10 Questions for Bruce Ferguson

Happy Black History Month! To celebrate, we’re highlighting the important contributions of Black and African American team members at Northwest Pipe with interviews sharing their career journeys, inspirations, and what Black History Month means to them.

10 Questions for Bruce Ferguson

Bruce Ferguson wears many hats as Buyer at the NWP engineered steel pipe plant in Adelanto, California. His primary responsibility involves working with vendors to get the best products at the best prices and on time to meet plant production schedules. Always willing to tackle new challenges, Bruce also lends his talents to the plant Safety and Environmental teams. Still, one of his most important roles has evolved out of his 11 years of growth with Northwest Pipe—sharing his wealth of experience as a mentor to others.

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

Buyer at the Adelanto, California facility. I’ve been with Northwest Pipe for 11 years.

2. Describe the journey leading to your current position?

I joined the team in 2011 as a warehouseman and always took on different tasks to build a relationship with the company Safety team, Hazmat team, and now as Buyer. I learned from the best—Larry Hewitt, the former Purchasing Manager here who passed away last year, he will be missed. I worked with Larry since Day 1, he was my mentor and taught me the things that I needed to know. Now, I try to do the same, sharing with others what I know.

3. What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

The versatility of the different jobs I do. It keeps me on my toes, and for me, there’s something new to learn and to do every day.

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

The attitude of my teammates, always smiling— it’s always nice to come to work when everybody is in a good mood. We have a good time, we know when it’s time to joke, and we make our days a little bit lighter. Outside of work, being able to go home to the family knowing I can support them financially.

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

Teamwork— when you work together you can get things done.

6. Which current or historical Black figure do you admire most for their values, leadership, or contributions and why?

To choose one Black historical figure would be unfair since there are many that have paved the way for how the world views Black Americans from the past to now. Kobe Bryant, for one—at a young age he came from nothing and met all the challenges to become one of the best basketball players of all time, leading his team to Championships and always giving back to the community.

7. Name someone in your life who inspires you and why?

My Dad, he took care of the family ensured the roof was over our head. I would like to be able to do the same for my family.

8. What advice do you have for individuals entering your profession?

Have a positive attitude. Leave your outside issues outside!

9. Are there any family traditions significant to you from growing up that you continue to celebrate with your family or friends?

Helping others in need. It’s something my Dad did for me and I try to do that on a daily basis for others. Whether it be family, friends, or sometimes even that guy on the street that needs a handout. We’ve all been there at one time, and what goes around comes around.

10. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is about recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of African Americans in the U.S. and around the world.