully loaded and ready to go. I know when I assign Matt a project, he’s going to get it done. He’s very knowledgeable about our products, as well as the products of other vendors, so he readily offers our customers supply chain solutions.”
Ron Hampton, Industrial Technology instructor, explains “ Matt was always in a good mood and pleasure to have in class. He was a diligent worker and always prepared for class.” Matt recalls one of his fondest memories being “taking selfies in my welding booth while the class was at lunch and our instructor, Mr. Hampton, just happened to walk by. The look on his face was pretty funny. He just shook his head and walked away.”
Matt’s cousin, Jake Hartman, also attended Ranken Technical College, graduating with dual degrees in CST and HVAC in 2019.
Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.airgas.com/