The Big Spark

By: Bernedette Brekke

When we were beginning this journey we had no expectations and no clear goals, except one…building something from nothing.

Looking back on our 26 years together, personally we have succeeded in every facet that we attempted. We built a beautiful family home and grew five of the most wonderful human beings. We may be a tad biased, but we think they are pretty great.

Professionally, we have only begun together by surviving the dreaded 2 year mark. Our next goal is 5 years in business. We always made small reachable goals but we dream big!! There have been many obstacles on the way to our semi-normal business days.

If you are considering starting a journey of your own we highly suggest getting a bit of help and guidance from professionals. We still work with Vellum LLC. https://vellumllc.com/ there have been many instances when we have used their services that makes it very worth the minimal fee per month. When a situation is out of the scope of their business they refer you to a highly skilled firm to represent your company. Retainers absolutely apply but we suggest you seek out a business lawyer, you never know when it will be needed.

Shawn had the two things that could never be removed or taken. Experience and Knowledge from working in the field over 26 years. With multiple certificates and licenses under his professional belt, he achieved his 6G restricted certification and was searching out further challenges.

His career spanned Special Projects Fabrication at Marathon Equipment in Yerington, Nevada to traveling welder/ fabricator Millwright for Essential Industries in Fernley, Nevada. His time with that company saw him travel all over Nevada including Las Vegas to Merton, Wisconsin then southern states Georgia and surrounding areas.

The traveling bug had bitten but how far you ask? North to Alaska, and hospitality maintenance for Princess Cruises and Aramark Properties in Denali, Alaska. However the challenge was whispering in the background and he could only ignore it so long. Shawn was off to heavy equipment repair/ mechanic, Millwright and a control room operator for the local power plant. This part of our journey was a tedious but exhilarating gathering of knowledge.

But, wait. Is this the leg of the journey that sees him day in day out in a boring existence? No, far from it. New challenge accepted, to the North Slope for Millwright/ welder and unimaginable conditions. More experience gained with each part of our journey but it was time to be with the family he worked so hard to provide for. Kodiak, Alaska here we come to your beautiful beaches and landscapes for our continued adventures and the forming of Industrial Maintenance Solutions LLC.

Through out this expedition and work there was a glaring hole in all areas he worked in offering the partnership between what clients saw and the professionals to make that vision a reality. The one on one relationships that make a huge difference in not only the experience but also the end product that our shop produces.

Through our journey this far we have made and found lasting relationships with our clients. Dream big and enjoy your journey, we know we are.