The People of Pitco Featuring Rick Ruopp

From learning to weld on his breaks to leading a team of skilled craftsmen, Rick Ruopp’s journey at Pitco is a story of curiosity, dedication, and growth. As the Ultrafryer Weld Lead, Rick brings a hands-on mindset and a constant drive for improvement to his team and position. We caught up with Rick to hear more about how he got started, what he’s most proud of, and what keeps him motivated on and off the clock as one of the People of Pitco.

Can you describe your current role and responsibilities here at Pitco?

I’m a Weld Lead, so I oversee the schedule, and I also do some welding. I have about four or five guys working underneath me that I supervise. I delegate responsibilities and let everybody know what’s on the schedule.

How long have you been with Pitco, and how did you get started?

I started in 2013, so almost 12 years now. I found an advertisement in the paper for a blast room operator, but I didn’t know what that was until I actually got to the interview. It’s the person sand blasting tanks inside a big room. So I did that for a year and a half, and I practiced welding on breaks. 

Then I started as a welder, I did that for another year and a half and moved to the second shift after that. Then I was in charge of the whole building for welding. I did that for like a year and a half. But I really wanted to get back into full-time welding. 

So I went back to just welding, and then, probably two years ago, I was asked to become the first shift weld lead.

Is there a big difference between the second shift and the first shift in that position?

Back then, the second shift was roughly the same size as what we have on the first shift now, and we had three shifts then. I was in charge of all the welders, so that was probably like 30 or 40 guys. 

But now I’m only in one department. I only have four or five guys underneath me, so it’s a lot different.

You touched on this a little bit, but how did you get into welding? Did you learn it at Pitco?

Yep, I’d never welded before here. Back then, we were allowed to practice on breaks, so I did that and then took a weld test, and (the rest is) history.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in your role?

Ultrafryer was a newer brand in the Pitco plant when I started in this position. Before, Ultrafryer was based in San Antonio, so I went down there with one other welder. We learned how to do all of the welding for that brand from the people that worked there.

We took a look at the way they were doing things, and it seemed like a lot of extra work that wasn’t necessary. I streamlined it to make it a little simpler and more efficient. That’s probably my favorite thing about what I’ve done here, just trying to make all the processes easier and quicker.

What do you like most about working with the Pitco team?

I like working with really talented welders. They’re really hard workers and easy to get along with, too. They’re really good guys. So I think I have a pretty good group.

What are some of your interests or hobbies outside of work?

Just hanging out with my family, shooting hoops at the basketball court, and swimming. 

Are you considering joining The People of Pitco? We’re hiring! We have several open opportunities across our Bow and Pembroke, New Hampshire locations. Visit our career opportunities webpage for more information and to apply.