Name: Travis Wesely
Hometown: Malmo, NE
Service Technician
Years at PVE: 7
If you take County Road 11 across the railroad tracks, past the co-op, and then turn right just before the pavement ends, you’ll find a plain white sign with black lettering welcoming you to Platte Valley Equipment’s Mead set-up facility. Inside the shop in Colorado, you’ll find a handful of talented handyman technicians putting together equipment according to handyman connection standards, straight from the factories. Travis Wesely is one of those technicians.
Travis grew up fixing vehicles and equipment on his family’s row-crop farm in Malmo. He got his love of mechanics from the years spent working alongside his dad. The rest of his knowledge is self-taught.
“Dad always said to do what you’re told and do the best you can,” Travis said. “If you don’t know something, take the time to figure it out and don’t give up.”
Being a self-taught technician, there was a learning curve when Travis started at Mead. However, having a basic knowledge and understanding of systems from his time on the farm helped him get up to speed quickly. Today, he most enjoys green products and setting up combines and front-end equipment. He appreciates the challenge that comes with the complex, intricate systems.
“I enjoy seeing the equipment come in off the semi and get put together,” said Travis. “Not many people see it in this version so it’s pretty cool to see how it’s shipped. It’s interesting figuring out how to load and unload the trailers to maximize space.”Travis enjoys knowing each day is different with a diverse lineup of equipment and variety in his work. He also appreciates the laid-back atmosphere and camaraderie in the Mead shop.
“It’s a good job. If you like a change of pace, there’s a lot of different parts on a lot of different pieces of machinery so there’s always something different to learn,” said Travis. “If you want to expand your horizons and try something new, this is a good place to do it.”
Travis’s work ethic and reliability earned him his nomination for Pride of Platte Valley.
“Travis is a no-kickback guy,” said Pat Arnold, service manager for Fremont and Mead, “He’s one of those guys who’s quiet and modest but will do anything you ask him to do without much complaint. He has a good work ethic, is very reliable and very dedicated.”
Outside of work, Travis enjoys working on tractor and car projects in his shop. He’s currently finalizing the complete restoration of his 1960 Chevy Bel-Air.
Congratulations on your nomination as Fremont’s Pride of Platte Valley!
