10 Questions for William Sprouse

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, recognizing the sacrifices and bravery of our Nation’s service members and the resilient families who support them. As a proud employer of veterans across the U.S., Northwest Pipe Company celebrates, with gratitude, their military service and the essential contributions they bring to our organization.

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing interviews with veterans here at Northwest Pipe, discussing their military and career experiences, and the people and values that have inspired them along the way.

10 Questions for William Sprouse

In his role as the Shipping Lead at our engineered steel pressure pipe plant in Parkersburg, West Virginia, William Sprouse is responsible for ensuring that shipments are on time and meet Northwest Pipe Company’s high levels of quality standards, and that all shipping invoices are properly and accurately processed.

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1. What is your job title and how long have you been with Northwest Pipe?

I’m the Shipping Lead at our steel pipe facility in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and have been with the company three years.

2. Tell us about your time in the service – what motivated you to enlist and how long did you serve for?

My motivation for enlisting was following in my father’s footsteps. I served in the U.S. Army Infantry for seven years. Through the years, I was stationed at Fort Drum, New York and Fort Stewart, Georgia, along with several overseas deployments.

3. Describe your transition from military to civilian life and how it led you to your current position?

Transitioning from military to civilian life was difficult, but gave me more character and structure as an individual going back into the workforce.

4. What’s the most exciting or interesting thing about your job?

It’s exciting to know we’re helping supply fresh water to different communities who need it.

5. Name two things that always brighten your day— one at work and one outside of work?

What brightens my day is seeing all our work complete and on time. Outside of work, it’s family— especially when my one-year-old runs to me when I get home.

6. Which of the Northwest Pipe ACT Values (Accountability, Commitment, and Teamwork) resonates most for you in your role and why?

The value that resonates most for me is Teamwork; our job requires a team to get it done, not just one person.

7. How did your military career experience prepare you for your current role?

My experience in the military prepared me in leadership—to be a leader for the department.

8. Name someone who has been a source of inspiration in your life and why?

My dad. He was the best man I ever knew.

9. What advice do you have for other veterans entering your profession?

My advice is to use the characteristics you learned from the military to excel in what you want to do.

10. What has been your biggest career or personal achievement?

My biggest achievement was earning my Expert Infantry badge in Korea.