CAREERS

Ephriam Holmes

Field Service Aerial Technician – Houston, Texas

Year Hired by Equipment Depot: 2013

Q: What decisions led you to this career and working in the material handling industry?

Ephriam Holmes: From a very young age, I enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. I quickly learned that breaking things led to fixing things, which ignited my passion for using my hands. At 13 years old, I started working in grocery supply for a family friend. I then began working in the mechanic industry 27 years ago, which enabled my passion to grow. Over the course of many years I gained knowledge on how to work with tools and how to repair equipment, which led to me finding a passion for this industry. I take pride in being able to find solutions in my role, and see a finished product come to life. My passion and drive allowed me to learn across many different fields, which eventually led to me gaining an interest in the aerial field.

Q: What brought you to Equipment Depot?

EH: Before coming to Equipment Depot, I gained experience with numerous different companies and roles. Aerial work became my strongest interest and I enjoyed participating in training efforts, which included training my peers for their own aerial certification. Ten years ago, I felt in my heart that it was time for a change in my career. After a phone call with a close friend, I realized I wanted to join a new space with opportunities where I could learn, grow and utilize my talents. I heard of Equipment Depot and decided to walk through the doors and hand in an application. After passing my test and numerous conversations with team members at the company, I accepted the job and have never looked back.

Q: What are your favorite parts about working at EQD?

EH: The camaraderie and the opportunities for internal growth. I enjoy that my peers and superiors empower and accept me, and also provide me with the necessary tools to navigate all the avenues that our company offers. Equipment Depot has given me the opportunity to help others and surround myself with individuals that have the same goals, ideas and passions that I have.

Q: What hobbies or interests do you participate in outside of work?

EH: My favorite hobby is blacksmithing, with the majority of my time spent conducting authentic repairs to wagons. I enjoy welding pieces back together and leathersmithing, which involves fixing authentic belt buckles. The thing that brings me the most fulfillment and pride is giving back to those in my community. I hold “Back-to-School” drives and annual breakfasts for underprivileged children in my community. I also enjoy cooking for others, especially my family and friends. I have many horses that I take care of, which includes repairing their hooves and removing and setting horseshoes.

Q: What has been your favorite project you have worked on?

EH: My favorite project was being included in the preventative maintenance program for aerial equipment. This program has enhanced my skill set and has enabled me to best serve the customers in our industry. I felt such pride in my efforts and seeing the value it brought to our customers.

Q: Any personal information you would like to share?

EH: I have four children ages 30, 26, 25 and 11. My fiancé and I share the same passion for helping others and enjoying good food. My spiritual journey has carried me through life, which has allowed me to invest in others and give back to the community.

Mike Kotsch

National Accounts Director – Eastern Regions

Year Hired by Equipment Depot: 2020

Q: What decisions led you to this career and working in the material handling industry?

Mike Kotsch: When I was a kid, I would work in the summer at my best friend’s family-owned excavation and paving company. This opportunity allowed me to get acclimated with heavy equipment, as I spent time on different job sites. Then my first professional job was for a construction equipment and solutions company, where I was privileged to gain valuable experience in the industry. Since then, I gained even more knowledge in heavy equipment, and was introduced to major accounts. After years of selling large equipment I was recently promoted to National Accounts Director covering the Eastern Regions with Equipment Depot. This career has been extremely rewarding, as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interfacing with customers, building relationships, and learning each day.

Q: What brought you to Equipment Depot?

MK: Equipment Depot found me through a recruiter. I knew nothing about the company or anyone who worked here, but throughout the interview process I became curious and excited for the opportunity to sell a wide variety of products, aside from just forklifts. I was ready for a change in my professional career, and since I always enjoyed the customer-facing portion of selling equipment, I felt it was a wonderful fit.

Q: What are your favorite parts about working at EQD?

MK: The opportunity to constantly learn new things in the industry and build long-lasting relationships with my customers. Along with my customers, my peers have been an essential component of my success. My boss, Frank Ricciardi, has been engaged at every step of my journey, supporting me and challenging me to reach my full potential. While Equipment Depot is a large company and constantly expanding, we focus on providing opportunities for career growth and developing personal relationships, which ultimately offers the feel of a small company despite our large size.

Q: What hobbies or interests do you participate in outside of work?

MK: I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA with my wife, Kristi, and two children. I enjoy coaching my children’s athletic teams and being involved in their activities. My family enjoys traveling, going to the shore during the summer, and sports. We are an avid Philadelphia sports family.

Q: What has been your favorite project you have worked on?

MK: Helping one of our large customers convert a 700-forklift fleet into an electric fleet. This opportunity has allowed me to travel throughout the country to visit multiple site locations, facilitate power studies, and assess many unique data points. I helped the customer evaluate their current procedures, and offered them ways to save money for the future of their operation. It has been empowering to see the impact that my work has brought to the customer, ultimately helping them improve. With 60 to 70 locations across the country, this has been an ongoing project for me that I have really enjoyed being an asset to.

Alma Espinoza

Field Service Technician

Year Hired by Equipment Depot: 2021

Q: What decisions led you to this career and working in the material handling industry?

Alma Espinoza: I come from a family where most women work either as a nurse or in the school system. As a young girl, I wanted to get my hands dirty just like the boys. I spent a lot of time with my brother, who was always in the garage fixing things, whether it was a bicycle or even a go-kart. I have always been a hands-on learner, and I really enjoyed using my hands to build and fix things no matter the size. One of my dear friends worked in the material handling industry and after sharing my interest with them, I was able to put my foot in the door. I continue to love the challenge of learning how things work and building an understanding from the ground up, which has kept me curious throughout my career.

Q: What brought you to Equipment Depot?

AE: For more than 4 years I was a Pressure Washer Technician for a company where Equipment Depot was actually my customer. I serviced a unit at Equipment Depot’s Itasca location, and I became curious when working in their shop. I was always asking questions about different pieces of equipment, processes, and the company’s environment. Fellow Equipment Depot employees would give me tidbits of knowledge and were open about the company’s culture for women, which I found aligned with my values. I built relationships with employees at Equipment Depot, and as I learned more about the work they did, I got the opportunity to join the company in 2021 as a Field Service Technician.

Q: What are your favorite parts about working at EQD?

AE: It is empowering to be a female in a male dominated industry, especially coming from a family with no other females in this line of work. I have always had doubts about my abilities, but I have always been committed to trying to overcome obstacles and boundaries. I strive to be the best I can be, and I want to prove to myself that I am capable and worthy of anything that a man can do. It is very motivating when my peers and fellow co-workers applaud my abilities and push me to grow in my career. My friends and family have been huge advocates for my growth and have mentored me along the way. I have turned to many friends in this industry, who always answer my questions and provide assistance when I need an extra hand.

Q: What hobbies or interests do you participate in outside of work?

AE: The people. I have found myself surrounded by individuals who are always willing to help in times of need. I’ve built positive relationships with my colleagues, who are always willing to step in if I have a question. I will never forget when I first joined the company, there was a colleague who was involved in an accident outside of work. The whole team stepped up to the plate and assisted them. It was great to see everyone come together in another co-worker’s time of need.

Q: What has been your favorite project you have worked on?

AE: The Fast Start Program that Equipment Depot offers, which is offered to new technicians in their first few months of employment. When I joined the company, I did not have any mechanical knowledge. I was technically savvy, but I needed more training. This program provided me with the necessary foundation to grow my career. Along with a mentor that was provided, I was taught all the ins and outs of forklifts in both a classroom setting and in the shop, which made me feel confident to work in this role.