Meet the Master Technicians
& Mighty Nice People!
Jerry
General Manager
JerrY
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
The Pizza Rustica from the City Grill in Speicher, Germany. It is a pizza made with doner meat (a type of kebab, made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), mushrooms, and garlic sauce. It’s unbelievably delicious!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
My hobby is researching my family tree. I have traced my roots as far back as 1500 AD in England, 1600 AD in Ireland, and 1500 AD in the Native American tribes.
My personal philosophy is…
Help others to succeed and you will be successful.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
I would have liked to met Ronald Reagan, and just had a conversation with him. He seemed to be a small-town boy who made it big, but remained grounded in his beliefs and motivations in life.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
The United Kingdom and Ireland, to attempt to discover more about my family lineage.
Nate
Assistant General Manager
Nate
Bob
Warehouse Manager
Bob
Brennen
Assistant Warehouse Manager
Brennen
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Cant remember the name but it was a local seafood shake in Arizona and you order the seafood by the pound and they
put it all in a bag with the sauce of your choice and dump it on the table and give you a bib and you just go to town.
Shrimp, crab legs and crawfish. Amazing
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know
about?
90% of the people that know me dont know I took 6 years of art classes and can draw pretty decently.
Favorite Quote
or
My personal philosophy is…
Favorite Quote: “There is a little bit of darkness in everyone.” – Kovu Lion King 2
Person philosophy: “Give a damn.” In everything you do, put your name on it and put effort into it.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
Troy Polamalu, he was one of the most ferocious strong safeties in the NFL but also one of the most humble down to earth
people in the world. The dude wore velcro sneakers to the super bowl…
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
The colosseum, the amount of history in the part of the world is so vast.
Nathan
Excavation Foreman
Nathan
Nathan has worked at MasterTech for 16 years! When he is not saving people from the trenches (literally), Nathan enjoys anything and everything outdoors and spending time with his family. Nathan was the winner of the MasterTech Chili Cook-Off, and his recipe was chosen as the winner of the 7th Annual Rootin’ Tootin’ Chili Cook-Off which supports the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia! Nathan is the proud father of three daughters – Lizzie, Josie and Carly.
Chad
Plumbing Technician
Chad
Chad has been with MasterTech for 10 years and our customers have enjoyed working with him as much as his fellow employees! He and his wife Lori live in Pilot Grove with their two daughters, Chloe and Leah. In the summer time, he enjoys gardening, from which he cans THE most amazing salsa – it’s no surprise that Mexican food is his favorite. He can also be found coaching his daughters’ sports teams in his spare time. He enjoys everyone he works with here at MasterTech, and being able to take care of his customers’ plumbing problems is one of the most satisfying aspects of his job.
Gary
Plumbing Technician
Gary
Max
Plumbing Technician
Max
Max is a bit of a car guy. In fact, he currently owns 7 cars and a motorcycle. To expound a bit on his interest, he actually enjoys working on cars in his spare time so he buys them, fixes them up and then sells them when the right opportunity comes along. His mechanical abilities, work ethic, intelligence, and good nature have made him a valuable member of our team.
He grew up in Callaway County and still lives there. When he isn’t working on cars or at MasterTech, he might be found watching South Park on TV or playing Fallout on Xbox.
Working hard builds up an appetite, and Max is a fan of Mexican food…so much so that about once a week he visits a dining establishment to fill up on it!
When discussing what he likes about working at MasterTech, he said he appreciates the friendly people and work culture. He also enjoys the variety of duties and responsibilities entrusted to him. We agree, and Max has proven to be just the kind of person that fits in well with our team. He’s humble, hungry (not just for food!) and smart.
Andy
Plumbing Technician
Andy
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
The Reuben Sandwich at the Barred Owl in Columbia. I’ve always loved Reubens, but theirs is by far the best I’ve ever had! Fresh, cooked well, and all the right ingredients!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
Deck building games like Magic The Gathering, Hearthstone, etc., are my favorite type of games. I enjoy teaching my kids to play & playing together with them.
What is your favorite quote?
Slow and steady wins the race.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
One of the Founding Fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or Samuel Adams.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
I would like to spend the whole summer in Texas with my mother.
Logan
Plumbing Technician
Logan
Adam
Plumbing Technician
Adam
Johnny
Plumbing Technician
Johnny
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
I can’t remember the name but my wife took me to boston one year and we ate at a place that had the best pineapple fried
rice I’ve ever had
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know
about?
I have a good eye for landscaping
Favorite Quote
or
My personal philosophy is…
I don’t really have one.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
Paul walker, I was a big fan
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
Greece or Egypt
Ryan
Drain Specialist
Ryan
Matt
Service Technician
Matt
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
At my house because it’s the best place to eat! Between my wife’s cooking, and when I barbecue, nothing compares. I love to smoke food on my pellet smoker.
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
Flying a Powered Paraglider. I love to fly and I used to train people to fly paramotors.
My personal philosophy is…
Live life to the fullest and never look back on the past.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
If I had the chance to meet anyone I would choose to meet up with my cousin one more time. He was a brother to me and I miss him dearly.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
If I had the chance to go anywhere in the world I would choose to go to a rainforest. I love animals and I love being outdoors.
Macenzie
Service Technician
Macenzie
CJ
HVAC Comfort Advisor
CJ
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Hands down, the best meal I’ve ever had was in Indianapolis at the Marriott Hotel. We stayed there for the Bryant Dealer of the Year Award and Indy 500. We were served the best prime rib, filet mignon, snow crab and lobster you could ask for. Cooked to absolute perfection, almost didn’t want to finish the meal because then there would be none left! It has unfortunately become the bar for everywhere else, and nowhere has reached it yet!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
Currently I am really into my laser engraver/cutter. I enjoy the process of designing the product on my laptop and then watching my imagination transfer into reality via LASER BEAM. It is very satisfying.
What is your favorite quote?
The thorn in my side is from the tree I’ve planted. – Metallica, Bleeding Me
Whether you think can, or think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
I would like to meet Jim Carrey. I wanted to be just like him when I was younger. I always impersonated him for my friends and family, he really influenced my style of comedy, both verbally and physically. Most of my favorite movies are his, and now, even though I don’t always agree with his personal point of view, I still find them entertaining. I also really enjoy his paintings.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of going to Australia, mostly just to come back and say, “I survived Australia!” But the giant spiders, deadly snakes, and aggressive kangaroos (among a laundry list of other deadly creatures) keep me here at home where it’s safe.
Tyler
HVAC Technician
Tyler
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Jose Jalapenos in Columbia – The Chorizo Pollo is so good!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I sing & play country music.
What is your favorite quote or life philosophy?
Life is too short to let people treat you poorly.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
Italy
Kyle
HVAC Technician
Kyle
Tyler
HVAC Technician
Tyler
Russ
Owner
Russ
In 1990, Russ Duker started a plumbing company out of a single van. Today, MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is one of the best service companies in Mid-Missouri. Russ is still a Master Plumber, but he now focuses on taking MasterTech to new heights. As a successful business owner of 30 years, Russ is passionate about improving customer satisfaction. He believes in using digital tools to better serve you – our customers. Russ is a proud resident of Columbia, MO, and he continues to lead MasterTech’s team of Master Technicians and Mighty Nice People.
Annette
Co-owner
Annette
Annette was born in Oxford, Ohio and has been living in Columbia for over 25 years. Annette is married to Russ and they have 3 grown children, Rebecca, Rachel and Nathaniel and three grandsons, Matthew, Tristan and Connor. Annette enjoys quilting and doing activities with her family. She enjoys watching The Three Musketeers and eating pizza. Annette enjoys working for MasterTech because, well…she has the best boss!
Kate
Finance Manager
Kate
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had… (Name the restaurant and the dish. Some description is good.)
I can’t remember the name of the little restaurant in the Citta Alta (Upper Town) neighborhood of Bergamo, Italy, but I could walk there if I went back. My favorite meal I’ve ever had was Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, which is a traditional Italian stuffed pasta dish originating from Bergamo in Northern Italy. The handmade pasta stuffed with beef, prosciutto, and pork shoulder, served with smoked pancetta, butter, and sage is to die for and something I still dream of over a decade later!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I’m a solid scramble tournament partner, so if you’re ever trying to fill a foursome for a golf tournament, please let me know. I played in college and am retired now, but I can still contribute at least a few shots.
Favorite Quote or My personal philosophy is…
“What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?” – George Eliot
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
Babe Didrikson Zaharias, because she played nearly every sport imaginable in the early 1900s and excelled at them all—winning gold medals at the Olympics for track and field and then went on to win 10 LPGA major championships on top of that. I’d love to hear her story at a time when most women could not play competitive sports.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
I would love to take my family to Bergamo, Italy, and show them where I studied abroad. The scenery, the food, the history—I’d love to go back!
Laura
Business Manager
Laura
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Any place I can get a good steak cooked as rare as they will make it!!!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I love to watch fictional murder mysteries, especially British ones.
My personal philosophy is…
When I make a mistake or say or do something that I shouldn’t have, I need to clean up my mess.
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
Candace Owens
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
The United Kingdom
Joe
Marketing Manager
Joe
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Chicken Marsala from Amerigo’s in Memphis, TN. Sauteed chicken breast, pasta, mushrooms in an amazing sauce that I’ve been dreaming about for over 20 years.
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I can juggle. I started trying to figure it out in 6th grade. Then one day in 8th grade, something connected, and it finally happened. Now, it’s like riding a bicycle. Once you learn, you can always do it. I might need some practice to refresh the skill, but it’s still there & always fun.
What is your favorite quote?
“The days may be long, but the seasons are short.”
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
As a man of faith, the obvious answer is Jesus. I have a LOT of questions, but I can wait until He decides it’s time to call me Home to Heaven.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
One of my bucket list items is to charter a boat and go fishing on one of the Great Lakes.
Heidi
Dispatcher
Heidi
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Seafood boil from Cajun Crab House. Love love love seafood!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know
about?
I love to garden and can all my extra veggies!
Favorite Quote
or
My personal philosophy is…
Do small things with great love
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
Jesus Christ because I would love to pick his brain and have a real conversation.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
I’m going to go big and say Europe so it includes Ireland, Italy and Greece
Dana
Customer Service Representative
Dana
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
Anywhere Italian! The best is “family owned” not a part of a chain. One of my favorites is a family-owned Italian Restaurant called Salvatore’s in Independence, MO. Fantastic food, but when you go in, they make you feel like your family about to sit at grandma’s table.
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I tapped dance at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis and on the SS Admiral is St. Louis.
My personal philosophy is…
THE GOLDEN RULE!!! Treat others, the way you would want to be treated!
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
The founder of Dollar General! One smart person! Put those stores in every small town and anywhere they will fit! I saw one in a corn field! Genius!
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
In the kitchen with Miss Brown from the TV show “Delicious Miss Brown.” I would love to spend a weekend with her and learn to cook all of her southern recipes!
Sierra
Customer Service Representative
Sierra
Favorite Restaurant Meal You’ve Ever Had…
My favorite meal is the carne asada tacos from Taqueria Don Pancho!
What’s a Unique hobby, talent, skill you have that most people don’t know
about?
A unique hobby or talent of mine is being able to put my art in anything I create. May that be decorating cakes or
desserts, painting and drawing, or doing nails
Favorite Quote
or
My personal philosophy is…
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Who is the one person, living or deceased, you would like to meet? Why?
One person I would like to meet is my grandma. I would have loved the chance to get to know her and experience the culture
where she is from.
If you could visit anywhere in the whole world, where would it be?
Mexico!
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