Employee Spotlight

When it comes to building something strong from the ground up, Dylan Smith knows the job starts with precision. Since 2017, Dylan has been a vital part of the Ledwell team, working in the Fabrication Shop as a Code Welder and Jigger, the first step in building our Vacuum Tanks.

His job is all about alignment and accuracy. “I have to line up pieces of the tank perfectly and then weld them together,” Dylan says. The parts he works with include two large tank shells, rings, and angles. He handles the inside welds before passing the tank to the next welder for external work.

As a certified Code Welder, every weld Dylan makes is held to the highest standard, tested and inspected without compromise. It’s a job that comes with serious responsibility. “If I don’t do my job right, someone could be critically injured,” he says. That accountability drives his focus and pride in his craft.

Dylan hasn’t always worked on vacuum tanks. He once built Loading Ramps and credits that time for helping him grow his skill set, especially thanks to his former partner, Levi, who he says taught him a lot. 

The most challenging part of his job? Exceeding expectations. But Dylan wouldn’t have it any other way.

For anyone thinking about a career in manufacturing, his advice is simple: “Have a strong work ethic. Never turn down possibilities.”

Outside of work, Dylan stays busy with his family. He and his wife, Kelsey, have been married since 2012. Together, they’re raising a son and daughter. When he’s not welding, you can find him on the sidelines coaching soccer and spending quality time with his kids.

Dylan Smith is a reminder of what makes Ledwell strong: skilled hands, a serious work ethic, and a heart for family. We’re proud to have him on the team.

Romondo Carroll keeps the machines running and the parts moving. Since 2017, he’s been an essential part of the Machine Shop, currently operating three CNC machines, including our newest gear hob. One of his proudest accomplishments on the job was creating a program from scratch to recreate a discontinued part. With only engineering drawings to work from, Romondo figured it out through trial, error, and a lot of determination.

“I wanted to be on a winning team, and that’s what Ledwell is,” he says. That mindset drives how he approaches each day – rotating through machines, solving problems, and holding himself to a high standard. “I compete against myself to do my best. I care about what I do, and that’s what helps me show up every day.”

Romondo has worked on nearly every machine in the shop, but says he enjoys the ones he’s currently running the most. He credits much of his growth to the late Ken Coltharp, the longtime Machine Shop Foreman. “Ken taught me a lot. He was my mentor. I still use what he showed me.”

Most folks don’t realize how much math goes into his work. Romondo spends a good portion of his day converting measurements and dialing in precision.

For Romondo, it’s not just about the work; it’s about the people. “The Ledwells know you. They care. It feels good to be part of a company that’s growing and still feels like family.”

Thank you, Romondo, for your dedication, your skill, and the pride you bring to your work every day. We’re proud to have you on the team.

If you’ve ever set foot in the Machine Shop, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with John Berbig. And if you haven’t, his work has still likely had a hand in something you’ve seen roll out of the yard. For the past 14 years, John has been a steady presence at Ledwell, rising to the role of Leadman thanks to his strong work ethic and commitment.

When asked what keeps him coming back every day, John doesn’t hesitate. “The environment is what motivates me. Ledwell takes care of you and you don’t find that at most places”, he said. That sense of care and opportunity is what fuels his drive, whether it’s helping a teammate or taking on the next challenge in the shop.

John is especially proud of completing the SEED Program, calling it a turning point in his journey at Ledwell.

“It opens a doorway for anyone up and coming to see more about the company,” John says. “It builds bonds between employees.”

That experience not only strengthened his understanding of the business but deepened his connection with the people who keep it running.

One of the biggest lessons he’s learned is it’s okay to fail but never give up. Failing is where you learn lessons and grow. It’s a mindset that fits right in at Ledwell, where grit and growth go hand in hand.

And when it comes to precision, John knows most folks wouldn’t guess the level of detail that goes into the Machine Shop. It’s not just using a tape measurer. We’re talking about microns of accuracy for some parts. It’s that kind of exactness that keeps Ledwell equipment running strong job after job.

Outside of work, John is a proud husband to Chelsea, and together they’re raising five kids—four girls and one boy. That same sense of responsibility carries over into everything he does at Ledwell.

We’re proud to shine a light on John Berbig. A leader, a mentor, and a reminder that real craftsmanship starts with people who care.

For the past 14 years, Kyle Hillis has been a key member of the Ledwell team, hauling equipment across the US and Canada, ensuring our customers receive what they need, when and where they need it.

But Kyle does more than just deliver equipment. He is also part of our field service effort, stepping in to troubleshoot and make repairs when a customer needs a hand. Right now, he is on the road heading across the country to do just that.

When asked what a typical day looks like, Kyle just laughs. “There’s no such thing as a typical day when you’re a driver,” he says. “Every job depends on the destination.”

What stays consistent is Kyle’s commitment to the customer. He especially enjoys delivering to first time Ledwell buyers. “You can always see their excitement,” he says. “I like training them on how to operate the equipment. It’s rewarding to be part of that first impression.”

Over the years, Kyle has picked up some valuable lessons. The biggest one? “Pay attention. Be aware of what you’re doing and what’s around you.” It is advice that serves him well when navigating long hauls and customer sites across North America.

Ask him what keeps him going, and his answer is simple. “Up here is like family. That makes it easy to be motivated every day.”

When he is not behind the wheel, Kyle enjoys golfing with his partner of five years, Misty. He is also a proud grandfather, spoiling three grandkids with two more on the way.

We are proud to have Kyle represent Ledwell on the road. His dedication, attitude, and experience make him more than just a driver. He is a trusted face of the Ledwell brand.

Since 2005, John Williams has been a key part of the Ledwell team. He came in ready to take on tough jobs, and from day one, he’s been our go-to for electrical maintenance. His work keeps us moving and speaks volumes about his dedication to doing things right.

Installing cranes is one of John’s favorite tasks. He’s wired and programmed nearly 40 of them over the years, each one built to make life easier and safer for our team. You can see the pride in his craftsmanship every time a crane fires up without a hitch.

John’s work comes with challenges, especially when electrical problems pop up without warning. But he doesn’t back down. His ability to troubleshoot fast and get equipment back online shows just how much he values quality, reliability, and keeping the job on track.

Before Ledwell, John spent ten years in the Navy, serving our country with the same discipline and purpose he brings to his role today. That experience shaped his sharp attention to detail and his steady, no-nonsense approach.

When he’s off the clock, John enjoys a quieter kind of precision, caring for his aquariums. He keeps angel fish and tiger barbs, along with coral he collected while stationed near the Indian Sea. It’s a passion that reflects his deep respect for life and balance.

At the core of everything John does is his faith. “Knowing someone is there to carry the weight of the world for you is so inspiring,” he says. It’s that belief that helps him stay grounded and focused, no matter what comes his way.

John Williams isn’t just a skilled electrician; he’s a steady hand, a quiet leader, and a living example of what it means to be Ledwell Made. We’re proud to have him on the team and even prouder of the legacy he continues to build every day.

For the past seven years, Devonta Britt has been part of Ledwell’s Paint Department, specifically in the Blasting Bay. After earning a degree from the University of Arkansas Cossatot, Devonta brought his skills and strong work ethic to Texarkana, where he has been blasting away parts, truck bodies, and trailers ever since.

He blasts each piece with coarse material, prepping it for the next stage in the paint process. It’s tough, dirty work, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a lot of work,” he says, “but it’s pretty laid back once you get past that.” That attitude says it all: head down, job done, no complaints. Devonta embodies what it means to be Ledwell Made; reliable, focused, and proud of what he does.

He takes pride in his work and values the people around him. “I love what I do most, and the people too,” he says. Devonta lives by a principle that mirrors Ledwell’s foundation: take care of your people, and they’ll take care of you.

“He’s dependable, hard-working, and is committed to getting the job done correctly and in a timely manner,” says his foreman.

Outside of work, Devonta enjoys time with his wife Karley, his partner of ten years, and spoiling his nieces and nephews. When he’s not spending time with family, he’s channeling his creativity into making music, particularly in the rap genre.

Devonta’s grit, loyalty, and heart make him a true representation of the Ledwell spirit.

Kevin Jones has been part of the Ledwell team since 2011, showing up every day ready to work—and ready to support the team around him. He got his start in Shipping and Receiving, learning the ropes and building his reputation for being dependable and driven.

After some time there, Kevin moved into the Kit Bay, where he built kits for the Truck Shop and installed tarps and boards on Dump Trucks. “It’s a lot of running back and forth, taking care of the guys to make sure they have everything they need,” Kevin says. These days, he’s the go-to for Vacuum Truck kits.

But make no mistake. Kevin’s job is more than just putting parts in a basket. He’s double-checking part accuracy, placing orders to keep stock ready, and staying ahead of the curve so production keeps rolling without a hitch.

When asked what he enjoys most, Kevin doesn’t hesitate: “The relationships I’ve built over the years. We work just as hard for our families as we do for each other. It’s a great support system.”

One of Kevin’s most memorable moments on the job was when an old army truck rolled in with a metal dash, toggles, and levers. He installed the tarp and boards on the dump bed. “To see the true workmanship to build something and it last was incredible,” he recalls.

For Kevin, Ledwell Made means more than craftsmanship. It’s about grit, unity, and a shared commitment. “A group of people who show up every day, push through, and get the job done, together.”

Kevin’s just as proud of his life at home as he is at work. He’s been married to Tammy for 15 years and is a proud dad to four kids. When he’s not keeping kits running like clockwork, you’ll find him with his family or firing up the grill for a good BBQ.

Kevin Jones is the kind of teammate who represents the heart of Ledwell: humble, hardworking, and always ready to lend a hand.

If you’ve ever read a Ledwell blog, scrolled through our website, or paused on a social media post that made you nod or smile, odds are Christina Guzman had a hand in it. As our Director of Marketing for the past 11 years, Christina’s work brings the Ledwell story to life.

Christina doesn’t just market what we build—she tells the story behind every weld, every delivery, every handshake. She’s woven into nearly every part of the process, whether planning strategy, writing blog posts, updating the website, or coordinating internal messages.

“No day is ever the same and that’s what I love about it,” she says.

At home, she’s been married to her husband, Geoff, for 17 years. They have a daughter and a son, and when she’s not working, Christina’s usually in the garden, baking something homemade, or off exploring with her family.

One of her favorite Ledwell memories? Riding along on a customer visit in Alpharetta, Georgia, and unexpectedly jumping in to teach a group how to operate their 2K water truck. “I took the challenge,” she recalls, “and it’s still my favorite customer experience.”

She also plays a big part in planning many of the celebrations held for employees, but her favorite is Signing Day, a special event that honors high school seniors as they begin their careers at Ledwell. “Seeing the pride on their faces and on their parents’—is incredible,” she says.

One quote from Steve Ledwell sticks with Christina: “If you can get up in the morning and do something that helps someone get up and do their job, then you have accomplished something.”

That message guides her work at Ledwell and her efforts in the community. Christina helped get the goTXK initiative off the ground, sharing what’s to love about Texarkana with locals and the world. She also serves as secretary on the Alzheimer’s Alliance board.

Christina embodies Ledwell’s values every day, especially legacy. “I get to help tell the story of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going,” she says.

Thank you, Christina, for sharing our story with purpose and pride.

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.