Ledwell Team

For more than two decades, Juan Hernandez has been a part of the Truck Shop. With 21 years under his belt, he now leads a dedicated team in three bays, specializing in Chemical Tote Beds, ensuring each mount is done right, from start to finish.

Juan’s days are never the same, and that’s exactly what keeps him going.

“It’s different projects all the time—that’s what I like. You never stop learning,” he says. Especially with the range of custom work led by Mike Thomas, Juan knows he’s always sharpening his skills.

A proud father of three daughters, Juan spends his off time fishing, hunting, and enjoying the Red River with his girls. It’s quality time, just like the kind he puts into his work.

When asked what he enjoys most about working at Ledwell, Juan doesn’t hesitate: “It’s a nice place to work. When I started, I saw a future here.” That future included helping to build one of the standout trucks for a national trade show, from the ground up.

Juan lives the Ledwell values every day. “Family,” he says, “that’s what it feels like when everyone comes together—for burgers, for Christmas. I really enjoy that.”

We’re proud to spotlight Juan Hernandez—a leader, a learner, and a true example of what it means to be Ledwell Made.

Meet Kenneth Hudson—though around Ledwell, everyone knows him as Bubba.

Bubba has been part of the Ledwell family since 2005. He started out in the Tank Shop, where he built the keels for our water tanks—a critical component for one of our most dependable products. After five years in the shop, he transitioned to forklift driving, where he now spends his days delivering material and parts across the Fabrication, Tank, and Parts Production shops.

There’s no such thing as a typical day for Bubba.

“You never know what kind of day it will be,” he says, “but you know it will be good because of the people.”

That kind of perspective speaks to what makes Ledwell tick—good folks showing up and getting the job done, together.

When it comes to Ledwell’s core values, the one that resonates most with Bubba is Family. “If you need something, they are here for you,” he says. It’s that kind of support that keeps him motivated. “It’s a great place to work. If it weren’t, I wouldn’t still be here.”

Bubba’s positive attitude and strong work ethic don’t go unnoticed. As Tony Murphy, Maintenance Foreman, puts it, “He is always ready to help, and anything you ask him to do, he does it with a can-do attitude and a smile!”

Outside of work, Bubba stays busy with his two sons and hobbies that keep him moving: riding four—wheelers, fishing, and bowling in a weekly league.

For two decades, Bubba has played a key role in keeping production rolling. His dedication, reliability, and down-to-earth attitude embody the Ledwell spirit: taking pride in what we build and always looking out for one another.

We’re proud to have Bubba on the team and grateful he’s part of what makes Ledwell strong.

At Ledwell, we take pride in the dedication and craftsmanship of our team members, and Troy McDuff is no exception. Since joining Ledwell in 2010, Troy has been a key player in the Fabrication Shop, taking on new challenges with every project.

He began his career welding hydraulic tanks, but his skill set has grown to include welding subframes for Ledwell Vacuum Trucks over the years.

“It’s nice to have a little variety,” Troy says. “During peak season, I also help assemble different truck components to keep production moving.”

Through his years at Ledwell, Troy has learned that patience is one of the most valuable lessons in the trade. He has worked alongside many people, setting an example of strong work ethic and perseverance for new colleagues. His reliability and grit make him a standout member of the Ledwell family.

“Troy is dependable, hard-working, dedicated to doing the job right, and to doing it as fast as possible,” says Brad Stringer, his foreman.

Outside of work, Troy enjoys spending time with his wife, Deana, and their two children. He enjoys watching his grandchildren play baseball, soaking in America’s favorite pastime. He also gives back to his community by donating plasma and platelets several times a year. “It’s quite a neat process,” he says. “I love to give back and have collected several t-shirts from donating.”

Troy describes himself as reliable, and his actions back that up every day. He embodies Ledwell’s core values, especially grit—working hard and always getting the job done. We are proud to have him on our team.

At Ledwell, we know that the heart of our company isn’t just in the equipment we build—it’s in the people who make it happen. This month’s Buddy Award winner is Rusty McCrary, a dedicated employee since 2011.

Rusty’s day-to-day work in the Maintenance Department is anything but predictable.

“It can go from 1 mph to 100 mph real quick,” he says. But that’s part of what keeps the job interesting.

No matter how busy things get, one thing remains constant: the people. “They’re like family,” Rusty says. That sense of teamwork and support makes coming to work every day worthwhile.

One of Rusty’s proudest moments at Ledwell was leading the fabrication of a custom 8” Vacuum Boom for a specialized vacuum truck while working on the company’s manufacturing side. The project was no small task—it required problem-solving and close collaboration with the team to bring the concept to life. Rusty took charge, refining the design and ensuring that every detail worked as intended. His dedication helped turn an idea into a fully functional piece of equipment.

Rusty says he most relates to two of Ledwell’s core values: Grit and Family. “I will work on something until it’s done and it’s right,” he says. That determination, along with his drive to help others, is what keeps him motivated every day.

Outside of work, Rusty is all about the open road – or open water. Whether riding his motorcycle or taking the boat out, anything “in the wind” is his kind of fun. He also stays busy with his family, which includes four daughters and several grandkids.

Rusty, we appreciate your hard work, dedication, and the impact you’ve made at Ledwell. Here’s to many more years of keeping things running smoothly!

Michael Applebaum is a dedicated and skilled operator who has been part of the Ledwell family since August 2011.

He began his career at Ledwell at the Torch, a machine designed to cut various sheets of metal. Today, he operates the Laser, a more advanced piece of equipment that provides faster and more precise metal cutting. Both machines share the same mission of turning raw materials into custom solutions, but the Laser’s precision is unmatched.

Michael admits there are too many to choose from when asked about his favorite project. Each day brings unique challenges and opportunities, which he approaches with enthusiasm. 

Through his time at Ledwell, Michael has learned the importance of being prepared for anything.

“You might have to pivot at any moment,” he explains. “As long as you have an open mind and are ready to work, you’ll be good.” This resilience aligns perfectly with the Ledwell values. One of them is grit, which Michael lives by. “I like getting the job done,” he says. “I really enjoy it.” 

Outside of work, Michael is a family man. He and his wife, Faith, have been married for nearly 15 years and are proud parents to three children: Aubrey, Kenslee, and Weston.

Michael Applebaum exemplifies the hardworking attitude that defines Ledwell. We are proud to have him on our team and grateful for the dedication he brings to his craft every day. Thank you, Michael, for all you do!