Blog 3469 – 05.03.2025

A Tribute To Marvin

Some months ago I got back on Facebook after being off it for several years and had to start fresh building a new account. It has been quite an adventures trying to find and reconnect with family, friends, former classmates, and workmates.

Just this morning the name of a manufacturing manager that I worked with at an oil tool manufacturing company in Houston called EEC came to mind, Marvin Piwonka. I found him on Facebook and sent him a note on Messenger. I hope he friends me, but whether he does or not his friendship will always be something special to me.

I began working at EEC in 1997 as a mechanical and welding inspector, later as Production Manager, and finally as the Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Manager. Marvin, Jason Beck, the Engineering Manager, others on the team, and I would go out for lunch several times a week, most often on Fridays. Schlotsky’s Sandwich Shop was one of Marvin’s favorite places to eat, that and a hot wings place near work called Wings and More. He and the guys loved having contests to see who could eat the most of the hottest wings with “Suicide Sauce.” My lips still burn at the thought of those particular lunchtime outings.

I recall riding with Marvin in his pickup to this or that lunchtime destination that he had floor mats with the cartoon Martian Marvin from Bugs Bunny. I learned a lot about the oil tool manufacturing business from Marvin especially how to manage people and get the best performance out of them. Marvin had a coaching manager style that I tried to emulate throughout the rest of my career.

My life has been all the richer for knowing workmates and friends like Marvin P. All the best to him and his family.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David James White