What’s one thing that hasn’t changed in Integrity Saw & Tool’s 30 years?

A certain employee…

Paul Mand has been with IST since Day 1. The brother of the company’s original owner, Rick Mand, Paul left the now-defunct Fondy Carbide Saw and Tool in 1986 and never looked back. That’s great news for IST’s customers, given Paul’s many contributions over the years.

Read on to learn more about one of IST’s valued — and veteran — team members.

What is your job title?

“Technically, I’m a team leader, but I don’t put a lot of stock in the job title because I’m no better than the guy next to me.”

Have you held any other positions at IST?

“I started out in the saw grinding department. We went through some personnel change over the years. I got my feet wet in several different departments and ended up in the saw and manual department.”

What does the saw and manual department do?

“We take an existing cutting tool and recreate the geometry of it, regrinding or modifying them.”

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the years from an industry standpoint?

“I would have to say the demand for higher quality, along with faster turnaround times. Customers expect quick and better.”

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen at IST over the years?

“I’d have to say the technology and the advancement in the capability of our machines…specially, the CNC department. They keep improving those machines along the line. Anything that’s computer controlled — the grinding work, what we use to make these cutting tools — is unbelievable compared to where it was. It’s a night-and-day difference from even 15 years ago.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“Everything is according to due date. You work on the next day stuff, and if you have the opportunity, you work ahead. Or perform machine setup. If you’re set up for a specific job, go ahead and run that next job.

“And that all changes with the ringing of the phone. In fact, I’m waiting for a rush job right now! You do whatever you can to accommodate the customer. I’m very, very hands-on, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“The variety of different tools and different machines I run and the guys I work with, hands down. You’re not sitting at the same machine all day. And we’re versatile enough to sub in if someone is doing the same thing for too long. You’d go stir crazy otherwise, and we’re fortunate to have such a well-rounded staff.”

What do you like best about working at IST, specifically?

“The air conditioning at the new facility is pretty kickass! But, really, it’s the people—from the office and folks in shipping and receiving to the floor. So many great personalities.”

Do you have any nicknames (in the shop or outside of it)?

“Oh, I’m sure they’re calling me stuff, but I’m not hearing it.”

What do you do in your free time?

“I like to discover new music. In my eyes, all music is good, but my heart and soul is in the heavier side of rock.”

Are you a member of any organizations or clubs?

“The Riverside Hunting & Fishing Club…I hunt their land, so I have a membership.”

Are you married? Have any kids?

“I’ve been married to my wife, Lisa, for 23 years. My daughter, Sierra, is going to be 22, and my son, Hayden, is 16.”

What is something almost nobody knows about you?

“Some of the guys know this, but I play a lot of online chess.”

Want to put Paul’s experience to work for you? Contact Integrity Saw & Tool today!