10 Questions for Gilbert Del Bosque
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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 Gilbert Del Bosque
As Plant Maintenance, Facility, and Water Distribution Supervisor for our ParkUSA plant in San Antonio, Texas, Jose Gilbert Del Bosque III (Gilbert) oversees the manufacturing and assembly of precast water distribution products. He holds an OSHA 10 certification and is responsible for leading and motivating a team including laborers, forklift operators, and maintenance mechanics, ensuring quality production processes and safety.
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1. What is your job title and how long have you been with Northwest Pipe?
Plant Maintenance, Facility, and Water Distribution Supervisor, and I’ve been with the Company for one year.
2. Tell us about your time in the service – what motivated you to enlist and how long did you serve for?
I served in the U.S. Army for a total of 34 years, including three oversees deployments. My last rank was E8 – Master Sergeant. and my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was 11Z50 Infantry. Over the course of my military career I received multiple awards including seven (7) Army Commendation Medals, five (5) Army Achievement Medals, two (2) National Defense Service Medals, two (2) Army Good Conduct Medals, a Valorous Unity Award, and a Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star.
3. Describe your transition from military to civilian life and how it led you to your current position?
My transition was not easy—I was not ready to leave the Army. I found this job when I was dropping off my daughter at school one day and saw a “Help Wanted” sign. I came in, applied, and got hired.
4. What’s the most exciting or interesting thing about your job?
The most interesting part of my job is that every day I’m challenged with a new thing that needs improvement.
5. Name two things that always brighten your day— one at work and one outside of work?
Finding ways to make employees’ jobs easier and to get work done faster is rewarding. Outside of work, I enjoy going fishing and hunting.
6. Which of the Northwest Pipe ACT Values (Accountability, Commitment, and Teamwork) resonates most for you in your role and why?
All of the ACT Values are my focus because I believe in the vision of Northwest Pipe Company.
7. How did your military career experience prepare you for your current role?
The Military instilled in me Accountability, Commitment, and Teamwork.
8. Name someone who has been a source of inspiration in your life and why?
A person who inspires me is Ryan Blakey, our Plant Manager here at the ParkUSA San Antonio facility.
9. What advice do you have for other veterans entering your profession?
My advice for others is that hard work pays off.
10. What has been your biggest career or personal achievement?
My biggest achievement was graduating from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.