Industry Profile: Tim Chicoine

Source: Tim Chicoine

Tim Chicoine is the director of sales, Americas, for WedgeRock Engineered Solutions, and principal of Riverhawk Industrial Sales Inc. He has over 30 years’ experience in the valve and actuator industry. His focus in on methane mitigation in valve operations for the oil and gas industry.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the world of valves and actuators?

I fell into the world of valves and actuators by accident. My first job out of college was with a company that supplied valves, automation, electric heat tracing and high-voltage cable splices and terminations. I was hired because I had a degree in electrical engineering. I thought I would stay in the electrical industry, but my next job was as a valve automation manager for a regional distributor. I loved what I was doing and decided to make a career specifically in valve automation.

Why did you decide to get involved with VMA?

I have been peripherally involved with the VMA for years as I have worked for multiple VMA member companies in the past and have worked with or for multiple VMA Persons of the Year. The value of being involved with the VMA was ingrained in me years ago. As I get older, I realize the importance of giving back to an industry that has been good to me and there is no better way than to get involved with the VMA. I am happy to be a member of the VMA’s Sustainability Committee and enjoy the important work this committee is doing.

Are there any projects or initiatives you are working on that you’d like share?

I currently focus on the oil and gas industry, and am highly focused on the changes the EPA is requiring for “process controllers.” Methane mitigation and fugitive emission reporting is changing the industry. I enjoy educating customers on the changes being imposed to make the oil and gas industry more sustainable.

How do you stay abreast with changes in the valve/actuator industry?

I have been a long-time recipient of Valve Magazine and it has been instrumental in keeping myself and other readers up to date on industry changes. I am not big on personal social media, but I do maintain a presence on LinkedIn which, over the past 10 years or so, has been extremely helpful in keeping up with the global valve and actuator industry.

What do you think the biggest challenges are for valve manufacturers? For end users?

I think the biggest current challenges for both valve manufacturers and end users are the increasing regulations on both the manufacture and use of our products. Whether it be ESG reporting, fugitive emission reductions or the changes regarding “forever chemicals,” organizations are having to rethink their operations, reporting requirements and, in some cases, their product offering. This also affects end users if their normal way of operating is changed due to product restrictions.

Are there any emerging trends or technologies that you are particularly excited about?

I am excited about the recent trends regarding pipeline electrification and using solar solutions to power electric and hydraulic actuators. There are many new technologies such as spring-return gears, low-powered electrohydraulic actuators and motorized high-efficiency gears that make pipeline electrification and methane mitigation more cost effective and efficient.

What advice would you give someone exploring a career in our industry or one of our end markets?

I would advise anyone considering a career working with valves and actuators to become an expert in whatever part of the industry you settle on. I see more and more end users relying on vendors to guide them in the application of their process. I see a lot of suppliers that are great at giving the customer what they ask for, but these days as our customers run their organizations leaner, we need to advise the customers of what they need, not only what they ask for. This includes advising them on new products, new regulations that need to be followed and new methods of operation. I would also suggest they get involved with organizations like the VMA early on in their career. The relationships they make in this industry can last a lifetime.

Is there a piece of advice you were given that has stuck with you?

The best piece of advice I was given was to develop relationships in the industry. The valve and actuator industry is relatively small and, after many years, you will most likely deal with most people in the industry. This came as advice I was given prior to attending my first VMA event. I was advised that it is important not to “sell” at these events but to develop these relationships, so you are able to have difficult conversations later if ever required.