Western Allied Mechanical

Looking back over our lives we can often identify a particular moment in time that set us off into a new direction. For Mahend Kumar, it was a chance conversation he had in the parking lot packing at the end of his workday back in 1999 when he was a Pipe Fitter apprentice. Cyrus Patel, a Foreman at WAM was leaving the Double Twist worksite in downtown Oakland and noticed Mahend packing up for the day. Cyrus asked him if he knew a Local 342 apprentice with experience in copper pipes. Mahend responded with his own experience and Cyrus talked to him about coming to work at Western Allied Mechanical (WAM). It turned out that Mahend’s job was just finishing, and the timing was perfect for a new start. His “new start” has lasted 23 years so far, and his experience has grown from Apprentice to Piping Foreman.

Following his apprenticeship Mahend was the Lead Journeyman who worked on key projects like: Chiron Pharmaceuticals, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Exelixis Pharmaceutical, Mervyn’s data center, and many other challenging projects. Mahend promoted again to Foreman and Cyrus has become the Superintendent. They still work together today and Cyrus describes Mahend like this, “He has been a steady, quiet storm that has done some very difficult projects meeting budget and time constraints, and showing professionalism as he represented WAM to each client, ensuring each project was a success!”

As for working at WAM, Mahend considers it one of the best places to work because of how well the company is run from the ownership to the foremen. The leadership shows they care by listening to the employees when issues come up and working together to find solutions and solve problems.

All in all, Mahend has been with Concord Local 342 for 30 years. When asked about what keeps him motivated, he explained, “I like what I do and I like having a physical job. There is continual variety in working in different buildings and the work could be retrofit projects or new construction. There are always challenges, some are easy, and some are harder to figure out, but that keeps it interesting.” For example, his recent job at 300 Lakeside involves changing out 6 boilers, some shutdowns were needed, significant support from detailing and the age of the building also contributed unique challenges. On average, he is onsite at most job locations from 2 to 6 months at a time and regularly supports Wells Fargo Banks in the East Bay in between the larger projects.

On a personal note, Mahend migrated from the Fiji Islands in 1987 after he graduated from college. He still visits Fiji when he can and describes the atmosphere as relaxing and rural with much less people than here in the Bay Area. He is married and together they have two children and a family dog. He likes soccer, rugby, traveling and going fishing. Like many of his co-workers at WAM he loves cooking outside at the BBQ and when he catches salmon, he smokes it himself.

We are so glad to have Mahend here at WAM and are grateful for the years he has already invested with us!