Meet the Staff
Gary Lindblad
(Director)
Gary worked in the highway heavy industry for 35 years before becoming an instructor at the Local 49 Training Center. He started part-time in 2002 and became a fulltime instructor in 2004. During those training seasons, he devoted a good deal of his time to CDL, OSHA 500, and Large Equipment classes including dozer, loader, and scraper. On September 1, 2005 Gary was appointed Director of the Minnesota Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Program. He finds it rewarding to know that he has the opportunity to help apprentices to become journeymen who are and will be the future of Local 49.
Brian Aske
(Apprenticeship, Backhoe Instructor, and Equipment Instructor)
As a graduate of the Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program, Brian knows full well what it takes to succeed in the apprenticeship program. He provides the link between the training center and sponsor contractors of the program. Brian has the overall responsibility of ensuring that apprentices attend classes, complete time cards, and follow through with their responsibilities to graduation. His experience as a part-time instructor for 18 years helps to guide apprentices in the right direction.
Dave Christensen
(CDL, Forklift Practical Examiner, CPR-AED-First Aid, OSHA 500, and Equipment Instructor)
Dave has the responsibility of training journeymen and apprentices alike. His experience in the construction industry shows in his success rate with CDL candidates. Dave also helped to create our Forklift Practical Course. He instructs OSHA 500 and CPR-AED-First Aid classes.
Jim DeLanghe
(Crane Instructor, CCO Instructor and Examiner, and Crane Apprenticeship Instructor, Forklift Practical Examiner)
Along with teaching various crane classes and CCO preparation classes, Jim is a CCO Practical Examiner and OSHA Instructor. He also works with the training center’s Crane Apprenticeship Program, helping apprentices to gain the knowledge to become successful journeymen in the crane industry.
Terry Jensen
(Crane and CCO Instructor and Practical Examiner, Forklift Practical Examiner)
Terry is a veteran crane operator, spending most of his life in and around cranes. His expertise shows in his ability to pass his operating skills on to journeyman and apprentices. Terry helps crane apprentices to understand the crane industry through his vast knowledge of cranes. He teaches a variety of crane classes, including CCO exam preparation classes.
Paul Lundquist
(Mechanic and Welding Instructor)
Paul has the responsibility of keeping the training center’s equipment maintained and running smoothly. He uses his organizational skills to keep the shop running efficiently. Paul’s great attitude and ability to work hand-in-hand with instructors makes keeping equipment downtime to a minimum. In addition to his duties as mechanic he will also teach our Welding Class.
Wayne Pederson
(Grades & Stakes Instructor, Equipment Instructor and Skills Assessment, OSHA 500, CPR-AED-First Aid Instructor, Forklift Practical Examiner)
This veteran instructor provides his expertise to journeymen and apprentices alike as a Master Instructor. If you’ve taken classes at the training center chances are you’ve had a class with Wayne. Wayne instructs a large variety of classes including Grades & Stakes, Public Employees, equipment training and operator skill assessments. He is certified in OSHA 500, Forklift, Hazmat, Disaster Site Workers, and CPR-AED-First Aid.
Randy Redman
(Equipment Instructor, OSHA 500, CPR-AED-First Aid Instructor, Forklift Examiner, CDL)
As a veteran operator, Randy devotes a good share of his time to instructing apprentices and journeyman alike in the proper operation of equipment, including dozer, loader, backhoe, and scraper. He also instructs OSHA 500, CPR-AED-First Aid, and CDL. Along with these duties, he is a Forklift Practical Examiner.
Steve Tschida
(Maintenance)
When the Local 49 Training Center was built in Hinckley, Steve was hired for the maintenance position at the site. His talent shows by the care of the grounds and the building. He is responsible for all mechanical and electrical components including the geo-thermal heating and cooling system. Steve is always willing to lend a hand in whatever capacity he can help in.
Tim Barton
(Part-time Excavator Instructor)
Apprentices and journeymen alike benefit from the years of experience Tim brings to Excavator classes. His easy disposition helps students to learn the proper operation of heavy equipment and the safety involved with operating.
Mark (Grizz) Adams
(Part-time OSHA 500, Blade Instructor, and CPR-AED-First Aid)
Grizz brings years of experience to the Training Program. As a Blade instructor, Grizz enjoys sharing his operating abilities with fellow 49 members. Other responsibilities include OSHA 500 and CPR-AED-First Aid.
Mike Gillson
(Part-time GPS Instructor)
Mike is very knowledgeable in the area of GPS and he will be undergoing even more extensive GPS training in the future. Mike coordinates our GPS training for the Training Program.
Gordy Reese
(Part-time Large Equipment Instructor)
As a Large Equipment instructor, Gordy helps students understand the dynamics of loader operation along with hands-on instruction of dozer, off-road, and bobcat. Gordy’s personality helps to make students safe and competent operators.
Kerry (Buck) Gervais
(Part-time Excavator Instructor)
Buck is one of the newest instructors at the Training Center, but surely not new to the construction industry. Our excavation class benefits from his years of experience as a Backhoe operator. His natural ability shows when instructing apprentices and journeymen alike in the safe and proper way of excavator operation.
Pat Bloomquist
(Office Administrator)
As office coordinator, Pat makes sure the office runs smoothly and efficiently. With a background in accounting and business she handles the payroll and accounts receivable. Pat also coordinates office affairs and acts as a liaison between vendors and various agencies and organizations. Pat assists the director on a daily basis.
Judy Kaufman
(Administrative Assistant)
Judy is responsible for scheduling classes, verifying classroom members, issuing certificate and I.D. Cards to attendees. She also schedules CCO (Crane) testing both written and practicals, along with the processed paperwork. If you receive a class book or student manual there is a good chance it was prepared by Judy. When members receive the training schedule Judy’s work is evident in the preparation of class scheduling.
Julie Giffrow
(Apprentice Tracking)
With over 200 apprentices, Julie’s time is spent organizing apprenticeship paperwork and forwarding calls from apprentices along with verifying work and training hours for all apprentices. Over and beyond these duties she helps with preparing books and manuals along with making sure apprentices receive proper materials for the Apprenticeship program.
Tom Sundly
(bio coming soon!)
